Katherine Radin

Katherine Radin has been a content editor with MultiBriefs since 2013. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Honours English, and from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Masters of Arts in Communication Studies. She has worked behind the scenes at a local television station, been a university-level teaching assistant, and has served as a digital media research assistant at the Laurier News Lab.

Contact Katherine Radin:

Articles by Katherine Radin

• Bracketology in business: Strategic planning lessons from March Madness

  Wednesday, March 27, 2024

  Learn more about how you can apply some strategic lessons from high-performance sports teams, like those who compete in March Madness, to your business.

• Healthy aging, for all ages: The impact of music on cognitive development

  Monday, March 25, 2024

  From child development through to old age, learn more about the neuroscience of how music can help the human brain develop and remain healthy.

• What to avoid when hosting your next workplace health and wellness challenge

  Tuesday, March 05, 2024

  Promoting employee health and wellness is a great initiative, but it's important to avoid some common pitfalls to ensure buy-in from teams.

• The importance of giving the right feedback as a member of the C-suite

  Wednesday, February 21, 2024

  C-Suite professionals must understand the importance of providing the right feedback to employees. Learn why you should lean into constructive feedback.

• Setting yourself up for professional success: How to ask the right questions in interviews

  Thursday, February 08, 2024

  Asking the right questions during a job interview is vital to your success. Get tips to help you prepare and tackle interviews.

• Post-Covid: Navigating evolving consumer preferences

  Thursday, January 18, 2024

  Covid-19 disrupted the entire retail industry. Learn more about how to succeed in retail three years after the global pandemic.

• Flight delays: Airlines and Biden’s new rules

  Thursday, November 16, 2023

  President Biden is committed to protecting consumers affected by flight delays and cancellations, but how will that affect airlines?

• Blank check: Taylor’s version of the NFL

  Tuesday, October 24, 2023

  Taylor Swift's attendance at NFL games brings in new viewers and brands are capitalizing on the marketing opportunities. Find out how.

• Why upskilling and reskilling are important

  Friday, September 29, 2023

  Learn why upskilling and reskilling are important for employees looking to remain competitive in a modern professional landscape.

• Technology in retail: How innovative tech empowers SMBs

  Monday, August 28, 2023

  Learn more about the advantages of innovative technology in retail and how it can be used to level the playing field for SMBs.

• Customer experience and employee engagement: An interconnected working relationship

  Monday, May 08, 2023

  The link between employee engagement and customer experience can lead company's success or failure. Find out how to strengthen that link here.

• Revenge travel: Making up for lost time, but at what cost?

  Friday, October 21, 2022

  Revenge travel is taking the hospitality industry by storm as tourists take advantage of lighter pandemic travel restrictions. Read on to find out more about the trend and its impact.

• Restaurants are re-prioritizing the takeout experience for a post-pandemic world

  Monday, August 16, 2021

  Consumer behavior has shifted greatly since March 2020, and restaurants have responded. While "the restaurant of the future" was often discussed, the coronavirus pandemic forced restaurateurs to truly adopt those futuristic practices. With a focus on improving the customer experience, bolstering loyalty programs, and revitalizing the drive-thru experience, quick-service restaurants are setting themselves up for success now, and in the post-COVID world.

• Hotel industry trying to capitalize on vaccinated tourists, but continues to face obstacles

  Tuesday, July 27, 2021

  ​As vaccinations ramp up and re-openings continue on a global scale, the hotel industry is eager to move past the coronavirus pandemic. But COVID-19 variants loom, labor shortages have decimated staffing numbers, and government policies are forcing a new path forward, rather than a return to how things once were. Let's take a look at some of the challenges the industry is facing.

• Will the 2020s see the rise of the retail robots?

  Tuesday, January 28, 2020

  Given the current retail landscape, it comes as no surprise that retailers are diversifying their strategies to avoid closings or losing business to online shoppers. At the National Retail Federation's recent trade show, robots took the spotlight as a solution for retailers looking to improve their inventory management strategies. Some retailers have already been using robots in their distribution centers, and Walmart has recently adopted these high-tech "employees" as well. What does that mean for the industry, retail workers, and in-store shoppers?

