Purdys Chocolatier Expands 2025 Pop-Up Stores Across Canada

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October 23, 2025

Circle Centre - edit — Purdys Chocolatier pop-up store at The Centre Mall in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 2024. Photo: Purdys Chocolatier

Vancouver-based Purdys Chocolatier is once again expanding its national presence through a new series of Purdys Chocolatier pop-up stores launching across Canada. Beginning October 25, 2025, the century-old Canadian chocolate maker will open eight new pop-up shops in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. The initiative marks the third consecutive year of Purdys’ successful temporary retail program, which has evolved into a strategic growth driver for the brand.

The new pop-up stores will be located in shopping centres including Central City Shopping Centre in Surrey, Totem Mall in Fort St. John BC, Brentwood Commons Shopping Centre in Lloydminster AB, Cornerstone Shopping Mall in Okotoks AB, Cornwall Centre in Regina, Quinte Mall in Belleville ON, Lansdowne Place in Peterborough, and Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener. The shops will operate through early April 2026, ensuring coverage across the key holiday and Easter retail periods.

Building on Three Years of Pop-Up Success

According to Kriston Dean, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Purdys Chocolatier, customer engagement has been central to the success of these temporary stores. “We are so fortunate to have such strong connections with customers who love our chocolates, which allows us to expand our pop-up strategy again this year,” said Dean.

Two of last year’s pop-ups in Courtenay, British Columbia, and St. Catharines, Ontario have now transitioned into permanent locations at Driftwood Mall and Niagara Pen Centre respectively. The company has also opened a new permanent store in Medicine Hat, Alberta, further reinforcing the success of its pop-up to permanent model.

“We recognize there are regions across Canada where we have yet to establish a physical presence,” Dean added. “We combine customer feedback and data from our sales channels to strategically identify locations and opportunities for growth. There is much more to come as we continue to strive to deliver connection and joy through our chocolates, both in our retail locations and through digital commerce.”

A Data-Driven Approach to Local Growth

The company’s approach to pop-up expansion blends customer analytics with local market engagement. Using insights from online sales, social media interactions, and fundraising program data, Purdys identifies communities with high brand awareness but limited access to physical stores. This analytical process ensures that Purdys Chocolatier pop-up stores are strategically located in areas with strong potential for long-term success.

By focusing on both qualitative and quantitative feedback, Purdys has refined a formula that balances corporate growth with community connection. The result is a retail model that prioritizes accessibility, familiarity, and customer experience, all while maintaining operational flexibility through modular store design.

Pop-Ups as a Strategic Retail Model

Purdys first began experimenting with seasonal pop-ups in 2023, testing locations in Fort McMurray, Alberta; Cranbrook, British Columbia; and Courtenay, British Columbia. These trial sites were designed to operate through high-demand periods such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter, before being evaluated for long-term viability.

The early experiments were a resounding success. By early 2024, two of the pilot stores had exceeded sales expectations and transitioned into permanent shops. The format quickly became a cornerstone of Purdys’ retail growth strategy, allowing the company to test new markets efficiently without the long-term risk of traditional store leases.

Previous prototype: 2023 rendering of a pop-up store. Image: Purdys Chocolatier

The Design of the Purdys Experience

Each Purdys Chocolatier pop-up store is built to deliver the brand’s hallmark in-store experience within a flexible footprint. Modular fixtures, signature purple branding, and curated product displays ensure that even temporary locations feel like full-fledged Purdys stores.

While some offerings, such as loose chocolates and ice cream, are unavailable due to logistical limitations, the pop-ups feature the company’s most popular items, including boxed assortments, gift collections, and specialty bars. This streamlined product mix helps optimize operational efficiency while maintaining the premium, handcrafted quality that defines the Purdys experience.

The design philosophy behind these pop-ups also speaks to Purdys’ adaptability in the evolving retail landscape. With many shopping centres undergoing tenant turnover and redevelopment, modular pop-up formats provide landlords with attractive short-term tenants while giving brands like Purdys the ability to quickly scale presence during peak seasons.

