Welcome to the final episode of the London Drugs Partnership Podcast series! This episode marks the culmination of an exciting journey exploring the world of retail partnerships and innovation.  Michael & Clint reflect on the series' evolution, celebrating the people and insights that make London Drugs a unique and thriving Canadian retailer. They acknowledge the critical role of their diverse vendor community in putting customers at the heart of every decision.  Clint shares anecdotes and feedback from vendors, highlighting the significance of vibrant partnerships with this global vendor network.

In this episode, the spotlight turns to London Drugs' merchandising and technology leaders, Rob Felix, Senior Vice President, Merchandising and Nick Curalli, Vice President of Technology Solutions. The hosts emphasize the vital collaboration between these departments and their impact on the business and vendor relationships.

Clint underscores the importance of a forward-thinking merchandising team and the role of technology in setting London Drugs apart in the retail landscape.

Stay tuned as Rob and Nick share their insights, offering a deeper understanding of the powerful initiatives propelling London Drugs into the future. It's an insightful and informative conclusion to this captivating podcast series. They provide an insightful look into their backgrounds and roles at London Drugs, setting the stage for an engaging discussion. Nick, as the technology leader, discusses the broad roadmap and technology bets that shape LD's future. He emphasizes the importance of identifying valuable technologies amidst the noise.

As Clint joins the conversation, Rob delves into the two types of vendor relationships, where investment yields significant gains. He shares compelling examples of such partnerships. Meanwhile, Nick highlights early accomplishments from the Galelaio project, showing how technology aligns with LD's objectives.

The discussion then shifts to the Partnership Presentation event, where Rob and Nick play crucial roles. Rob offers a glimpse into what vendors can expect and how they can make the most of their time during the event. Nick discusses his role in distilling complex projects and strategies for vendors, fostering collaboration.

Thanks for joining us, and see you in Mississauga November 6th, 2023

About Clint

Clint Mahlman assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2011, was named Executive Vice President in 2014, and in 2018 became President and COO. In his 36 years with London Drugs, Clint has made a lasting impact on many aspects of the business. From part-time stock person to President, Clint has served in a wide range of store and head office roles, enabling him to develop a 360-degree perspective of the business. He is known for his passion for understanding how customer and employee behavior drives merchandising and operations.

He spearheaded the award-winning sustainability and recycling initiatives that have put London Drugs at the forefront of retail in North America. Clint was responsible for the development of early versions of London Drugs’ first management training programs, and for the first Process Re-Engineering initiative. He helped design many of the sales and service initiatives, e-Commerce and loyalty concepts that London Drugs is known for throughout the industry.

Clint was selected as one of BC Business Magazine’s top 20 Most Influential People in British Columbia 2013. In 2017, Clint was selected, with London Drugs, as the Retail Council of Canada “Distinguished Retailer of the Year”.

During his time as President & COO, London Drugs has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of Canada’s best employers for four years in a row, and multi-year winner of BC’s Most Trusted Brand, and BC’s most loved brand (of any industry) for a number of years.

About Michael

Michael is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada and the Bank of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Today's Shopping Choice and Pandora Jewellery.   

Michael has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions with C-level executives and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. ReThink Retail has added Michael to their prestigious Top Global Retail Influencers list for 2023 for the third year in a row.

Michael is also the president of Maven Media, producing a network of leading trade podcasts, including Canada's top retail industry podcast_,_ The Voice of Retail. He produces and co-hosts Remarkable Retail with best-selling author Steve Dennis, now ranked one of the top retail podcasts in the world. 

Based in San Francisco, Global eCommerce Leaders podcast explores global cross-border issues and opportunities for eCommerce brands and retailers. 

Last but not least, Michael is the producer and host of the "Last Request Barbeque" channel on YouTube, where he cooks meals to die for - and collaborates with top brands as a food and product influencer across North America.

Beauty at London Drugs is an essential category for the business and customers. In this episode, we discuss and explore how drug stores became such an essential part of the beauty industry, the future of the beauty category and the evolution of beauty at London Drugs.

Our extraordinary guest today has been part of the beauty industry globally and here in Canada at the most senior levels for the better part of two decades - An Verhulst-Santos, President and CEO of L'ORÉAL Canada. Clint didn't take long to come up with L'oreal and An's name as a guest for an episode of the show dedicated to the beauty category. L'Oreal is a great partner and An a fantastic leader in the vendor and brand community and someone whose company continues to bring innovation to the market and the shelves at London Drugs.

