Nüu Catering has launched as Toronto’s first catering platform designed exclusively for offices, making it easier than ever for teams to share meals without the hassle of traditional group ordering.
“We’re reimagining the way offices experience food, making it simpler, more inclusive and more enjoyable for every team member,” said Fahim Ahmadi, Co-Founder of Nüu Catering. “Mealtimes should bring people together, and our platform is designed to make that happen.”
Founded by seasoned restaurant owners with decades of experience, Nüu was built with one mission in mind – to help restaurants grow sales during slower periods, unlike other delivery platforms that push sales during busy hours and risk pulling traffic away from dine-in business, he said.
At the heart of Nüu’s platform is its “Order Together” feature, which solves one of the biggest frustrations of office catering: coordinating meal preferences across large teams. Instead of having one person managing the group order, each employee selects their own dish, with everything arriving in a single, seamless delivery, said the company.
The company said it also offers concierge-level support, ensuring HR professionals and office administrators spend less time coordinating logistics and more time focusing on culture and connection.
“The launch comes at a time when many Toronto offices are bringing employees back full-time, with Nüu offering a simple solution to make in-person workdays more engaging, allowing for teams to enjoy shared meals, strengthening workplace culture,” it explained.
Photo: Nüu Catering
“With the Ontario government mandating public service employees back in the office five days a week starting in 2026, we see a clear need for solutions that make the workplace more engaging,” said Ahmadi. “Shared meals are one of the simplest and most effective ways to build connection, and Nüu is here to make that process seamless for employers and enjoyable for employees.”
Nüu has already partnered with some of Toronto’s most recognizable restaurants, including Union Chicken, Ramona’s Kitchen and What-A-Bagel, bringing a wide variety of menus directly into workplaces.
With affordability top of mind for Canadians, DoorDash says it is making it even easier to save. DashPass subscribers can now unlock more value through three updates: an extended partnership with Amazon, the launch of Family Sharing, and the debut of DashPass Deal Drops.
“As Canadians continue seeking the convenience of on-demand delivery without compromising on value, we’re proud to debut new ways for DashPass subscribers to save, share, and sit back from the comforts of their own homes,” said Kyra Huntington, Head of Strategy and Operations for DoorDash Canada.
Kyra Huntington
Expanding Free DashPass with an Amazon Prime Membership
The company said Amazon Prime members in Canada can now receive free DashPass from DoorDash with their membership on a continued basis – a $120 annual value, plus access to additional savings when they order. With DashPass, subscribers can unlock unlimited $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders, exclusive member-only offers, and 5% back in DoorDash credits on Pickup orders. The offer builds on a previous limited-time partnership, which gave Amazon Prime members a one-year DashPass trial at no cost, it said.
For the first time, Amazon customers can also order from restaurants powered by DoorDash directly through a new DoorDash Digital Store on Amazon. With a streamlined ordering experience, customers can browse and place orders from their favourite local eateries without leaving Amazon’s website or app, and track every step of their delivery in real time through DoorDash updates, it said.
Amazon Prime members can activate free DashPass by clicking here.
Launching Family Sharing in Canada
Beyond providing DashPass for free with an Amazon Prime membership, DoorDash said it is creating more value through a new feature for DashPass subscribers. Canadians can now access Family Sharing, a benefit that allows DashPass subscribers to share their subscription with one other adult at no additional cost. Both individuals enjoy the full benefits of DashPass, while keeping separate logins and payment methods.
“Available just in time for DashPass Deal Drops, Family Sharing extends the value of a single subscription by giving two people the ability to enjoy DashPass benefits independently, without needing to coordinate orders,” said the company.
Share your DashPass subscription with another adult through Family Sharing by clicking here.
Unlocking Exclusive Savings with DashPass Deal Drops
“The richest savings of the year exclusively for DashPass customers are officially here. Now through October 13, DashPass subscribers can save big with DashPass Deal Drops – weeks of rotating discounts across restaurants, groceries, pet supplies, beauty, and more,” it said.
“In addition to savings of up to 40% off, DashPass subscribers can look forward to Flash Drops each week: three-hour surprise events offering 50% off from beloved brands. Follow DoorDash Canada on Instagram (@doordash_ca) to stay in the know on when the next Flash Drop is coming to DoorDash.”
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.
Everest Toys headquarters in Ancaster, ON. Image: Everest Toys
Canadian toy distributor Everest Toys has been placed into receivership, a development that underscores growing pressures across the Putman family’s retail holdings. The Ancaster, Ontario-based company, which has served as a key supplier for some of the world’s largest toy makers for more than three decades, is now under the control of court-appointed receiver Spergel Inc.