Heritage Rooted in Canadian Craftsmanship

Founded in 1907 by Richard Carmon Purdy in Vancouver, Purdys began as a small artisan chocolate shop on Robson Street. The brand’s reputation for handcrafted quality and fresh ingredients quickly made it a local favourite. More than a century later, Purdys remains a family-owned business, operating over 80 retail outlets across five provinces and producing all its chocolates in Vancouver.

Signature products such as Sweet Georgia Browns, Hedgehogs, English Toffee, and Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels continue to define the brand’s identity, while newer innovations like ruby chocolate lines have kept it at the forefront of confectionery trends.

The company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable cocoa has been a key part of its philosophy, with initiatives like Purple Partnerships and its Seasonal Fundraising Program helping communities across Canada. These programs not only reinforce Purdys’ social responsibility but also deepen its connection with customers who view the brand as a symbol of Canadian quality and care.

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Dr. Phone Fix acquires Geebo to enter Atlantic Canada

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 23, 2025

Dr. Phone Fix Canada Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the business assets of Geebo Device Repair Inc., a mobile-device repair chain operating in Nova Scotia.

The deal, valued at $1.35 million plus the value of saleable inventory at closing, marks Dr. Phone Fix’s strategic expansion into Atlantic Canada and supports its goal of national growth.

“This transaction marks Dr. Phone Fix’s strategic entry into Atlantic Canada, advancing our national expansion strategy and strengthening our position as a Canadian leader in consumer electronics device care and resale,” said Piyush Sawhney, founder and chief executive officer of Dr. Phone Fix.

The acquisition includes six operating Geebo stores, as well as retail leases with options for future expansion. The purchase price will be paid through a combination of $600,000 in cash, a $250,000 vendor take–back promissory note, and common shares of Dr. Phone Fix.

The company will issue $500,000 worth of shares to the seller, along with additional shares equal to the closing value of saleable inventory not covered by the cash portion. The number of shares to be issued will be determined based on the greater of the 21–day volume–weighted average trading price of Dr. Phone Fix shares on the TSX Venture Exchange, or the minimum price permitted under TSXV policies. All shares will be held in escrow and released under the terms of a standard escrow agreement.

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Dr. Phone Fix’s ongoing expansion and strengthens our position as a coast-to-coast service provider,” said Sawhney. “Establishing a strong East Coast platform immediately extends our geographic reach, creates operational synergies, and connects us with a loyal regional customer base. It also enhances our OEM-certified repair capabilities, deepens insurance-partner relationships, and reinforces our commitment to sustainable device-care practices.”

Sawhney said the company’s goal is to grow from about 35 corporate locations to more than 70 stores across Canada within the next 12 to 18 months.

Geebo’s management and team are expected to remain in place after the transaction closes to support operational continuity.

Dr. Phone Fix said it remains focused on expanding its network of corporate-owned stores while seeking new partnerships and acquisitions. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.

The company said there is no assurance the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Dr. Phone Fix was founded in 2019 and operates 35 corporate locations offering electronics repairs and certified pre-owned devices.

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Statistics Canada reports August retail growth

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 23, 2025

Retail sales in Canada increased 1.0 per cent to $70.4 billion in August, driven by higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, Statistics Canada reported Thursday.

The agency said sales were up in six of nine subsectors, with the largest gain recorded among motor vehicle and parts dealers, where sales rose 1.8 per cent for a third consecutive month. The increase was led by higher sales at new car dealers, up 2.3 per cent, and used car dealers, up 1.5 per cent.

Sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors fell 2.0 per cent in August, marking the second consecutive monthly decrease. In volume terms, sales at these outlets dropped 2.6 per cent.

Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—increased 1.1 per cent in August, following a 1.2 per cent decline in July. Statistics Canada said the rise was “on higher receipts at general merchandise retailers (+2.4%).”