An was awarded the French Republic's Isignia of Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor to recognize the unique contribution of Ms. Verhulst-Santos, as well as her energy to strengthen the influence of France's excellence abroad

About An

An Verhulst-Santos began her career at L'Oréal in 1991, in the Professional Products Division of L'Oréal in Belgium, with the objective of developing the hair industry in a sustainable way and for the benefit of all. Between 2005 and 2009, Ms. Verhulst-Santos did an exemplary job as director of this division in Brazil. She launched the "Hairdressers against AIDS" project in the country, a global preventive education program of L'Oréal in partnership with UNESCO to promote health and prevent AIDS.

From 2009 to 2011, she chaired this division in the United States and worked on the integration of the SalonCentric project, L'Oréal's professional product distribution operation in North America. From 2011 to 2016, she was a member of the L'Oréal Group's International Executive Committee as President of the Professional Products Division.

Since 2017, she led a team of nearly 3,600 employees as CEO of L'Oréal Brazil, and on July 1, 2021, she became the first female CEO of L'Oréal in Canada, one of the multinational's largest subsidiaries in the world, ranking among the Top 10 of the 130 countries of the L'Oréal Group.

About Clint

Clint Mahlman assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2011, was named Executive Vice President in 2014, and in 2018 became President and COO. In his 36 years with London Drugs, Clint has made a lasting impact on many aspects of the business. From part-time stock person to President, Clint has served in a wide range of store and head office roles, enabling him to develop a 360-degree perspective of the business. He is known for his passion for understanding how customer and employee behavior drives merchandising and operations.

He spearheaded the award-winning sustainability and recycling initiatives that have put London Drugs at the forefront of retail in North America. Clint was responsible for the development of early versions of London Drugs’ first management training programs, and for the first Process Re-Engineering initiative. He helped design many of the sales and service initiatives, e-Commerce and loyalty concepts that London Drugs is known for throughout the industry.

Clint was selected as one of BC Business Magazine’s top 20 Most Influential People in British Columbia 2013. In 2017, Clint was selected, with London Drugs, as the Retail Council of Canada “Distinguished Retailer of the Year”.

During his time as President & COO, London Drugs has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of Canada’s best employers for four years in a row, and multi-year winner of BC’s Most Trusted Brand, and BC’s most loved brand (of any industry) for a number of years.

About Michael

Michael is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada and the Bank of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Today's Shopping Choice and Pandora Jewellery.   

Michael has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions with C-level executives and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. ReThink Retail has added Michael to their prestigious Top Global Retail Influencers list for 2023 for the third year in a row.

Michael is also the president of Maven Media, producing a network of leading trade podcasts, including Canada's top retail industry podcast_,_ The Voice of Retail. He produces and co-hosts Remarkable Retail with best-selling author Steve Dennis, now ranked one of the top retail podcasts in the world. 

Based in San Francisco, Global eCommerce Leaders podcast explores global cross-border issues and opportunities for eCommerce brands and retailers. 

Last but not least, Michael is the producer and host of the "Last Request Barbeque" channel on YouTube, where he cooks meals to die for - and collaborates with top brands as a food and product influencer across North America.

Those who know, know! In this episode, we delve into the surprising (to some!) significance of the electronics category within London Drugs, both in-store and online.

We highlight the deep and extensive electronics offerings, especially for a pharmacy. Clint delves into the store's heritage in electronics and cameras, discussing London Drugs' position as one of the largest retailers in Canada for these products.

To explore the ever-evolving world of consumer electronics, our special guest is Karim Salemohamed, President of Atlantia, a multi-year winner of London Drugs' Supplier of the Year awards. We explore with Karmin his fascinating backstory that listeners will hear in the interview, discussing his role and perspectives as a leading vendor.

Michael and Clint elaborate on how London Drugs integrates electronics and technology into their core mission, providing consumers with a unique value proposition. They touch on experiences at CES, the hard work behind building a differentiated electronics and camera offering, launching film development, and their strategy for connected health and wellness.

About Karim

Karim Salemohamed is the Founder and President of Atlantia, a distributor with over 20 years of proven experience in successful bringing leading tech accessories and digital lifestyle products to the Canadian market.

