Wind-powered shipping could make a comeback鈥攂ut it won鈥檛 work for everything
Wind has been powering the economy for centuries. Long before giant aluminum windmills were fed into the electric grid, wind filled the sails of ships plying the open seas. French businessman Guillaume Le Grand wants to bring back wind-powered shipping, and his company is already shipping French goods to North America that way.
91社区 Desautels faculty members and researchers celebrated at Bravo Gala
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91社区 hosted its annual Bravo Gala on Thursday, March 21, which honours its faculty members and researchers who have won special awards, memberships and prizes over the past year. 91社区 Desautels is proud to announce 14 of its faculty amongst the distinguished honourees this year. Congratulations to our deserving laureates! Full list below. #Bravo2024
Maxime Cohen and Saibal Ray named Top Retail Experts for 2024
Two faculty members of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management (BSRM) have been named to Rethink Retail鈥檚 Top Retail Experts (TRE) list for 2024, one of the most prestigious global accolades in the Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry.
Holiday grocery price freeze includes more products this year, but long-term affordability solutions needed
This year, Canada鈥檚 large grocery chains are freezing the price for a greater variety of items than usual before the holidays. While 10-15% more products are included in the freeze this year, the true test of affordability will come later. 鈥淗ow high will grocery prices be when the price freeze ends?鈥� asks Professor Saibal Ray in an interview with CBC Radio鈥檚 As It Happens.
Canada's big grocery chains face pressure to cut prices as food costs rise
Food prices rose by 5.8 per cent in September, prompting the federal government to ask Canada鈥檚 five largest grocery chains to provide a plan for how they will stabilize prices, with staple products a likely focus. 鈥淗igh transportation costs, inventory issues and other pressures driving up costs are subsiding,鈥� says Professor Saibal Ray, who specializes in Operations Management.
BSRM and MMA launch Data Sphere Lab
The Bensadoun School of Retail Management, in collaboration with the Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) at 91社区 Desautels Faculty of Management, is pleased to announce the launch of the Data Sphere Lab.
Maxime Cohen and Saibal Ray named Top Retail Influencers for 2023听
Two faculty members of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management were named to Rethink Retail鈥檚 Top Retail Influencers list for 2023.听 Professors Maxime Cohen and Saibal Ray were both recognized with this distinction, alongside some of the world鈥檚 t
How far is too far for retail innovation?
Professor Saibal Ray, academic director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, is concerned that the ongoing rise in retail technologies like self-checkout kiosks and smartphone-based order facilities may backfire as some shoppers find these features inconvenient and frustrating.
New trucker vaccine mandate adds to supply chain woes
As of January 15, truckers crossing from the U.S. to Canada must show proof of vaccination to enter the country. Canadian truckers are exempt from the federal mandate but must quarantine for 14 days upon their return. In a recent broadcast of 鈥淐BC News: The National,鈥� Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, says the mandate could result in significant supply shortages.
Shedding light on liquor shortages
Amid supply chain bottlenecks overseas, Canada is facing a significant shortage of imported liquor, leading provincial liquor authorities to encourage early, local shopping for holiday favourites. According to Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director听of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, the ongoing scarcity of transportation resources is only making the shortage more acute.
This holiday season is make-or-break for retailers
In light of ongoing supply chain bottlenecks and labour shortages, businesses may not offer their deepest discounts this holiday season. According to Professor Saibal Ray, the Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, 2021 sales will signal whether many retailers can stay afloat despite production delays.
Shedding light on the supply chain dilemma
As retailers anticipate a welcome uptick in sales amid the holiday shopping season, manufacturing and delivery delays continue to limit just how much profit retailers can expect.
Slowing the vehicle supply chain
In the race to cut down on global carbon emissions, many experts are turning their attention to automotive manufacturers and their customers. As a potential solution to slowing the vehicle supply chain, Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director at the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, suggests a collective pivot toward car rentals or other ride-share services in place of purchasing personal vehicles.
In-store technology is transforming retail spaces
Throughout the pandemic, in-store technologies like price-check kiosks and self-checkout have created a more convenient shopping experience for consumers and provided retailers with greater access to valuable data on shopping habits. But consumers are concerned about privacy, and retailers may not have the necessary resources to purchase and upkeep in-store tech.
Frictionless shopping pays off
As convenient becomes more synonymous with contactless, Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, sees a wealth of opportunity for retailers to innovate.
By providing more digital options, both in-store and online, retailers can set the stage for a boost in sales and customer loyalty that exceeds their investment in technology upgrades.