Higher sales were also reported at clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, jewelry, luggage and leather goods retailers, which were up 3.2 per cent in August. The largest decline in core retail sales came from building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers, where sales decreased 0.3 per cent.

Retail sales increased in five provinces during the month. The largest provincial gain in dollar terms was in Ontario, where sales rose 1.2 per cent on higher receipts at motor vehicle and parts dealers. In the Toronto census metropolitan area, sales were up 2.4 per cent.

In Quebec, retail sales rose 1.8 per cent in August, marking the third straight monthly increase. In the Montréal census metropolitan area, sales increased 2.3 per cent. Nova Scotia saw the largest provincial decline, with sales down 0.5 per cent, led by lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail e-commerce sales increased 0.1 per cent to $4.3 billion in August, accounting for 6.1 per cent of total retail trade, compared with 6.2 per cent in July.

Statistics Canada also provided an advance estimate suggesting retail sales decreased 0.7 per cent in September. The agency noted that “owing to its early nature, this figure will be revised.” The advance estimate was based on responses from 48.4 per cent of companies surveyed, compared with an average final response rate of 89.3 per cent over the previous 12 months.

“Canadian retail sales have seen plenty of ups and downs this year, but through the volatility sales volumes have had little upward momentum. If the third quarter ends on a sour note, as the advance estimate suggests, then sales volumes for the quarter as a whole will be little changed relative to Q2, pointing to a re-weakening of overall consumer spending. That would justify the further 25bp interest rate cut that we expect from the Bank of Canada next week,” said Andrew Grantham, Senior Economist, CIBC Capital Markets.

Maria Solovieva, Economist, TD, said: “Retail sales data continues to exhibit volatility, with monthly figures alternating between declines and gains.

“As a result, nominal sales are currently tracking at an annualized rate of 1.2% for the quarter. The composition suggests that consumers favoured discretionary retail spending. At the same time, our internal data on credit and debit card spending shows relatively healthy gains in discretionary services categories such as travel, which rebounded sharply in Q3 after contracting in the previous quarter. Although part of this strength likely reflects higher prices.

“Taken together, the notable slow-down in durable goods spending, particularly autos, suggests real personal spending growth should drift to a below trend rate in the second half of 2025. This should give the Bank of Canada further reason to emphasize economic slack, despite September’s unexpected uptick in inflation.”

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Starbucks Canada funds $500K in hunger relief grants

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 23, 2025

Starbucks Coffee Company at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

Starbucks Canada has announced the launch of the Starbucks Capacity Grants, a new national initiative in partnership with Second Harvest aimed at strengthening local hunger relief efforts. More than $500,000 in funding has been distributed to 87 local charities and food rescue agencies across Canada.

The grants will support the expansion of the Starbucks FoodShare program, one of the largest corporate food rescue programs in the country. According to the company, the initiative is designed to enhance infrastructure, strengthen services and increase the capacity of community agencies to rescue and distribute food.

“At Starbucks Canada, we are deeply committed to supporting the communities we serve,” said Lori Digulla, senior vice-president and general manager of Starbucks Canada. “Through the Starbucks Capacity Grants, we’re proud to strengthen our partnership with Second Harvest and expand the reach of our FoodShare program with coffeehouses across the country. Together, we are making a meaningful impact by reducing food waste and helping to ensure more Canadians have access to nourishing meals.”

Since its inception in 2019, the Starbucks FoodShare program has donated food with an estimated value of $25.3 million, rescued 5.8 million meals and diverted 21.7 million kilograms of greenhouse gases by repurposing unsold, ready-to-eat food to local communities.

Second Harvest, the country’s largest food rescue organization, facilitates the FoodShare program by connecting Starbucks locations with local food rescue agencies. These partnerships help ensure that surplus food is redirected to people facing food insecurity.