He has over 35 years’ experience in sales and marketing management and has successfully guided several companies in the North American & Emerging markets in creating and building businesses and brands.  He has a passion for technology, understanding his customers and identifying the gaps in the marketplace.

About Clint

Clint Mahlman assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2011, was named Executive Vice President in 2014, and in 2018 became President and COO. In his 36 years with London Drugs, Clint has made a lasting impact on many aspects of the business. From part-time stock person to President, Clint has served in a wide range of store and head office roles, enabling him to develop a 360-degree perspective of the business. He is known for his passion for understanding how customer and employee behavior drives merchandising and operations.

He spearheaded the award-winning sustainability and recycling initiatives that have put London Drugs at the forefront of retail in North America. Clint was responsible for the development of early versions of London Drugs’ first management training programs, and for the first Process Re-Engineering initiative. He helped design many of the sales and service initiatives, e-Commerce and loyalty concepts that London Drugs is known for throughout the industry.

Clint was selected as one of BC Business Magazine’s top 20 Most Influential People in British Columbia 2013. In 2017, Clint was selected, with London Drugs, as the Retail Council of Canada “Distinguished Retailer of the Year”.

During his time as President & COO, London Drugs has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of Canada’s best employers for four years in a row, and multi-year winner of BC’s Most Trusted Brand, and BC’s most loved brand (of any industry) for a number of years.

About Michael

Michael is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada and the Bank of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Today's Shopping Choice and Pandora Jewellery.   

Michael has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions with C-level executives and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. ReThink Retail has added Michael to their prestigious Top Global Retail Influencers list for 2023 for the third year in a row. 

Michael is also the president of Maven Media, producing a network of leading trade podcasts, including Canada's top retail industry podcast, The Voice of Retail. He produces and co-hosts Remarkable Retail with best-selling author Steve Dennis, now ranked one of the top retail podcasts in the world. 

Based in San Francisco, Global eCommerce Leaders podcast explores global cross-border issues and opportunities for eCommerce brands and retailers. 

Last but not least, Michael is the producer and host of the "Last Request Barbeque" channel on YouTube, where he cooks meals to die for - and collaborates with top brands as a food and product influencer across North America.

In this insightful episode, we're thrilled to have Peter Sheahan as our featured guest, giving us a sneak peek of his upcoming keynote at the Partnership Presentation on November 6th in Mississauga.

We dive into the behind-the-scenes details, shedding light on how the concept of a featured guest became a core part of the Partnership Presentation.

Clint explains London Drugs' commitment to showcasing their values and personality during the event by not charging vendors to attend or listen to guest speakers. They aim to provide value to their vendor partners while seeking speakers who can give context to world events and the market, striking a balance between well-known names and deep subject matter experts.

The planning process for the event starts almost immediately after the previous year's presentation, with ongoing conversations throughout the year to identify themes and issues of concern to vendors. These themes inform the show's messaging while maintaining London Drugs' identity.

Looking ahead to the 2023 Presentation, Clint discusses the key issues the industry is grappling with, including AI, post-COVID cost-cutting pressure, and the role of AI in decision-making. These discussions led them to select Peter Sheahan, renowned for helping organizations turn challenges into opportunities and disruption into growth.

Join us for this insightful discussion and get a glimpse of what's in store for the 2023 Partnership Presentation!

About Peter

After decades of standing in the fire with leaders of high-performing organizations, Peter Sheahan has come to believe that an organization will only go commercially where its leaders first go personally.

Having grown his own companies by accelerating the growth and transformation for clients that include: Apple; Chick-fil-A; DeBeers; and AT&T -- Peter will provoke you to get bigger, by getting better! When leaders are true to their purpose, they gravitate towards doing work that matters and solving higher-order problems. The journey to get there requires that they have the courage to tell themselves the truth, take intelligent risks, and assume ownership for driving the alignment necessary to build an organization which behaves in ways worthy of its leadership position.

In being true to his own ambitions and relentless pursuit of growth, Peter has published seven books, built three global companies and delivered more than 2,500 presentations in 40+ countries. Today he is focused exclusively on inspiring leaders to do the hard work required to accelerate growth and transformation.