Court documents reveal that Everest Toys owed TD Bank roughly $25 million when the bank sought receivership in August, citing “deteriorating financial circumstances” and the wholesale resignation of the company’s board. TD told the court that Everest was “rudderless and no longer able to meaningfully work with the bank towards a mutually beneficial outcome.”
Everest Toys has long been a fixture in the supply chain, distributing products from global giants including Hasbro, Mattel, and The LEGO Group, as well as proprietary brands like Crazy Forts.
Image: Doug Putman
Founded in 1992 by Bob Putman, Everest Toys built its reputation as a go-to source for toys, games, and gift products. Over the years, it grew to become one of the largest toy distributors in North America, with a head office and warehouse on Cormorant Road in Ancaster.
The company employed more than 100 staff at its peak and serviced thousands of retail accounts across Canada and the United States. In addition to distributing third-party brands, Everest managed its own portfolio of products, including Alex Global Products and PlasmaCar, strengthening its position as a one-stop distribution partner for retailers ranging from independent toy shops to large chains.
Doug Putman, son of founder Bob Putman, is listed as vice-president of the company and sat on its board with other family members. He is also the head of Putman Investments, which owns several Canadian retailers, including Toys “R” Us Canada, Sunrise Records, Northern Reflections, and women’s apparel chains Ricki’s and Cleo.
Board Resignation Leaves Business Without Leadership
According to TD Bank’s court filing, Everest Toys’ entire board resigned in August 2025, leaving the company without effective leadership and creating uncertainty about employee wages and vendor obligations. The resignation was the final step in a series of financial missteps that included a failure to provide borrowing base certificates, a key requirement for maintaining credit lines.
The receivership process, which allows a neutral third party to assume control of a distressed company, will involve Spergel Inc. managing Everest’s assets in order to recover creditor funds. Whether the business can be restructured or sold to new owners remains to be seen.
Real Estate Sale Signaled Growing Distress
Signs of financial trouble had been emerging for months. Real estate listings show that earlier this year, Everest Toys put its 95,000-square-foot Ancaster property up for sale. The warehouse was marketed at $29.1 million, advertising its suitability for storage, loading, and distribution.
The property sale suggested that Everest was seeking to free up cash or restructure its operations. However, the sale appears to have been insufficient to meet the company’s financial obligations.
Putman Group’s Wider Retail Pressures
Everest Toys’ collapse is the latest challenge for the Putman retail empire, which has grown quickly over the past five years through a series of acquisitions. Putman Investments earned a reputation for buying struggling retailers and attempting turnarounds, most notably its 2021 purchase of Toys “R” Us Canada.
But some of these ventures have faced difficulties. Toys “R” Us Canada has been closing locations in 2024 and 2025 while renovating others to include play gyms, a strategy that industry observers say is intended to drive more foot traffic but may carry high capital costs. Last year, the company accepted $120 million in financing from Gordon Brothers, a move that further underscored its liquidity needs.
Meanwhile, Rooms + Spaces, a home goods retailer launched in the former real estate of Bed Bath & Beyond, has disappeared from Canada’s retail landscape. Landlords told Retail Insider that rents were unpaid, and several vendors told Retail Insider they had not been compensated for merchandise shipments.
Putman-owned locations for US-based FYE shut in Ontario last year. And T.Kettle, a tea retailer spun out of former DavidsTea locations, appears to have scaled back signficantly, with its website listing one physical store in Burlington ON as of September 2025.
For the first quarter of its 2025-2026 fiscal year, which ended on June 21, 2025, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) reported on Monday net income of $307.5 million, a $0.9 million or 0.3% increase from the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year.
Results in brief
Overall dollar sales rose 1.1% to $913.2 million. Volume sales fell 3.6% to 47.8 million litres.
Sales in the SAQ’s store and specialized centre network were up $18.2 million or 2.2%, compared with the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year, while the related volume sales dropped 0.7 million litres or 1.7%.
Dollar sales in the wholesale grocer network decreased $8.4 million or 11.4%, compared with the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year, with the related volume sales down 1.1 million litres or 14.3%.
Government revenues totalled $586 million, a $4.2 million decrease, compared with the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year. The amounts payable to the Quebec treasury totalled $470.5 million and another $115.5 million is destined for the federal government.
Faced with a constant changing market and the trend toward lower volumes, the SAQ will continue to implement initiatives aimed at supporting its performance.