“Starbucks Canada is making a powerful difference by providing critical support to the non-profit organizations that work tirelessly to feed people and strengthen communities,” said Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest. “Their leadership in launching the Starbucks Capacity Grants program is a shining example of how corporate partners can help move the needle on hunger in meaningful ways.”

Nikkel added, “With these grants, Starbucks is investing in the financial resilience of local agencies that are essential to the health and wellbeing of people and communities across Canada. We’re deeply grateful for their commitment and inspired by the impact we can achieve together.”

The grants target non-profits and charities tied to Starbucks’ company-operated stores, reflecting a broader strategy to integrate corporate resources into community-led efforts to address hunger and food waste.

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The Brick Reopens Expanded Kelowna Showroom

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Craig Patterson

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October 23, 2025

Screen Shot 2025-10-22 at 7.12.31 PM — Image: The Brick

Canadian home furnishings retailer The Brick has reopened its Kelowna showroom following an extensive renovation and expansion, introducing a refreshed retail concept designed to enhance the shopping experience for customers across the Okanagan region.

The newly reimagined 44,744-square-foot showroom, located at 948 McCurdy Road, reflects The Brick’s ongoing investment in brick-and-mortar retail, even as e-commerce plays a growing role in the furniture and appliance industry. The company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leon’s Furniture Limited (LFL Group), marked the reopening with a community celebration that included giveaways, celebrity appearances, and exclusive in-store promotions.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Kelowna community back to a completely reimagined Brick experience,” said Darci Walker, President of The Brick. “Our new layout offers more inspiration, more selection, and the same great value Canadians have come to expect from The Brick.”

The redesigned Brick Kelowna showroom features an updated layout emphasizing lifestyle inspiration, wider product selection, and improved flow between categories. The space includes expanded displays of furniture, mattresses, appliances, and electronics, all curated to help customers better visualize complete home solutions.

The opening comes at a time when the Kelowna region continues to experience strong economic and population growth. With a city population exceeding 160,000 and a metro area surpassing 220,000, Kelowna is one of the fastest-growing mid-sized cities in Western Canada. The area’s booming housing market, rising disposable income, and increasing migration from larger urban centres have made it a key retail hub in the interior of British Columbia.

“Kelowna has always been an important market for us,” said Walker. “Our goal with this new showroom is to bring even more value and inspiration to our customers here, offering not only great deals, but also design expertise and community engagement.”

Strengthening Presence Across Canada

The Kelowna reopening reflects The Brick’s national strategy of modernizing its retail footprint while maintaining its commitment to value pricing and customer service. Founded in 1971 in Edmonton, The Brick now operates more than 209 stores nationwide across banners including The Brick Super Store, The Brick Mattress Store, and The Brick Outlet.

The company is known for its broad range of furniture, appliances, and home electronics, catering to both value-conscious shoppers and those seeking customizable home design options. One of its innovations, the SOFA LAB tool, allows customers to personalize living room furniture by selecting configurations, fabrics, and colours.

The Brick also continues to support Canadian manufacturing and has cultivated strong ties to its communities.

Through partnerships with Children’s Miracle Network, Habitat for Humanity, and Breakfast for Learning, the retailer has raised over $10.6 million for charitable causes since 2014.

Part of the Leon’s Furniture Limited Group

The Brick operates under the umbrella of Leon’s Furniture Limited, which acquired the brand in 2013 for approximately $700 million, forming what is now known as LFL Group. Together, Leon’s and The Brick make up the largest home furnishings retailer in Canada, with more than 300 combined locations and an estimated 15 to 20 percent market share.

Leon’s Furniture Limited (TSX: LNF) was founded in 1909 in Welland, Ontario, by Ablan Leon and remains a family-run business while also being publicly traded. Headquartered in Toronto, the company employs more than 10,000 Canadians and generates annual revenues exceeding C$2.5 billion.

While each brand within the LFL Group operates independently, both benefit from shared logistics and service divisions such as TransGlobal Service and TransGlobal Insurance, achieving efficiencies in operations and customer care.

