Welcome to the 2019 Global Retail Challenge!

2018 GRC TEAMS

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

The Bensadoun School of Retail Management Founders Circle

The 2019 Global Retail Challenge Sponsors

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The Global Retail Challenge is a dynamic

collaboration between the Bensadoun

School of Retail Management at McGill

University and the Retail Industry Leaders

Association (RILA). This year’s design

challenge includes:

• Weekly workshops led by Karen Hold,

Design Thinking expert

• Mentorship from leading circular

economy experts

• Networking and engagement powered

by Slack

• Faculty and team support provided by

the Global Retail Challenge Leadership

Team

• Monetary prizes for the top 3 finalists!

This year’s challenge will focus on

developing new circular products,

services, or business models for the retail

industry.

We will offer students from multiple

disciplines an opportunity to come

together to ideate a new approach to

product and service development and

establish a vision for more sustainable

consumption. Students will present their

innovative ideas to a panel of judges on

November 16, 2019 in Montreal, Canada.

WE’RE EXCITED TO CONNECT NEW TALENT WITH INDUSTRY EXPERTS TO ACCELERATE THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY.

TOGETHER WE CAN EXPAND OUR CREATIVITY & DEVELOP NEW TOOLS TO DESIGN OUT WASTE AND LOOK TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR RETAIL.

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Scroll through this

packet for more information

about the project roadmap,

assignments, weekly workshops,

team mindsets, mentors, and

the communication plan.

01 — OverviewBackground

02 — Team MindsetsThree Mindsets for Innovation

03 — Roadmap MentorsDesign Brief - Project SummaryPrep Work / Workshops / AssignmentsFinals Weekend Schedule

04 — GRC CommunicationsWeekly Calendar

Table ofContents20

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Ubiquitous internet access and changing

consumer values, preferences and lifestyles

have disrupted virtually every industry; retail

arguably more than any other. This digital

revolution continues to transform the way

customers buy and interact with retailers

and products.

A critical element of the industry

transformation relates to the sale and

ownership of goods, especially to build a

circular economy for consumer products.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association

(RILA) is for retailers that have earned

leadership status by virtue of their sales

volume, innovation or aspiration.

We convene decision-makers, advocate for

the industry, and promote innovation.

Our aim: To envision the future of retail

and equip leading retailers to succeed in it.

RILA’s Retail Innovation Center’s mission

is to equip leading retailers to navigate

transformation through innovation and

reorient the innovation ecosystem toward

retail needs. It does so by addressing four

industry-wide innovations challenges –

prioritizing, funding, talent and culture –

by connecting retailers to innovators,

fostering innovation inside retailers, and

burnishing the reputation for retail with

innovation hubs, talent, and policymakers.

01 Overview Background

U.S. AND GLOBAL CONSUMERS ARE DRIVING CHANGE IN RETAIL AT AN UNPRECEDENTED RATE.

Learning Mindset A learning mindset is achieved by

challenging yourself with new tasks,

seeking fresh ideas and empowering

others to collaborate.

Bias Towards Action We love big ideas but we also love small

ones that may seem counter-intuitive, but

not when you have a bias towards action.

Holding out for one big idea can sometimes

prevent smaller opportunities from being

evaluated; it may be impede innovation

and hinder creativity. We believe that a bias

toward action is the big idea.

Customer Empathy We believe in taking a genuine interest in

our stakeholders and putting their needs at

the center of each project.

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DIVERSE COLLABORATION WILL TACKLE THE WORLD’S MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEMS. THE GRC APPROACHES DESIGN & INNOVATION WITH 3 FUNDAMENTAL MINDSETS.

02 Team Mindsets Three Mindsets for Innovation

03 Roadmap Mentors

Mentors are responsible for:

— Reviewing all weekly assignments

immediately following weekly

submissions. (Review will occur during the

36 hours between Monday at midnight

and Wednesday’s weekly workshop)

— Leading feedback sessions during the

60-minute weekly virtual workshop

to provide feedback on reviewed

submissions.

— Providing up to 1 hour of coaching to the

first-place team immediately following

the weekly workshop.

MENTORS ARE THERE TO GUIDE YOU & HELP YOU TAKE YOUR PROJECT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.20

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03 Roadmap Design Brief - Project Summary

Project Description

How might we develop new circular products, services, or business models for the retail industry?

Exploration Questions Judging Criteria

Scope Your idea should:

1. Develop new products, services, or business models that transform the retail industry

2. Incorporate the three principles of the circular economy:

— Design out waste and pollution — Keep products and materials in use

— Regenerate natural systems

3. Target young consumers (Millennials/ Gen Z)* in the following retailing categories: clothing and shoes, sporting goods, entertainment, toys, health and wellbeing, electronics, home decor, furniture, and kitchen appliances

4. Leverage emerging technologies to enable your transformative products, services, or new business models

Millennials: 23 - 38 years old Gen Z: 4 - 24 years old*

(30 points) Seven Virtual Design Thinking Assignments

— (3 points/week) Awarded to every team that completes the weekly assignment

— (2 points/week) Awarded to top five teams every week (selected by weekly Mentor) (Special Note: The best six assignments will be considered from each team.)