• Starbucks’ mobile app: Creating a venti impact in customer loyalty

  Thursday, April 25, 2019

  Starbucks may have been ahead of its time in 2008 when it introduced its Starbucks Card rewards program. Encouraging coffee enthusiasts to register for a "frequent buyer" card, fans of the coffee chain found themselves drinking their way from Welcome Level through to Gold Level status. As smartphone technology improved over the years, the loyalty program went hand-in-hand with Starbucks’ mobile app and mobile ordering system. What was originally seen as a form of convenience is now inspiring retailers to hop aboard the mobile loyalty program train.

• Is Canadian retail finally on the path to redemption?

  Tuesday, April 16, 2019

  The past few years have made it seem as though retailers haven't been able to catch a break in Canada. Another month, another shutdown, or so it’s seemed. Retailers and commercial landlords in the country have experienced a wild ride, with Target opening and closing; Future Shop shutting down; and Sears, Black's, and Gymboree closing — to name a few. Although some chains continue to experience financial turmoil, the dust has begun to settle, and perhaps clear, as landlords have begun to find creative ways to showcase shopping malls in a new light.

• 3 venues shaping the future of sporting events

  Monday, March 18, 2019

  Every sports season brings a new set of hopes for fans. While many are optimistic their team will make the playoffs or win a championship, others in some areas are looking forward to gaining a new team or venue in their town. From a fan experience perspective, outdoor viewing parties near stadiums have become popular in recent years, and arenas are continuing to progress much further than one could have ever expected. With promises of holograms and gondolas, let’s take a look at the current pulse of sports venue modernizations.

• Black Friday, Cyber Monday joined by a travel companion

  Friday, November 16, 2018

  Perhaps the official start to the holiday shopping season, Black Friday has long served as a chaotic day of consumerism to follow Thanksgiving. However, a recent survey by OpenX and The Harris Poll showed that, this year, shoppers are skipping the day altogether. Given the current state of brick-and-mortar retailers, it seems that retailers may have to rethink their Black Friday strategies in the years to come. But it also appears that a new discounted shopping day is on the horizon, reflecting current consumer behavior.

• Is the Toys R Us revival too little, too late?

  Friday, October 19, 2018

  Given the number of long-standing retailers that have recently shuttered, the news of an almost-immediate revival for one has come as a surprise. Toys R Us has announced that it has risen from the grave — otherwise known as bankruptcy court. With plans for both Toys R Us and Babies R Us to be operated by the very debtors to which the company owed money, and to have the new moniker of "Geoffrey’s Toy Box," both questions and excitement have emerged for how the company will revive itself.

• Vending machines poised to take retail to a new dimension

  Friday, September 21, 2018

  As long-standing merchants such as Sears and Toys R Us shutter, retailers continue to feel the pressure to perform "in person." When we discussed this topic more than a year ago, commercial landlords were turning to restaurants and food markets to help fill the void. Now, it seems that a more technological approach could be seen in the future — with the use of vending machines. A beloved vendor of chips, chocolate bars, and carbonated beverages, the humble vending machine has dished out a more diverse lineup of products for sale over the years, from makeup, to books, to electronics.

• Canada 151 and beyond: 3 ways tourism continues to grow

  Thursday, April 19, 2018

  ​In 2017, the Canadian tourism industry made waves with its Canada 150 campaign. Touting 150 years of Canadian culture and tradition, the industry reaped the benefits by attracting millions of visitors from around the globe. As the statistics have poured in, it has become clear that the future of Canadian tourism will continue to be bright for its 151st year and beyond.

• Arena deal brings hope to Seattle and others

  Friday, January 05, 2018

  Last month, the Seattle City Council voted 7-1 to approve a $660 million package to renovate Key Arena and upgrade the surrounding infrastructure. While I had previously written about plans for Key Arena to be up and running by 2020, this vote confirmed a bright future for the city.

