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Retail Council of Canada launches independent retailer project

June 4, 2008  By Amanda Ryder


June 4,
2008 – A new yearlong research project called Independent Retail: A
Changing Landscape will discover and recommend solutions for the
challenges affecting Canada's independent retailers in urban and rural
communities.

A new
research project
called Independent Retail: A Changing Landscape will discover and
recommend solutions for the challenges affecting Canada's independent
retailers in urban and rural communities. This yearlong initiative,
driven by Retail Council of Canada and Scotiabank Small Business, will
discover and recommend solutions for the challenges affecting Canada's
independent retailers in urban and rural communities.

Chaired by Paul Simmonds, President of Robert Simmonds Clothing in
Fredericton, N.B., the task force driving this project for RCC will
include representatives from across Canada. "I'm excited to be a part
of this initiative," says Simmonds. "As an independent retailer myself,
I know there can be obstacles to success. What we need to know is
what's happening in the industry now and how to stay ahead of the game.
Bringing independents together is a great way to build support for the
entire independent retailer community."

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Research for Independent Retail: A Changing Landscape  (www.independentretailer.ca)
will include regional Town Hall meetings designed to bring independent
retailers together, as well as a nationwide survey sponsored by RCC and
Scotiabank Small Business. RCC will then use the information gathered
to create free statistics and resources for independent retailers.

Independent retail is one of Canada's leading industries. More than 90
per cent of all Canadian retailers own only one store, with the same
number having sales less than $2 million and fewer than 50 employees.
Independent Retail: A Changing Landscape is a resource designed to help
merchants spot future obstacles and understand the trends that are
driving the industry.


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