(70 points) Pitch Presentation Presented During Finals at McGill University (40 points) Content

— Fulfills the principles of the circular economy — Engages the next generation of consumers — Clearly demonstrates a transformation in the retail industry

— Leverages emerging technologies

(30 points) Presentation Skills

— Presentation is well-structured, cohesive and clear — Demonstrates a high degree of creative confidence and a WOW factor

— Responds effectively to questions from judges

Transform the Retail Industry

How does your idea transform the retail industry?

Circular Economy Principles

What stakeholders are part of the value chain in retail circular economies?

Target Young Consumers (Millenials/GenZ)*

What are the current barriers for young consumers to participate in circular economies with retailers and consumer products or services?

What value will your idea provide to young consumers?

Leverage Emerging Technologies

What emerging technologies can enable your transformative product, service, or new business model/venture, and better engage young consumers?

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03 Roadmap Prep Work / Workshops / Assignments

Week 1September 23 - 29

Insights into Design Thinking

WORKSHOP PREP WORK

1. Watch 3 Videos: Introduction to Circular Economy Total Time: 6:55 minutes

2. Circular Opportunities Worksheet Total Activity Time: 1 hour

3. Team Persona Board Total Activity Time: 20 minutes

WORKSHOP PREP WORK

1. Watch 1 Video: Finding a Circular Opportunity Total Time: 2:08 minutes

2. Circular Flows Worksheet Total Activity Time: 1 hour

WORKSHOP PREP WORK

1. Watch 2 Videos: Circular Design Opportunities Total Time: 7:19 minutes

2. Barriers Breakdown + Circular Buy-In Worksheet Total Activity Time: 2 hours

WORKSHOP — Sept. 25

Topics covered — Identify An Opportunity — Scope Your Project — Design Brief Introduction

WORKSHOP — Oct. 2

Topics covered — Make Your Plans — Do Research

Mentor Feedback - Assignment #1

WORKSHOP — Oct. 9

Topics covered — Do Research — Identify Insights

Mentor Feedback - Assignment #2

POST-WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT #1

1. Tear-Down Lab + Smart Materials Choices Every Team uploads a PPT of their tear-down lab + Smart Materials Choices worksheet Due: Sept. 30 by 11:59pm ET. Total Activity Time: 2-3 Hours

2. Product Category Choice (Google Form) Due: Sept. 30 by 11:59pm ET.

POST-WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT #2

1. Product Journey Mapping Every Team uploads a PPT with their Product Journey Map Due: Oct. 7 by 11:59pm ET. Total Activity Time: 3 Hours

2. Journal #1 Due: Oct. 9 by 9am ET.

POST-WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT #3

1. User-Centered Research Every Team uploads a PPT with their interview summaries and key insights Due: Oct. 14 by 11:59pm ET. Total Activity Time: 4 Hours

2. Journal #2 Due: Oct. 16 by 9am ET.

Week 2September 30 - October 6

Gather Inspiration

Week 3October 7 - 13

Identify a Need

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Week 4October 14- 20

Generate Ideas

WORKSHOP PREP WORK

1. Watch 1 Video: Adopting a Systems Mindset Total Time: 2:03 minutes

2. Establish Design Criteria

WORKSHOP PREP WORK

1. Watch 1 Video: Business Model Canvas Total Time: 2:20 minutes

2. Continuous Learning Loops Worksheet Total Activity Time: 1 hour

WORKSHOP PREP WORK

1. Watch 1 Video: The Power of Feedback Mechanisms Total Time: 1:40 minutes

2. Concept Selection Worksheet Total Activity Time: 1 hour

WORKSHOP — Oct. 16

Topics covered — Establish Design Criteria — Brainstorm Ideas — Half Sheets

Mentor Feedback Assignment #3

WORKSHOP — Oct. 23

Topics covered — Develop Prototypes

Mentor Feedback Assignment #4

WORKSHOP — Oct. 30

Topics covered — Surface Key Assumptions — Develop Financial Models

Mentor Feedback Assignment #5

POST-WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT #4

1. Ideas Capture Every Team uploads a PPT with at least 15 Ideas.. Due:: Oct. 21 by 11:59pm ET. Total Activity Time: 2-3 Hours

2. Journal #3 Due Sept. 23 by 9pm ET.

POST-WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT #5

1. Business Model Canvas Every Team uploads 3 Prototypes Due: Oct. 28 by 11:59pm ET. Total Activity Time: 2-3 Hours

2. Journal #4 Due: Oct. 30 by 9am ET.

POST-WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT #6

1. TAM/SAM/SOM Financials Every Team uploads a PPT with TAM/SAM/SOM Financial summary Due: Nov. 4 by 11:59pm ET. Total Activity Time: 2-3 Hours

2. Journal #5 Due: Nov. 6 by 9am ET.

Week 5October 21 - 27

Prototype Solutions

Week 6October 28 - November 3

Test Assumptions + Financial Models

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03 Roadmap Prep Work / Workshops / Assignments

