Michael Hodgkinson

Oversee operations across a group of high-volume franchise locations in the GTA, including Ontario’s only Kosher grocery stores within the FreshCo franchise network. Accountable for financial performance, team development, and execution of enterprise priorities across a complex, multi-unit retail environment. Drive business results through strong franchise partnerships, consistent operational standards, and a disciplined focus on leadership capability and accountability. Champion a culture of operational excellence rooted in retail fundamentals, elevating execution, customer experience, and local ownership of performance. Serve as a key connector between corporate strategy and field-level execution in a dynamic, service-oriented environment.

Led pricing and space planning strategy across the Discount division, partnering with merchandising, operations, and category teams to align shelf design, pricing, and customer experience. Focused on optimizing in-store execution through data-driven decisions that balanced efficiency, margin, and market competitiveness. Supported FreshCo and Chalo! FreshCo by enhancing private label visibility, advancing planogram performance, and refining price positioning in response to a dynamic retail environment. Known for connecting strategy to store-level execution, ensuring that merchandising and operational priorities translated into real results across hundreds of locations.

Expanded responsibility to lead operational planning and capital strategy across multiple formats within the Discount division, managing both corporate and franchise locations nationwide. Managed store remodels, technology rollouts, and capital investment initiatives across a 500-store network, collaborating closely with real estate, merchandising, and operations teams. Delivered scalable solutions that aligned store design, planogram standards, and customer experience with overarching banner strategies, driving consistency, efficiency, and sustained growth.

Led store renovation planning for the No Frills banner, delivering over 90 remodels annually in partnership with franchise owners. Focused on bringing the brand’s updated merchandising and store design to markets across Canada, supporting long-term growth and improved customer experience. Used data-driven insights to optimize assortment and space productivity, tailoring solutions to local demand while enhancing sales performance and operational efficiency. Contributed to positioning No Frills for sustained competitiveness and growth within the discount grocery landscape.

Owned P&L and growth strategy for multiple Centre of Store categories within the Discount division. Led supplier partnerships, pricing strategy, planogram alignment, and promotional effectiveness to exceed business objectives. Drove category performance through data-driven insights, competitive analysis, and innovative product and promotional strategies. Collaborated closely with suppliers to optimize assortments, negotiate agreements, and identify emerging trends, strengthening margins and market share. Led a team of six direct reports, fostering collaboration and accountability to deliver consistent category growth and operational excellence.