Payment industry is focused on delivering final pillar of the RTR through ecosystem alignment and collaboration to support payment innovation, long-term sustainability and economic advancement for Canada. OTTAWA, ON–Payments Canada announced a path forward for the Real-Time Rail (RTR), Canada’s fastest payment system. The new system will allow payments to be sent and received as well as cleared and settled in real-time 24/7, 365 days a year. The real-time movement of money enabled by the RTR will give Canadians more control over their finances by allowing payments to be made in seconds not day ..read more

EDMONTON, AB–Pharmacy Brands Canada, the fastest-growing pharmacy banner program in Canada, is thrilled to announce its expansion into Ontario with the addition of its 200th location, Baywest Pharmacy, in Ajax, Ontario. “Joining Pharmacy Brands Canada has been one of the best decisions for my pharmacy. Their unparalleled expertise and personalized support have made the transition to their banner program seamless and stress-free. I’m honoured to be their 200th store!” – Shaheda Bhaidu, Owner and Pharmacist at Baywest Pharmacy. Pharmacy Brands Canada Celebrates 200th Pharmacy Milestone with Expa ..read more

VANCOUVER, BC– EQUITY INSIDER – Data centers are at the core of what’s powering the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) boom. With almost every major industry shifting towards AI, massive amounts of new infrastructure will still be needed, in particular data centers. The Data Center Equipment Market is exploding, with analysts at Straits Research projecting it to surpass $164 billion by 2031, growing at a whopping 13.2% CAGR along the way. According to Technavio, 38% of growth in the Data Center Rack PDU Market growth will originate from North America, while surging data center demand is push ..read more

By Kelsea Alderman, Oren Eizenman, Jad Hamdan, Jake Hart and Jamie Wilkie Consumer-facing businesses have an opportunity to unlock holistic value. By better integrating their loyalty programs with pricing strategies, they can drive growth in a muddled economic landscape. The year 2024 is proving to be another challenging one for consumers and for the companies, brands, and retailers that cater to them. With strong consumer spending after a period of record-high inflation and fears of a recession, consumers are continuing to shift their habits: budgeting more for essentials, trading down in sea ..read more

Elevate your loyalty strategy with top-notch insights from 215 loyalty statistics of 2024. Dive in now to revolutionize your approach. By Barbara Kekes-Szabo Let’s take a deep dive into loyalty statistics to find out what metrics are set to shape the coming years. There is a lot on the line: according to Fortune Business Insights, the global loyalty management market is projected to grow from $6.47 billion in 2023 to $28.65 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 23.7 percent in the forecast period. That’s why it is crucial for companies to be aware of these numbers. Prepare yourself for the most extens ..read more

From eCommerce to AI and Sustainability   By Joe Lyons-RisingThe Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry in Canada is witnessing big changes. As we move ahead, let’s unravel the significant trends shaping the future of CPG in Canada. AI and Machine Learning (ML): Unleashing Potential Embracing AI and Machine Learning is the way forward. These technologies offer the ability to dissect large data sets and make insightful decisions. Retailers are harnessing AI to reimagine flyer ad permutations, with Canadian firms like Daisy Intelligence leading the charge. Meanwhile, Category Management Pla ..read more

LONDON, ON–DataCandy, a prominent provider of loyalty and gift card solutions, is delighted to announce the launch of new features designed to significantly benefit businesses’ growth. Alongside this exciting development, DataCandy introduces a refreshed brand, showcasing a new logo and visual identity. Additionally, DataCandy is proud to unveil the rename of its former Enterprise package to DataCandy Pro dedicated to serving Enterprise customers with tailored solutions and unparalleled support. DataCandy has long been acknowledged for its comprehensive solutions aimed at enhancing customer ex ..read more

VANCOUVER, BC–Wishpond Technologies Ltd., a provider of marketing-focused online business solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of SalesCloser AI, the Company’s next generation AI-powered virtual sales agent. SalesCloser heralds a new era of personalized, round-the-clock sales calls and product demos for businesses without the need for human intervention. The platform can work 24×7 to engage leads, close deals, and deliver insights in ten different languages. SalesCloser can also be adapted for use across a diverse range of industries such as software/SaaS, professional services, financ ..read more

TORONTO, ON–A new study shows that ads played in cinemas are virtually unmissable, surpassing all other video platforms. The entire audience not only viewed the ads, but also paid an average of 80 percent active attention to advertising content on the big screen, regardless of ad length. This is part of the first ever Canadian cinema advertising attention study conducted by Lumen, the global attention technology company, in partnership with Cineplex Media. Marketers and advertisers are becoming increasingly conscious of the challenges in capturing an audience’s attention due to online informat ..read more

TORONTO, ON–Avion Rewards, Canada’s largest proprietary loyalty program, has launched expanded benefits for its newest membership level, Avion Select, free for all Canadians to join regardless of where they bank. Avion Select members can experience a wide breadth of program features, including up to 40 percent cash back deals, offers from over 2,400 retailers and brands, the ability to earn Avion points and redeem for virtually anything and much more. “Accessing value and savings has never been more important for Canadians, and by enabling all of our members to shop, save, earn and redeem, we ..read more