Under the leadership of Terrence T. Leon, Chair, Mike Walsh, President and CEO, and Victor Diab, CFO, the group continues to pursue growth across both its retail and real estate divisions. Analysts have noted that Leon’s real estate holdings, valued at roughly C$1.5 billion, provide a strong financial foundation for ongoing expansion and store reinvestment.

A Retail Landscape of Opportunity in Kelowna

The Brick’s investment in Kelowna comes amid a thriving local retail environment. The city’s retail vacancy rate sits at just 1.42 percent, among the lowest in Western Canada, while demand for new retail space continues to rise. Mixed-use developments such as Aqua, Movala, and Water Street by the Park are bringing thousands of new residents to the area, boosting local spending on home furnishings and lifestyle goods.

Kelowna’s consumer market is supported by high homeownership levels and steady tourism traffic, with visitors from Alberta and the Lower Mainland contributing significantly to year-round retail activity. Local retail sales are strong in categories such as home improvement, outdoor living, and interior design—all areas where The Brick maintains a leading national presence.

With the opening of its reimagined Brick Kelowna showroom, the company is well-positioned to meet the needs of a diverse and growing customer base that values both design inspiration and affordability.

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Gen Z entrepreneurs eye e-commerce amid challenges, TD survey finds

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 23, 2025

New TD survey data reveal that Gen Z entrepreneurs increasingly want to enter e-commerce, but face sizable barriers to success.

Key takeaways:

E-commerce focus: 1 in 4 Gen Z (25%) say they would launch an e-commerce venture using platforms like Etsy or Shopify, reflecting enthusiasm in this sector;
Barriers to success: A significant 25% of Gen Z entrepreneurs need support with the very basics of business banking, while 33% seek direct financial support;
An unparalleled economy: 75% of Gen Z aspire to own their own business amidst the worst youth unemployment crisis in over two decades.

Julia Kelly, VP of Small Business Banking at TD, said perhaps the biggest advantage to getting your business started on e-commerce is accessibility.

“There are many platforms that are user-friendly, especially for a generation that has grown up with so much technology. E-commerce is also more accessible when it comes to startup capital. You don’t need the funds to buy or rent a physical space, which means young entrepreneurs can be open for business that much sooner,” she said.

Kelly said the most important financial skill any business owner needs to master is cash forecasting.

“Have you mapped out when your customers or clients are paying you? When do you need to pay your suppliers? In many cases these two streams are on different schedules. This is something we can help new business owners figure out and stay on top of. There are ways you can ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ in business, but your finances cannot be one of them, she said.

“The key for financing decisions is in your business plan: you need to map out what the business is, what challenges you might face, and more importantly, how you plan on facing the unexpected. For Gen Z, they might lack the life experience to create a thorough business plan on their own.

“And they might not realize a bank like TD can help them, either through direct guidance or by connecting them with their network of other business owners who are often eager to provide mentorship and support. We can also provide guidance on government grants and bursaries, or government backed credit facilities they might be eligible to apply for, tailored to the specific industry or stage of business they are operating in.”

Kelly said the survey found financial freedom was a leading factor in their interest in entrepreneurship.

“It makes sense that if you’re struggling to find full-time employment, being your own boss seems like a good alternative. But this doesn’t mean entrepreneurship is easy. Running a business requires you to be all-in on your idea. Our survey also found Gen Z is worried their lack of experience could lead to business failure. This is where starting your business as a side hustle can ease you into business ownership, allowing you the time and space to learn the business while it brings in extra income,” she added.

“If there is one thing business owners tell us they could use more of, it is time. While we cannot create more time, there is an opportunity for banks could take on more of a mini-CFO role through API-driven banking so that business accounts, payments and tools integrate directly with their e-commerce ecosystem. With an increase in AI-powered tools to support business, there is an opportunity to bring self-serve advice and support to businesses that are relevant for their specific industry and stage of business.”

