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.
Gauging progress in Canada鈥檚 vaccination efforts
Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, joins a group of experts on the Bill Kelly Show podcast to share his perspective on the status of Canada鈥檚 COVID-19 vaccination rollout initiative, including the growing pressure to expand vaccine access on a global scale. 聽
Delve - The "New Normal" podcast: Black Swan Event with Saibal Ray
In episode 1 of聽The聽鈥楴ew Normal鈥� hosted by聽Dave Kaufman,聽Professor Saibal Ray聽highlights the successes and failures of the COVID-19 vaccine procurement and global distribution, compares Israel's effort to Canada's, and questions if Canada will want to do all that鈥檚 necessary to be prepared should similar incidents arise in the future.
Vaccine benefits far outweigh the risks
Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, joins the Scott Thompson Show to offer his perspective on the safety of AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines in the wake of health scares.
Predicting the future of domestic vaccine production
Professor Saibal Ray joins the Scott Thompson Show podcast to answers questions about current state of COVID-19 vaccine acquisition across Canada. Recently, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a substantial provincial investment in the construction of a new, state-of-the-art influenza vaccine facility.
Behind Canada鈥檚 COVID-19 vaccine shortage
Professor Saibal Ray recently made a guest appearance on The Bill Kelly Show on Global News Radio to discuss the current vaccine shortage in Canada.
From Ray鈥檚 perspective, politics has played a central role in many countries鈥� decision to reserve vaccines for their own citizens, but navigating a complex supply chain has also factored into the difficulties experienced by countries like Canada.
One year later, COVID-19 still disrupting supply and demand
According to Professor Saibal Ray, most companies were ill-prepared to deal with the surging demand for essential goods after the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020.
Panic buying and hoarding combined with transport shutdowns to make shortages even more severe.
One year later, we are still feeling the ripple effects of the initial shock to the supply chain.
Mass vaccination possible for Canada despite supply shortage
As Canada struggles with a shortage of vaccine doses, Professor Saibal Ray says the government has an opportunity to get a mass vaccination plan in place by the time the supply chain stabilizes.
He points to indoor sites such as convention centres and malls as possible vaccination sites during the winter and larger venues like NHL arenas during summer months.
Package-free stores aim to eliminate waste
A new wave of sustainability-focused retailers are embracing a package-free retail trend to minimize the environmental impact of shopping for groceries and everyday goods.
Professor Saibal Ray, the academic director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, applauds the innovative attempts to avoid packaging while pointing out the difficulty of implementation.
Pfizer delay causing vaccine shortage in Quebec
Quebec will receive only half of the expected Pfizer-BioNtech vaccines by February 8th聽due to strategy adjustments made by production facilities in Europe. Accelerated vaccine deliveries are planned for February and March to address the shortfall. The shortage will mainly affect elderly patients in long-term care, who were set to receive the second round of the vaccine in mid-March.
Avoiding a vaccine vial shortage
The launch of the largest vaccination campaign in history involves the mass production of medical vials constructed out of borosilicate glass.
Restaurant automation gains new appeal during pandemic
As social distancing measures remain in replace across Canada, consumers are flocking to buy automated food and drink kiosks for fresh, made-to-order food and beverages with little to no human contact.
Logistical challenges stand in the way of COVID-19 vaccine
Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, describes the daunting complexity involved in ramping up the first round of COVID-19 vaccine production.
Retail for a post-COVID world
Professor Saibal Ray weighs in on the strategies that will propel retailers to success in a post-pandemic landscape where the optimal customer experience is a frictionless experience. As the academic director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, Prof.
