• 00:00:00 - Introduction
• 00:01:13 - Economic Forecast 2026: Insights from BMO's Chief Economist
• 00:11:34 - Reflecting on 2025 with Sean McCormick: A Flat Holiday Spend and Its Implications
• 00:19:13 - AI and Retail Evolution: Preparing for 2026 with Mastercard’s Benjamin Jacob
• 00:28:08 - Outro

Chapter 1: Economic Forecast 2026: Insights from BMO's Chief Economist

Al sat down with Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at BMO, to unpack the top 3 economic stories of 2025, and to look at the year ahead in Canada’s economy. He also offers some helpful insights for Canadian small business owners.

Chapter 2: Reflecting on 2025 with Sean McCormick: A Flat Holiday Spend and Its Implications

Data Expert Sean McCormick joins Al to break down the latest holiday consumer spending trends. Was spending up, down, or flat this year? Which provinces came out on top? Which days were the busiest—and has Boxing Day lost its traditional shopping momentum? Get these answers and more insights in the full conversation.

Chapter 3: AI and Retail Evolution: Preparing for 2026 with Mastercard’s Benjamin Jacob

Don't miss our chat with MasterCard's Benjamin Jacob on the evolving consumer behavior and adaptive economies. Discover how AI and strategic spending are revolutionizing the way Canadians shop!

Links of Interest:

• BMO
• BMO Capital Markets
• Moneris Data Services
• Mastercard
• Mastercard Small Business Resources

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If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

• 00:00:00 - Introduction
• 00:00:52 - Small Business & Charity: How Communities Support Ronald McDonald House
• 00:11:16 - Call For Small Campaign Winners
• 00:11:50 - Inside Black Friday 2025: What the Data Tells Us
• 00:21:22 - Outro

Chapter 1: Small Business & Charity: How Communities Support Ronald McDonald House

Al is joined by Kate Horton from Ronald McDonald House Canada. She shares stories of how the organization supports families during their child's medical treatments. Ronald McDonald House Canada has supported more than 500,000 families across Canada since inception in 1981.

Learn how you can help make a difference.

Chapter 2: Inside Black Friday 2025: What the Data Tells Us

Join Al as he dives into the results from Black Friday 2025 with resident data expert Sean McCormick. Despite high hopes, spending was down 4% year-over-year, revealing intriguing regional differences and consumer behaviors. Discover key insights into the holiday shopping season, economic pressures, and strategic tips for merchants.

Links of Interest

• Roncy Packs
• Ronald McDonald House Canada / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
• Moneris Data Services

Subscribe now!

If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Chapter 1: Maximizing Your Restaurant’s Profitability: Insights from David Hopkins

Canada's restaurant industry is grappling with rising food and labor costs, shifting consumer habits, and economic uncertainties. David Hopkins, President of The Fifteen Group, discusses how restaurants can maximize profits and create new concepts. Hopkins emphasizes the importance of detailed business planning for new restaurants and strategizing for peak seasons like the holidays. He also touches on trends and the cautious use of technology and Ai in the industry.

Chapter 2: Tech to Table: How Moneris Go Restaurant Elevates Your Business Operations

Al dives into the latest technology to streamline restaurant operations with Gad Elharrar, VP of Product, and Michael Monaghan, Director of Product at Moneris. They introduce Moneris Go Restaurant, a commerce solution designed for small and micro-merchants. Learn how this solution is exceeding expectations and meeting the evolving needs of Canadian restaurateurs.

Chapter 3: Putting a bow on consumer spending during the Toronto Blue Jays’ epic post-season

The World Series has wrapped up, and unfortunately for Canadian baseball fans, the Toronto Blue Jays came up short. While the on-field results weren’t what we hoped for, the story at the cash register tells a different tale for small Canadian businesses. Al sits down with consumer spending data expert Sean McCormick to break down the numbers from Toronto’s postseason run. The conversation even takes a therapeutic turn as Sean helps Al process the loss.

Links of Interest

• The Fifteen Group
• Moneris Go Restaurant
• Moneris Data Services

Subscribe now!

If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.