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Convenience stores urge reversal of nicotine pouch ban

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 23, 2025

A national group representing independent convenience stores is calling on health ministers to reconsider federal restrictions on nicotine pouches, arguing that small retailers can play a critical role in helping Canadians quit smoking.

The United Korean Commerce & Industry Association of Canada (UKCIA) is urging governments to work with licensed convenience stores in supporting tobacco reduction efforts.

“Independent convenience store operators have a long and proven record of being responsible retailers,” said Kenny Shim, president of the UKCIA. “We have always played a key role in the controlled sale of age-restricted products, and we want to be part of the solution in helping more Canadians quit smoking.”

The UKCIA, which represents nearly 2,500 independent stores across the country, is asking provincial health ministers to press federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to reverse a 2024 ministerial order banning the sale of nicotine pouches in convenience stores.

According to Shim, the ban has led to unintended consequences, including the growth of a black market and reduced access to regulated smoking cessation products.

“By banning the sale of nicotine pouches in stores where smokers have been frequenting for years, the federal government has pushed many consumers toward unregulated, illegal products,” he said. “This not only undermines public health goals but also hurts responsible retailers who follow the rules and want to help Canadians quit smoking safely.”

Shim said convenience stores are often the most accessible retail locations for adults, particularly in smaller communities. He argued that allowing the sale of approved nicotine replacement products in trusted retail environments would improve access and support Canada’s goal of reducing tobacco use to five per cent by 2035.

“If we truly want to reach the 5% smoking rate target, governments need to work with retailers, not against them,” he said. “Convenience stores can be an important partner in achieving a healthier Canada.”

The UKCIA said it hopes to engage in constructive dialogue with health officials to support both public health and the sustainability of small businesses.

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Bloom Nutrition launches in Canada with Walmart

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 23, 2025

Bloom Nutrition Powder — Bloom Nutrition Expands Into Canada With Walmart Launch

Bloom Nutrition, a wellness brand based in Austin, Texas, has launched its Greens & Superfoods Powder at more than 300 Walmart locations across Canada, marking the company’s first international retail expansion.

The product, which is the top-selling greens powder in the United States, is now available in Canadian Walmart stores and online at walmart.ca. The launch includes three flavours: Strawberry Kiwi, Mango and Berry. Each is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, sugar-free, keto-friendly and plant-based.

“Our community in Canada has been asking to find Bloom in stores for a long time, and we’re so excited to finally make it happen,” said Mari Llewellyn, co-founder of Bloom Nutrition. “Bringing our Greens & Superfoods Powder to Walmart stores in Canada means we get to share the product that started it all – and help even more people bloom into their best selves.”

Founded in 2019, Bloom has seen rapid growth in the U.S., supported by its strong social media presence and digital influence, with over 12 billion views across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Since going viral on TikTok in 2021, the product has gained popularity for its flavour and wellness benefits, which include gut health support, reduced bloating and increased energy.

The powder contains over 30 ingredients, including organic superfoods, prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, adaptogens and antioxidants.

“Our Greens & Superfoods Powder has been a cornerstone of Bloom’s growth and retail success,” said Joel Contartese, director of international marketing at Bloom Nutrition. “Expanding into Canada represents an important step in bringing our modern approach to wellness to new markets and strengthening Bloom’s presence on a global scale.”

Bloom Nutrition says its Canadian expansion is part of a broader strategy to grow its retail footprint and global reach.

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Organic Traditions Celebrates 25 Years with Major Rebrand

By

Craig Patterson

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October 23, 2025

Screen Shot 2025-10-22 at 3.00.21 PM — Image: Organic Traditions

Canadian superfoods company Organic Traditions is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a full-scale rebrand and renewed strategic vision that bridges its heritage roots with a modern wellness culture. Founded in 2000 by Toronto entrepreneur Jerry Zeifman, the company has grown from a grassroots importer of ancient superfoods into a globally recognized brand with over 100 plant-based nutrition products sold across Canada and abroad.