• Somewhere to call home: Seattle, Calgary arenas tell two tales

  Thursday, October 26, 2017

  With several professional sports leagues contemplating expansion opportunities, location is one of the most obvious factors to consider. Financial contributions from a team owner and local government also come into play.

• Rise of new fall flavor puts pumpkin spice in sticky situation

  Tuesday, September 12, 2017

  ​Sweater weather and students going back to school once signified the beginning of the fall season, but in recent years the launch of everything pumpkin spice has done the trick. As pumpkin spice lattes, desserts, products and more largely become available around Labor Day, customers flock to stores to partake in the limited edition goodness.

• Niagara Falls attractions secure despite Toronto casino plans

  Thursday, August 17, 2017

  After years of debate, a casino is coming to Toronto. Great Canadian Gaming Corp. and Brookfield Business Partners recently announced a partnership to upgrade the OLG Slots at Woodbine to a full casino and entertainment/hotel complex.

• Charcoal treats: Latest food fad may black out medications’ properties

  Thursday, August 03, 2017

  ​Over-the-top ice cream cones, rainbow bagels, unicorn Frappuccinos ... Every few months, a new food fad hits, prompting diners to share bright photos of the latest treat on their social media feeds.

• Today’s sports venues are taking the viewing experience outside

  Tuesday, August 01, 2017

  High ticket prices have often discouraged fans from seeing a game at their local sports arena or stadium. Teams have recognized this, and in recent years have allowed fans to watch the big game on large screens outside with hundreds, if not thousands, of other individuals like themselves.

• Toronto’s rubber duck: Waste of money or clever tourist attraction?

  Wednesday, July 12, 2017

  Canada 150 celebrations recently kicked off with the arrival of the world's largest rubber duck floating ashore at Toronto's harbourfront. As the guest of honour for the Redpath Waterfront Festival, the rubber duck was a point of contention, costing taxpayers $120,000 for its appearance and tour along the waterways of Ontario.

• Starbucks unveils new lunch menu to compete with Chipotle, Panera

  Tuesday, June 06, 2017

  Since their first store opened in 1971, Starbucks has come a long way from being known as "just a coffee shop." As the company has grown at a monumental pace, they have moved beyond their traditional coffee- and tea-based menu offerings in an attempt to stay competitive with other fast food restaurants.

• Will Ticketmaster’s new program finally put an end to scalping bots?

  Wednesday, May 31, 2017

  ​Event-goers know that purchasing tickets to an upcoming concert or show can often be a race against time. If they aren't able to score tickets during a presale, there may be few options left by the time the tickets go on sale to the general public.

• Struggling malls aim to satisfy customers’ hunger

  Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  With the acceleration of retail closures in recent years, shopping malls and commercial landlords are finding themselves pressed to find new, profitable tenants. I've previously noted that commercial property management teams have begun looking for other ways to fill the void left by shuttered retailers.

• From in-store to online: Charting the shutdown of digital retailers

  Wednesday, February 15, 2017

  Since the start of the year, Canadians have faced a few retail closures, with HMV being the most recent high-profile victim. As consumers shift their shopping behaviours toward the online marketplace, some bricks-and-mortar retail locations are becoming scarcer. Digital retailers with physical stores are especially feeling this crunch.

• From TPP to NAFTA: International trade in Trump’s America

  Monday, January 30, 2017

  When I wrote about the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in November of 2015, I concluded by asking where we would be in a year. At the time, the Canadian political landscape had seen the election of Liberal leader Justin Trudeau to replace Conservative leader Stephen Harper as the prime minister of Canada. A year later, the political landscape has changed once again, this time with the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States of America.

• How will the rise of Black Friday in Canada affect Boxing Day?

  Tuesday, December 06, 2016

  In years past, holiday shopping for Canadians meant going to the local mall or store a few weeks before Christmas, picking out an item for an intended recipient and making a purchase — likely at full price. In recent years, however, this has changed. The spread of American "shopping holidays" such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday to the north have offered Canadians a chance to save in the weeks leading up to the holidays. This year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday broke several records, and shoppers are completing their holiday shopping at discounted rates.