About Clint

Clint Mahlman assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2011, was named Executive Vice President in 2014, and in 2018 became President and COO. In his 36 years with London Drugs, Clint has made a lasting impact on many aspects of the business. From part-time stock person to President, Clint has served in a wide range of store and head office roles, enabling him to develop a 360-degree perspective of the business. He is known for his passion for understanding how customer and employee behavior drives merchandising and operations.

He spearheaded the award-winning sustainability and recycling initiatives that have put London Drugs at the forefront of retail in North America. Clint was responsible for the development of early versions of London Drugs’ first management training programs, and for the first Process Re-Engineering initiative. He helped design many of the sales and service initiatives, e-Commerce and loyalty concepts that London Drugs is known for throughout the industry.

Clint was selected as one of BC Business Magazine’s top 20 Most Influential People in British Columbia 2013. In 2017, Clint was selected, with London Drugs, as the Retail Council of Canada “Distinguished Retailer of the Year”.

During his time as President & COO, London Drugs has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of Canada’s best employers for four years in a row, and multi-year winner of BC’s Most Trusted Brand, and BC’s most loved brand (of any industry) for a number of years.

About Michael

Michael is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada and the Bank of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Today's Shopping Choice and Pandora Jewellery.   

Michael has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions with C-level executives and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. ReThink Retail has added Michael to their prestigious Top Global Retail Influencers list for 2023 for the third year in a row. 

Michael is also the president of Maven Media, producing a network of leading trade podcasts, including Canada's top retail industry podcast, The Voice of Retail. He produces and co-hosts Remarkable Retail with best-selling author Steve Dennis, now ranked one of the top retail podcasts in the world. 

Based in San Francisco, Global eCommerce Leaders podcast explores global cross-border issues and opportunities for eCommerce brands and retailers. 

Last but not least, Michael is the producer and host of the "Last Request Barbeque" channel on YouTube, where he cooks meals to die for - and collaborates with top brands as a food and product influencer across North America.

In this enlightening episode, Clint and Michael are joined by David Sellars, an innovator with a critical role at DrFirst Healthcare Innovations,  a company making waves in the healthcare industry. David begins by introducing himself and providing insight into his background, setting the stage for exploring his role in driving innovation at DrFirst.

The conversation deeply delves into DrFirst's origin story, highlighting their unique position in the healthcare landscape. David shares the company's mission to solve critical issues in the pharmacy space and their innovative approach.

Listeners get an exclusive look into David's day-to-day life as an innovation leader at DrFirst. He sheds light on the structures and approaches he employs to stay ahead of industry trends and foster innovation. Balancing innovation and the stringent healthcare privacy and security demands is no small feat. David shares valuable insights into how DrFirst navigates this challenge, emphasizing the role of learning from failure in their innovation process.

Aspiring innovators and brands looking to innovate will find David's advice on approaching innovation invaluable. He offers a "two starts, one-stop" framework to guide their innovation agenda.

The conversation ends with a compelling discussion on integrating AI into healthcare for improved patient care. David shares his vision of how AI can be a transformative force.

To learn more about DrFirst Healthcare Innovations and their innovative solutions, visit their website here.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare.

About David

David Sellars is Principal, Product Innovations and R&D Lead for the Product Team at DrFirst Healthcare Innovations, a leading provider of e-prescribing, price transparency, and medication management solutions. He has 19 years of healthcare experience with a deep emphasis in Big Data, AI, healthcare interoperability, programming and systems optimization. His experience in healthcare ranges across all 5 of the top EMR’s with countless implementations of Clinical Modules and large multi-hospital migrations. Prior to joining DrFirst, Sellars was a Senior MEDITECH Systems Analyst for Avera Health System, a Senior Programmer/Analyst for Inland Northwest Health System and a Programmer/Analyst at Regional Health.

About Clint

Clint Mahlman assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2011, was named Executive Vice President in 2014, and in 2018 became President and COO. In his 36 years with London Drugs, Clint has made a lasting impact on many aspects of the business. From part-time stock person to President, Clint has served in a wide range of store and head office roles, enabling him to develop a 360-degree perspective of the business. He is known for his passion for understanding how customer and employee behavior drives merchandising and operations.

He spearheaded the award-winning sustainability and recycling initiatives that have put London Drugs at the forefront of retail in North America. Clint was responsible for the development of early versions of London Drugs’ first management training programs, and for the first Process Re-Engineering initiative. He helped design many of the sales and service initiatives, e-Commerce and loyalty concepts that London Drugs is known for throughout the industry.

