In the premiere episode of The Feed powered by Loblaw, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with retail industry leader, author, and analyst Bruce Winder for an in-depth exploration of the trends reshaping Canada's grocery landscape. With over two decades of experience at Canadian Tire, Air Miles, Zellers, HBC, and Sears, Bruce brings insider knowledge to today's most significant retail questions — from food inflation to AI-driven change. Bruce begins by tracing his retail roots and his evolution from executive to educator and now Substack publisher, where his column This Week, Double Click offers thoughtful analysis on earnings and retail strategy. The conversation quickly shifts to the pressing issue of food inflation, as Bruce explains why prices are rising again — from supply chain pressures and weather disruptions to currency fluctuations — and how grocers balance supplier costs with delivering value to shoppers. Drawing on his years as a merchant, Bruce explains the delicate negotiation between retailers and vendors when cost increases hit the shelf. He highlights the importance of data, collaboration, and transparency, noting how Loblaw and other retailers are using public communication, signage, and digital tools to build consumer trust amid rising costs. From there, the conversation expands to consumer behaviour, including the shift toward hard discount formats like No Frills, the rise of private labels, and how younger shoppers are redefining convenience through paid delivery and digital loyalty ecosystems. Bruce also offers a compelling take on the Buy Canadian movement, describing it as a lasting tailwind for homegrown brands — one that's altering purchase habits and national sentiment alike. Looking ahead, Bruce and Michael discuss AI in retail, both as a back-end operational tool and a front-end consumer influence. They explore how retailers must adapt to an era where shoppers increasingly use AI platforms to discover, evaluate, and purchase products — raising new questions of trust, authenticity, and authority in the digital age. Closing out the episode, Bruce shares advice for consumers navigating higher prices: be informed, choose trusted retailers, leverage loyalty programs, and understand the trade-offs between fresh, frozen, and private label. Insightful, candid, and timely, this episode delivers a masterclass in modern retail strategy and consumer understanding. About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc Michael is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently in Toronto, Austin, Texas & Savannah, Georgia. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award winning, top independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced Apple podcast management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has named him one of their top 50 Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael’s cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.