• Picking up where Pokemon Go left off: Nintendo’s plans for holiday domination

  Thursday, October 20, 2016

  Nostalgic for their past, those who played with Pokemon cards and video games in the late 1990s shifted to a new platform this summer: their smartphone. Three months after its debut this summer, Pokemon Go has broken several records worldwide and was recently named the highest earning iOS app in the U.S., U.K. and Canada.

• World Cup of Hockey 2016: New avenues for advertising

  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  The NHL's reintroduction of the World Cup of Hockey has provided fans a glimpse of the action to come in the season ahead. For the two-week tournament, the league managed to set some sizable goals for earning revenue. Through TV rights, merchandise sales, in-game advertisements and more, the NHL has set a new bar in their level of advertising exposure through innovation and technology.

• World Cup of Hockey 2016: Bonding fans and tourists

  Thursday, September 22, 2016

  As the 2016-17 NHL season approaches, fans are enjoying some hockey action in the month of September. An eight-team tournament running every four years and governed by the NHL, the World Cup of Hockey has certainly ramped up excitement in recent weeks.

• 5 culinary experiences Canadians are craving this summer

  Tuesday, July 12, 2016

  Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snack time. These are meals tourists must factor into any trip. Tourists often venture to cities and countries alike for a literal taste of something new and authentic. Parisian macarons? New England clam chowder? Of course.

• Canada’s weakened economy still a bright spot for American tourists

  Wednesday, January 27, 2016

  When Canada's economy began to plunge last year, many financial experts predicted a recession wouldn't last, as it was nowhere near as severe as the 2009 recession in the United States. And even so, this was not a threat to the Canadian tourism industry — Americans and other travelers ​were visiting Canada in record numbers, making the most of their valuable dollars.

• Paws-ing to consider holiday revenues in the pet retail market

  Thursday, November 19, 2015

  ​With major shopping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day on the horizon, consumers are likely thinking about scoring the greatest deals on electronics or home appliances. Perhaps they are thinking about starting some of their holiday shopping for their friends and family.

• The TPP text has been released — Where does Canada go from here?

  Monday, November 09, 2015

  This fall, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was signed by 12 Pacific Rim countries, creating a global trading block that represented about 40 per cent of the world's domestic product. At the time the TPP was announced, Canada's then-prime minster, Stephen Harper, stated that the document would be made available following the Canadian federal election.

• The Trans-Pacific Partnership’s impact on small businesses in Canada

  Friday, October 30, 2015

  After years of negotiation, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was signed this fall by 12 Pacific Rim countries to open up global trading opportunities. Not since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have countries seen such an impactful trade block. While NAFTA consists of an agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico, the TPP represents about 40 percent of the world's gross domestic product.

• The Canadian economy’s impact on the retail holiday season ahead

  Monday, October 12, 2015

  The Canadian retail sector has seen several closures this year — Target, Future Shop, and Black's, to name a few. Combined with the country's current economic state, the holiday season ahead might not bring the most positive outlook for retailers.

• Buzzing Toronto sports scene bringing boost to tourism industry

  Tuesday, September 29, 2015

  As the seasons change, so does Toronto's sports scene. From hockey to basketball to baseball and everything in between, Toronto's sports teams have built great empires for themselves, raking in millions of dollars every season.

• 3 iPhone developments Canadians should consider

  Thursday, September 17, 2015

  With millions of iPhones preordered worldwide, Apple's launch of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus has techies, retailers and consumers buzzing with speculation. Articles investigating the end user's experience have flooded the Web with speculation. How will 3-D Touch change our lives? Why didn't they address battery lifespan? How will iOS 9 differentiate itself from iOS 8?

• American tourists flock north as Canadian dollar plummets

  Monday, September 14, 2015

  Canada's economy has been sliding for months due to plunging gas and oil prices, and it was recently declared that the country is indeed in a recession. As Canadians watch the value of their dollar decline, they are also witnessing a boom in their tourism industry. In recent months, Americans have been coming to Canada in record numbers, looking to make use of the increased value of their dollar.