The David Sobey Centre National Retail Innovation Awards recognized three Canadian startups last week for improving customer service and product accessibility.
The David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services at Saint Mary’s University has handed out the awards since 2017 in recognition of young companies that are improving retail through sustainable solutions, e-commerce, technology and artificial intelligence.
“The David Sobey Centre National Retail Innovation Awards play a critical role in supporting and promoting innovation, creativity and customer care which strengthens Canadian retailing, our economy and communities from coast to coast,” Diane Brisebois, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada, said in a statement. “By recognizing outstanding organizations for their unique contributions to retail, the David Sobey Centre continues to ensure that businesses can succeed, prosper and provide benchmarks for others to learn from and emulate.”
The three winners are:
Retail Sustainability Innovation Award: Flashfood, Toronto
Founded by SMU grad Josh Domingues, Flashfood has developed a mobile marketplace in which consumers can buy discounted food nearing its best-by date. The company says the app has diverted over 40 million pounds of food from landfills while continuing to provide affordable access to food for consumers.
“This is great recognition for Flashfood, but we are nothing without our grocery partners who have given us an opportunity to make this incredible impact together,” said Domingues, who also delivered a talk at the Sobey School of Business at SMU last week.
Last year, Flashfood closed a $12.3 million Series A funding round led by S2G Ventures of Chicago.
Retail Customer Experience Innovation Award: Blackcart, Toronto
Blackcart has developed a “try-before-you-buy” app that lets consumers understand the size, material and quality of merchandise before they buy it online. The company uses artificial intelligence with the goal of providing a safe customer experience while increasing sales for merchants.
"No one sets out on the chaotic ride of building a startup just for the sake of winning awards, so this recognition means the world to us,” said Blackcart Founder Donny Ouyang. “It's a fantastic reminder of all the hard work our team has invested in crafting impactful solutions for the retail industry."
Retail Technology Innovation Award: Livescale, Montreal
Livescale’s app lets consumers livestream content to improve interaction with consumers and build their community. The company says it aims to increase customer engagement and sales.
“As a Canadian company, we were thrilled to receive the award as a recognition of our efforts in supporting the Canadian retailers to adopt and succeed in social commerce,” said Founder Virgile Ollivier. “It rewards our mission as a company and motivates us to continue to achieve our vision for the retail space, and to continue empowering retailers, merchants and brands.”
