“In the past decade, retailers have been forced to innovate, and in some cases transform themselves in response to several external factors. Changing consumer behavior and employee expectations, the advent of AI, and the need to meet sustainability targets are just some of the factors driving big changes in the retail sector,” says Dr. Ramesh Venkat, Director, David Sobey Retailing Centre.
The David Sobey Retailing Centre plays a vital role in this exciting and important landscape. As a thought leader and trusted partner in the retail space, it is committed to “Shaping the Future of Retail” through research, innovation, and education. The Centre collaborates closely with retailers to identify issues and opportunities, produce relevant, actionable insights, and educate current and future industry leaders.
“Our vision is to be the leading source of expertise and insights for the retail sector,” says Dr. Venkat.
Established in 2014 through a visionary and generous gift by Dr. David F. Sobey, Chair Emeritus of Sobeys Inc., the Centre honors his legacy as an iconic and well-respected leader in Canadian retail. Dr. Sobey’s generosity and vision continue to inspire and guide the Centre’s initiatives.
The David Sobey Retailing Centre is part of the Sobey School of Business, one of Canada’s most respected business schools, located at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Innovation in Retail Technology
Innovation is fundamental to the success of the global retail industry. The David Sobey Retailing Centre funds, develops, and tests new technologies, processes, and methodologies critical to the future of retail. Projects focus on solving industry-relevant challenges through unique and affordable solutions while collaborating with retail and tech partners and engaging students with hands-on experience.
“As a professor in the Division of Engineering, I’m drawn to the complexities of retail. From revolutionizing customer experiences with AI and machine learning to harnessing the potential of computer vision and IoT for inventory management, the retail space offers a dynamic playground for applying precision and innovative solutions. It’s where theory meets practice, and each challenge is an opportunity to reshape commerce in the digital age,” says Jason Rhinelander, Head of Technology & Innovation, David Sobey Retailing Centre.
Virtual Reality Store
The David Sobey Retailing Centre, in collaboration with Nanuk Technologies, founded by Saint Mary’s University alum Mike Cyr, developed a Virtual Reality (VR) Store to revolutionize consumer behavior research. This innovation allows researchers to simulate and analyze store environments without disrupting physical operations by manipulating factors like store layout, product placement, and signage to measure how consumers respond to these changes. Equipped with eye-tracking and detailed data collection, the VR Store enables retailers to make data-driven decisions with precision, enhancing research capabilities while fostering creative partnerships between academia and industry. This groundbreaking tool opens new avenues for retail research in Atlantic Canada.
Retail Digital Twins
Halifax-based French confectionery Rousseau Chocolatier partnered with the David Sobey Retailing Centre to elevate the online shopping experience for its customers. Together, they developed a digital twin of the brand’s boutique and café. This digital twin, created using advanced 3D scanning technology, is a highly detailed virtual replica of the physical store. It offers an immersive online shopping experience, allowing customers to explore the beautifully designed boutique from the comfort of their homes. In addition to enhancing customer engagement, the digital twin provides store operators with powerful tools for space visualization, analysis, and management. Now featured on the Rousseau Chocolatier website, it invites customers to virtually experience the charm and ambiance of the boutique, seamlessly blending the in-store and online shopping worlds. The Centre is currently working with other local retailers to bring their physical stores to the digital world.
Retail Robot
With the help of students in the Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics at SMU, the Centre developed a retail robot designed to monitor store layout. Equipped with cameras and sensors, the robot autonomously navigates store aisles, capturing visual data on product placement and price tags. This approach ensures planogram and price accuracy, prevents stock-outs on the shelf, and boosts efficiency, taking on routine tasks that free up humans to do more meaningful work. The robot integrates with store systems, offering insights into inventory management and timely communication with employees.
Innovating Customer-Centered Research
The Centre’s innovative approach to consumer behavior research utilizes advanced biometrics technology, including eye-tracker glasses, EEG (electroencephalography), and GSR (galvanic skin response) devices. These tools allow researchers to gain insight into subconscious reactions to various retail stimuli, from product displays to store layouts. By analyzing where consumers look, how they feel, and their physiological responses, the Centre provides retail partners with valuable data that helps refine strategies to enhance in-store and online experiences and improve customer engagement. This research exemplifies the Centre’s commitment to combining academic rigor with practical applications in retail.
Looking Ahead
The David Sobey Retailing Centre is looking forward to 2025 with plans to launch the first frictionless store built in-house at a North American university. This pioneering “Store-Lab” will integrate advanced computer vision technology and shelf sensors, allowing students to shop seamlessly—simply walk in, pick up items, and walk out, all without a traditional checkout. Beyond just convenience, this innovative space will serve as a dynamic hub where cutting-edge retail technologies are tested, research is conducted by faculty, and students gain hands-on experience.
