The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has merged with Shelfspace, the merchants' association for retailers in B.C. and Alberta.
The new entity will launch a Vancouver-based division in January that will be named MySTORE and will serve small business owners across Canada.
The move comes three years after Retail BC rebranded as Shelfspace following its 2008 merger with Retail Alberta.
"MySTORE will provide the resources – in both human capital and talent – required to address the specific needs and concerns of smaller retailers," said RCC president Diane Brisebois.
Mark Startup, former CEO of Shelfspace, has been appointed vice-president in charge of all matters affecting independent retailers across Canada. He will be supported by a team of employees located across Canada.
Startup told Business in Vancouver that the name Shelfspace had been received well.
The Shelfspace brand included the tagline "the association of retail entrepreneurs" to make it clear that Shelfspace is an association.
MySTORE will have the tagline, "the independent division of the Retail Council of Canada."