Today, under the leadership of Ally Zeifman Mamalider, the founder’s daughter and current President of Organic Traditions, the company is entering what she calls “a new era of functional wellness.”

“We just celebrated 25 years of Organic Traditions, a milestone that feels both like a celebration and a rebirth,” said Mamalider. “What began as my father’s mission to heal through ancient superfoods has evolved into a modern wellness brand redefining the functional beverage space.”

From Family Mission to Modern Wellness Movement

The story of Organic Traditions began long before superfoods became a household term. In the 1990s, founder Jerry Zeifman experienced severe health challenges while working in Toronto’s construction industry. Determined to heal, he immersed himself in global wellness traditions by traveling to India, Japan, and Peru to study Ayurveda, cacao rituals, and other traditional healing systems.

What started as a personal transformation soon became a business. Zeifman began importing nutrient-dense foods like chia seeds, goji berries, and maca powder, products virtually unknown in Canada at the time. His venture quickly found a following among early adopters of holistic health.

By the early 2000s, Organic Traditions had established itself as a pioneer in Canada’s natural health sector, helping to introduce organic superfoods to mainstream retail. “He was really a visionary,” said Mamalider. “At a time when the concept of superfoods barely existed here, my dad was building relationships with farmers, traveling globally, and creating a supply chain that would later define a category.”

Second-Generation Leadership and Strategic Evolution

Mamalider officially joined the company full-time in 2017, after years of involvement behind the scenes. Her entry marked a generational handoff that would transform the brand’s strategy and position it for accelerated growth.

“I realized that Organic Traditions had an opportunity to grow and scale in a very different way,” she said. “Juice bars and wellness cafés were becoming mainstream, and people were ready to embrace plant-based nutrition as part of daily life.”

Over the past eight years, Mamalider has steered the company through a shift from single-ingredient pantry staples to functional beverages and ready-to-use blends, such as Superfood Lattes and Mushroom Coffees. These innovations were designed to simplify superfood consumption while maintaining authenticity and quality.

“People don’t want 20 different products in their pantry,” she explained. “They want something simple and elevated, a product that helps them feel good without needing a nutrition degree to use it.”

The Organic Traditions Rebrand

This fall, Organic Traditions unveiled its most ambitious transformation to date — a complete visual and strategic rebrand developed in collaboration with Toronto-based creative agency Design of Brand. Known for its work with Greenhouse Juice Co., Nutbar, and Othership, the agency was tasked with modernizing the brand while preserving its heritage.

“We didn’t want to lose the soul of Organic Traditions,” said Mamalider. “It was about keeping our story intact but presenting it in a way that resonates with a new generation of wellness consumers.”

The rebrand also included strategic guidance from retail reinvention expert Joe Jackman, founder of Jackman Reinvents, whose previous work includes transformations for Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Walgreens. Together, the team conducted deep consumer research, identifying that while interest in superfoods was at an all-time high, many consumers still felt overwhelmed and confused by the category.

“People want to get into this space, but they don’t know where to start,” Mamalider said. “That insight shaped everything, from our packaging to our messaging. We wanted to make wellness accessible and empowering, not intimidating.”

The result is a bold, simplified design system that communicates key product benefits clearly and intuitively. New packaging is already rolling out nationwide across retailers and e-commerce platforms, accompanied by a refreshed website and digital presence.

A National Rollout and Retail Partnerships

Organic Traditions’ rebrand is being brought to life through partnerships with major Canadian retailers, including Healthy Planet, one of its longest-standing retail partners. Together, they piloted a full shelf reset across select locations to debut the new brand identity in a cohesive retail environment.

“Healthy Planet has been an incredible partner,” said Mamalider. “They allowed us to fully implement our new look in-store so customers could experience the transition seamlessly.”

The brand also showcased its reimagined identity at the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) trade show, followed by a press and influencer event at Toronto’s Gatō Gastown Café, which was transformed into an immersive “superfood market” experience.