Clint was selected as one of BC Business Magazine’s top 20 Most Influential People in British Columbia 2013. In 2017, Clint was selected, with London Drugs, as the Retail Council of Canada “Distinguished Retailer of the Year”.

During his time as President & COO, London Drugs has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of Canada’s best employers for four years in a row, and multi-year winner of BC’s Most Trusted Brand, and BC’s most loved brand (of any industry) for a number of years.

About Michael

Michael is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada and the Bank of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Today's Shopping Choice and Pandora Jewellery.   

Michael has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions with C-level executives and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. ReThink Retail has added Michael to their prestigious Top Global Retail Influencers list for 2023 for the third year in a row. 

Michael is also the president of Maven Media, producing a network of leading trade podcasts, including Canada's top retail industry podcast, The Voice of Retail. He produces and co-hosts Remarkable Retail with best-selling author Steve Dennis, now ranked one of the top retail podcasts in the world. 

Based in San Francisco, Global eCommerce Leaders podcast explores global cross-border issues and opportunities for eCommerce brands and retailers. 

Last but not least, Michael is the producer and host of the "Last Request Barbeque" channel on YouTube, where he cooks meals to die for - and collaborates with top brands as a food and product influencer across North America.

Introducing the London Drugs Partnership Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring success story of homegrown Canadian retailer London Drugs.

The hype cycle is at maximum volume regarding all things AI. Still, in this episode, we parse the signal from the noise and get a sense of how London Drugs is leveraging AI-based technology in projects like Galileo to improve the customer experience, our understanding of our customers, and the supply chain that gets the right products on to the right shelves at the right time.

London Drugs has undertaken a multi-year transformation called the Galileo Initiative that is changing and improving how we interact with our customers and vendors. It will ensure we have a 360-degree view of each customer to deliver a unique experience. We will also have a complete view of our supply chain from the vendor-partner to the customer.

To help give us a broader context around AI and the Retail Industry, our special guest vendor-partner is Kristen Hicks,  Director, Retail & Consumer Goods, Microsoft. Kristen fills us in on the deep integrations AI will have in Microsoft products and services that power retail today and how this evolving technology will deliver tangible benefits to retailers and their customers in Canada and worldwide.

But first, we talk about the genesis of the November Partnership Event, happening this year on November 6th in Mississauga. For London Drug's vendors, it is a do-not-miss event and Clint shares with us some of his favourite guest speakers over the many years of the event. Stay tuned for a future episode where we will feature a sneak peek interview with our keynote speaker for 2023!

Microsoft AI Resources for Understanding AI

Microsoft Learning Resources

Be sure to subscribe and follow us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you enjoy your podcasts today and get set for a thoughtful and entertaining look at what retail innovation looks like today, tomorrow and off into the future for this unique Canadian retailer and its partners. 

About Kristen

Kristen Hicks is an award-winning marketer with a proven track record of curating integrated Go-To-Market experiences and impactful B2B campaigns. She has over a decade of experience in Sales and Marketing across various industries including Tech, Retail, and CPG, and an MBA from the Kelley School of Business. Kristen currently works at Microsoft as a Global Marketing Director governing Retail and Consumer Goods.

About Clint

Clint Mahlman assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2011, was named Executive Vice President in 2014, and in 2018 became President and COO. In his 36 years with London Drugs, Clint has made a lasting impact on many aspects of the business. From part-time stock person to President, Clint has served in a wide range of store and head office roles, enabling him to develop a 360-degree perspective of the business. He is known for his passion for understanding how customer and employee behavior drives merchandising and operations.

He spearheaded the award-winning sustainability and recycling initiatives that have put London Drugs at the forefront of retail in North America. Clint was responsible for the development of early versions of London Drugs’ first management training programs, and for the first Process Re-Engineering initiative. He helped design many of the sales and service initiatives, e-Commerce and loyalty concepts that London Drugs is known for throughout the industry.

Clint was selected as one of BC Business Magazine’s top 20 Most Influential People in British Columbia 2013. In 2017, Clint was selected, with London Drugs, as the Retail Council of Canada “Distinguished Retailer of the Year”.

