Episode Details

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how shifting consumer behavior and AI-driven commerce are reshaping the future of retail in Canada.

Our guest is Caila Schwartz, Director of Consumer Insights and Strategy for Retail and Consumer Goods at Salesforce. Caila breaks down key insights from 2025 Canada Cyber Week, explains how AI agents are transforming product discovery, and shares what retailers must do to stay competitive in the year ahead.

Key Highlights

1. Canada Cyber Week Insights: What deal-seeking behavior and pricing trends reveal about Canadian shoppers.
    
2. AI Agents in Commerce: How Agentforce blends human expertise with AI to improve discovery and decisions.
    
3. Personalization at Scale: How retailers are using AI to drive relevance, conversion, and loyalty.
    
4. Shifting Shopper Behaviors: The biggest behavioral changes retailers must plan for in 2026.
    
5. Future of Retail AI: Turning complex data into actionable strategies for long-term success.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.