Economic uncertainty continues to loom over the Canadian retail sector, based on RBC’s recent survey with Maru Group, a leading client experience research and advisory services company, that identifies a shared worry among business leaders.
In the online report, completed by 600 retail business owners and decision makers across Canada, leaders said their most pressing challenges are human resource-related, specifically talent retention and recruitment. They want to hire and work with top talent and struggle with how to maintain flexible staffing levels in an inflationary market.
“The constant churn of retail employees really affects your customer experience and your efficiency,” Laura Hammond, a seasoned HR consultant with a wealth of experience gained from stints at H&M and Aritzia, says. “When your customer has fewer dollars to spend, you want to fight for every dollar, and you can do that by giving them a delightful shopping experience with an engaged and knowledgeable employee. If you lose those employees, you’re always in a cycle of rehiring.”
Stephanie Gilman 