During his time as President & COO, London Drugs has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of Canada’s best employers for four years in a row, and multi-year winner of BC’s Most Trusted Brand, and BC’s most loved brand (of any industry) for a number of years.

About Michael

Michael is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada and the Bank of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Today's Shopping Choice and Pandora Jewellery.   

Michael has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions with C-level executives and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. ReThink Retail has added Michael to their prestigious Top Global Retail Influencers list for 2023 for the third year in a row. 

Michael is also the president of Maven Media, producing a network of leading trade podcasts, including Canada's top retail industry podcast, The Voice of Retail. He produces and co-hosts Remarkable Retail with best-selling author Steve Dennis, now ranked one of the top retail podcasts in the world. 

Based in San Francisco, Global eCommerce Leaders podcast explores global cross-border issues and opportunities for eCommerce brands and retailers. 

Last but not least, Michael is the producer and host of the "Last Request Barbeque" channel on YouTube, where he cooks meals to die for - and collaborates with top brands as a food and product influencer across North America.

Introducing the London Drugs Partnership Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring success story of homegrown Canadian retailer London Drugs.

From a humble single store on Vancouver’s Main Street in 1945 to becoming western Canada’s go-to destination for a very diverse and unusual assortment of products and services, all rolled up into a convenient, one-stop shopping experience both in-store or online. Beloved by many customers, London Drugs has overcome every challenge and embraced countless opportunities in this ever-changing retail landscape.

Clint Mahlman, President and Chief Operating Officer of London Drugs, along with co-host retail industry expert Michael LeBlanc, will explore the powerful forces shaping the future of retail through the eyes and words of some key members of the London Drugs vendor community as we invite senior leaders from brands found across our stores to share their retail insights and stories of innovation.

In the weeks leading up to London Drugs Partnership Presentation on November 6th, 2023, in Mississauga, Clint and Michael will talk to industry insiders that have helped make London Drugs one of the most unique retail success stories in Canada, supported in no small way by the power of partnership and the products and services provided by their very valued vendor community.

So be sure to subscribe and follow us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you enjoy your podcasts today and get set for a thoughtful and entertaining look at what retail innovation looks like today, tomorrow and off into the future for this unique Canadian retailer and its partners. 

London Drugs Partnership Podcast is now live!  If you are a London Drugs vendor, watch for our biweekly reminder email. Please join us. We can’t wait to get started and see you on November 6th in Mississauga.

About Clint

Clint Mahlman assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2011, was named Executive Vice President in 2014, and in 2018 became President and COO. In his 36 years with London Drugs, Clint has made a lasting impact on many aspects of the business. From part-time stock person to President, Clint has served in a wide range of store and head office roles, enabling him to develop a 360-degree perspective of the business. He is known for his passion for understanding how customer and employee behavior drives merchandising and operations.

He spearheaded the award-winning sustainability and recycling initiatives that have put London Drugs at the forefront of retail in North America. Clint was responsible for the development of early versions of London Drugs’ first management training programs, and for the first Process Re-Engineering initiative. He helped design many of the sales and service initiatives, e-Commerce and loyalty concepts that London Drugs is known for throughout the industry.

Clint was selected as one of BC Business Magazine’s top 20 Most Influential People in British Columbia 2013. In 2017, Clint was selected, with London Drugs, as the Retail Council of Canada “Distinguished Retailer of the Year”.

During his time as President & COO, London Drugs has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of Canada’s best employers for four years in a row, and multi-year winner of BC’s Most Trusted Brand, and BC’s most loved brand (of any industry) for a number of years.

About Michael

Michael is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada and the Bank of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Today's Shopping Choice and Pandora Jewellery.   

Michael has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions with C-level executives and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. ReThink Retail has added Michael to their prestigious Top Global Retail Influencers list for 2023 for the third year in a row. 

Michael is also the president of Maven Media, producing a network of leading trade podcasts, including Canada's top retail industry podcast, The Voice of Retail. He produces and co-hosts Remarkable Retail with best-selling author Steve Dennis, now ranked one of the top retail podcasts in the world. 

Based in San Francisco, Global eCommerce Leaders podcast explores global cross-border issues and opportunities for eCommerce brands and retailers. 

Last but not least, Michael is the producer and host of the "Last Request Barbeque" channel on YouTube, where he cooks meals to die for - and collaborates with top brands as a food and product influencer across North America.