Digital Growth and Community Engagement

While Organic Traditions remains deeply rooted in retail, Mamalider is clear that the future will rely heavily on digital channels. The company’s three-pillar growth strategy centers on strengthening Canadian retail partnerships, expanding e-commerce, and innovating new product formats.

“We’re a retail-first brand, but digital is one of our biggest growth levers,” she explained. “We’re amplifying our online presence, building community through social media, and partnering with nutritionists, creators, and fitness enthusiasts who genuinely love our products.”

The company’s online platform and Amazon storefront are being optimized to reflect the new brand identity and simplify customer discovery. Organic Traditions has also embraced creator partnerships as part of its digital storytelling approach, connecting with consumers who value authenticity, transparency, and education around functional nutrition.

Expanding the Product Portfolio

Innovation remains central to the brand’s strategy. The company continues to develop new functional beverage formats that make superfoods easy to integrate into daily routines from on-the-go sachets to ready-to-mix blends that cater to the growing demand for convenience and wellness.

“Our goal is to make superfoods simple for everyone,” said Mamalider. “We’re exploring adjacent categories that align with that mission while ensuring we maintain the integrity and quality our customers expect.”

Each new formulation is backed by the same principles that have guided the company since its founding: certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan ingredients sourced through ethical and sustainable supply chains.

Building a Stronger Leadership Team

A crucial part of Organic Traditions’ evolution has been Mamalider’s focus on team building and leadership development. Over the past two years, she has assembled a management team with deep consumer packaged goods (CPG) experience, ensuring the company is positioned for long-term scalability.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built,” she said. “We’ve brought in leaders who understand both the art and science of brand-building in this space. Their experience will continue to propel our growth.”

This professionalization of operations includes the implementation of a new ERP system, designed to support efficiency and transparency as the business expands internationally.

The Next 25 Years: Scaling Growth and Global Expansion

Looking ahead, Organic Traditions is preparing for the next chapter in its evolution. Expansion into the U.S. market is already underway, with products available in select retailers. The company plans to deepen its North American presence while maintaining a strong commitment to its Canadian base.

“We’re doubling down in Canada while growing in the U.S.,” Mamalider explained. “Our long-term strategy is about sustainable expansion — making sure we never lose sight of our purpose while reaching new audiences.”

As health and wellness continue to take centre stage in consumer consciousness, Organic Traditions stands poised to lead a new generation of functional nutrition brands that blend ancient wisdom with modern science.

“It’s really the perfect moment,” Mamalider reflected. “People are more aware, more curious, and more committed to wellness than ever before. We’ve been waiting for this wave, and we’re ready to meet it head-on.”

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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For October 23, 2025

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Retail Insider

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October 22, 2025

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.

Hudson’s Bay pension surplus at centre of class action from former Simpsons employees (The Canadian Press)

Canada must ramp up container shipments at smaller ports: trade group (The Canadian Press)

Volvo names new CFO, Retail Director in Canadian leadership shift (Canadian Auto Dealer)

Paradies Lagardère Names St. Peter Country Director Of Canada (Airport Experience News)

Canadian Tire Retail REIT Could Be a Quiet Growth Engine (Motley Fool)

Robson Street’s shopping options continue to grow (Vancouver Sun)

Drake Secretly Drops Another ‘Warehouse’ of Merch on Amazon: Shop the Collection Here (Billboard)

South Korean chain Paris Baguette ups the number of locations it plans to open in Ottawa (Ottawa Business Journal)

From Bangkok to West Broadway: Thai tea brand opening first Western Canadian shop in Vancouver (VIA)

Ontario Aligns Alcohol Wholesale Pricing for Fairer Competition (RCC)

Robbins wants NDP to let grocery stores sell liquor (Brandon Sun)

Stong’s Opens New Supermarket in Surrey’s City Centre District (Connect CRE)