Week 7November 4 - 10

Storytelling

WORKSHOP PREP WORK

1. Watch 1 Video: This Adidas Shoe is Made of Ocean Plastic Total Time: 48 seconds

2. Embed Feedback Worksheet Total activity time - 3 hours

FINALS PREP WORK

1. Pitch Presentation 1.0 Every Team uploads Pitch Presentation 1.0 by Nov. at 12:00pm ET.

WORKSHOP — Nov. 6

Topics covered — Storytelling

Mentor Feedback Assignment #6

ON-SITE WORKSHOP — Nov. 14, 4:00 PM ET

Topics covered — Pitching Your Ideas

DRESS REHEARSAL — Nov. 15 - 9AM ET

Every Team participates in dress rehearsal on Friday, Nov. 15 for feedback and iteration

Mentor Feedback

POST-WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT #7

1. Brand Promise Every Team uploads a PPT with Brand Promise summary Due: Nov. 11 by 11:59pm ET. Total Activity Time: 3 Hours

2. Journal #6 Due: Nov. 6 by 9am ET.

POST-WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT

1. Final Pitch Presentation Every Team uploads a final Pitch Presentation Due: Nov. 15 by 6:00pm ET.

2. Semi-Final Judging Saturday morning, Nov. 16.

3. Final Round Judging Saturday afternoon, Nov. 16

Week 8November 11 - 17

Pitch Week

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03 Roadmap Prep Work / Workshops / Assignments

03 Finals Weekend Schedule20

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11: 00 AM - 12:00 PM

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

1:30 PM - 4:00 PM 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

6:00 PM

9:30 AM

11:30 AM

12:00 PM

1:00 PM

2:00 PM

2:30 PM

5:45 PM

6:00 PM

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

10:00 AM

Assemble in Bronfman Lobby Welcome Lunch / Parade of Champions Each team to present themselves

Group Photo at steps of Arts Building with Team ColorsT-Shirt Exchange with other teams

Place Ville Marie Observatory / McGIll University tour

PRESENTATION SKILLS WORKSHOP

Working Dinner

SEMI-FINALS CASE PRESENTATIONS Judges choose top teams from each division to move to finals

Lunch with judges

Judges provide feedback (10 minutes each team)

Announcement of top team per division(6 finalists teams to draw for presentation slot)Announcement of final round judges

FINAL PRESENTATIONS - Presentations are to be a maximum of 15 minutes followed by 10 minute Q&A session

Judges to deliberate on ranking of top 3 finalist teams

Judges Feedback (10 minutes each team)

FINALS AWARDS CEREMONIES Announcement of Team Ranking

PRACTICE RUN 15 minute presentation (max.) + 10 minutes of feedback Lunch

Work on final presentations

Hand in final presentations Panel Discussion / Activity

Speed networkingTeams get to meet panelists / judges

Assemble in Bronfman Lobby Company visit by bus (Company TBD)

Wednesday, November 13 (Optional)

Thursday, November 14

Friday, November 15

Saturday, November 16

04 GRC Communications

GRC Slack Channel

Each GRC participant will be invited to

our GRC Slack channel. We use Slack to

communicate up-to-the-minute information,

share resources and network with the teams.

Weekly Update

Each Friday every GRC participant will

receive an update with a recap of the week’s

events, activities, next steps, schedule

and logistics details and tips for meeting

assignments.

Weekly Journal

Each Monday every GRC participant will

receive a weekly check-in to see how their

team is doing and find out if they are

ready to rock the next assignment. We will

follow up with support for teams needing

assistance.

Weekly Workshop

Each Wednesday at 12:00pm ET, we will

host a weekly workshop. A circular economy

Mentor will provide feedback on the weekly

assignments and award challenge points

to the top 5 teams. In a design project,

knowledge is produced not disseminated.

That means that as a team you will

develop knowledge through activities and

assignments. The completion of all pre-work

and weekly as-signments will prepare you for

all the workshops.

1:1 Mentorship

Each week one team will win a chance for a

1 hour 1:1 conversation with the weekly

mentor. The 1:1 session will immediately

follow the Weekly Workshop and will provide

the winning team with individual feedback

on their assignment and ideas.

WE WANT TO SUPPORT YOUR GRC JOURNEY. WEEKLY CONVERSATIONS SPARK NEW IDEAS AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCHANGE FEEDBACK.

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04 GRC Communications Weekly Calendar20

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e HERE ARE THE COMMUNICATIONS CHANNELS WE’LL MAINTAIN DURING THE GLOBAL RETAIL CHALLENGE.

Weekly Journal

GRC participants will receive

a weekly journal on Monday

afternoons at 12pmET to

document places where

they might be stuck or need

some support.

Weekly Workshop

The GRC Leadership

Team will hold weekly

workshops on Wednesday

afternoons at 12pmET to

introduce assignments,

review progress and provide

feedback from industry

expert Mentors.

Weekly Update

GRC designers will receive

an update every Friday

afternoon by 12 pmET with a

recap of the week’s activities,

next steps, tips for meeting

assignments and schedule

and logistics details.