Net income $307.5 million+0.3%
Sales $913.2 million+1.1%
Gross margin $463.9 million+4.3%
Ratio of net expenses to sales 16.1%* 17.1% 15.3% in Q1 2024-2025
*Excluding non-recurring charges related to the modernization of the curbside recycling system
Created in 1921, the SAQ imports, distributes and sells a broad range of wines, beers and spirits. Its sales network comprises 405 stores and 428 agency stores located throughout Quebec as well as a transactional website, SAQ.COM. In fiscal 2024-2025, the SAQ remitted $2.1 billion to the Quebec government and supported some 250 organizations and events while also ensuring its business activities respected local communities and the environment.
Image: SAQ
Store and specialized centre network (permit holder, agency store and other customers)
Dollar sales in this network totalled $848.2 million, an $18.2 million or 2.2% increase.
Volume sales fell 0.7 million litres or 1.7% to 41.2 million litres.
Totalling $22.3 million and accounting for 3.3% of consumer sales, online sales were down 3.5%, compared with the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year.
The value of consumers’ average shopping chart increased 1.5%, going from $61.93 to $62.83.
For consumer sales overall, the average per-litre sales price rose to $21.88, compared with $21.08 for the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year.
Wholesale grocer network
Dollar sales in this network fell $8.4 million or 11.4% to end the quarter at $65 million.
Volume sales totalled 6.6 million litres, compared with 7.7 million litres for the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year, a 1.1 million litre or 14.3% decrease.
The decline in first quarter sales in the wholesale grocer network is largely attributable to the high level of orders during the fourth quarter of the preceding fiscal year.
It should be noted that the SAQ acts as a wholesaler to the Quebec grocery and convenience store network. Consequently, the sales made in this network do not necessarily correspond to the sales these establishments made to consumers.
Net expenses
Net expenses totalled $156.4 million, compared with $138.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024-2025. Excluding non-recurrent charges related to the modernization of the curbside recycling system, which are estimated at $11.4 million, the increase in net expenses is $6.9 million or 5% on a comparable basis.
Also on a comparable basis, expressed as a percentage of sales, the ratio of net expenses was 16.1% versus 15.3% for the same quarter of the preceding fiscal year. If the non-recurring charges related to the modernization of the curbside recycling system are included, the ratio of net expenses is 17.1%.
A new plant-based option is coming to IKEA stores this late fall: eight crispy falafel balls with couscous, mixed vegetables, garlic aioli and a lemon vinaigrette sauce for just $8.99. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the IKEA Swedish meatball—a dish that has become as iconic to IKEA as its flat-packed furniture. With over 1.4 billion food balls sold annually, the meatball has evolved from a traditional Swedish staple into a global favourite, inspiring variations like the chicken ball and plant ball. To celebrate this milestone, IKEA Canada is launching a brand-new all-round menu in late Fall 2025, available in Swedish Restaurants and Swedish Delis nationwide. The refreshed menu honours the legacy of the meatball while introducing bold, globally inspired flavours that reflect the diversity of Canada.
Elena Pozueta
“At IKEA Canada, we believe food should be joyful, inclusive, and accessible to all,” said Elena Pozueta Larios, Head of IKEA Food at IKEA Canada. “Our new all-round menu is a celebration of the beloved meatball in all its forms—bringing together bold global flavours and sustainable ingredients that reflect the rich diversity of Canada.
“Whether you’re craving something plant-based, pescatarian, or simply comforting, there’s something for everyone at our Swedish Restaurants and Swedish Delis. We’re proud to offer these new dishes at prices that make dining out affordable, without compromising on taste or quality. This is just the beginning—we’re excited to continue evolving our menu to reflect the tastes and cultures of the many Canadians we serve.”
IKEA said it first ventured into food in 1960, opening its first in-store restaurant in Älmhult, Sweden. Founder Ingvar Kamprad believed that well-fed customers were happier shoppers. In 1985, he invited Swedish chef Severin Sjöstedt to develop a meatball recipe that would appeal to the many. After nearly a year of testing, the final recipe was born—one that remains largely unchanged today.
“Ingvar had a knack for knowing what would resonate with the IKEA customers and introducing a classic Swedish meatball was his big idea,” said Severin. “I came from high-end restaurants before IKEA, and the idea of finding one recipe that would appeal to the many and stand the test of time was an exciting challenge. We must have tested one hundred recipes before we declared this one the winner. It’s still the recipe I use when making meatballs at home for my grandchildren.”
IKEA Canada Celebrates 40 Years of the Iconic Swedish Meatball with a Bold New Menu Launch (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)
By the 1990s, IKEA said its restaurants were expanding globally, offering affordable Swedish classics adapted to local tastes. In 2006, the Swedish Food Market introduced take-home frozen meatballs, sauces, and other Scandinavian favorites, allowing people to create a Swedish meal in their own home.
Over the years, IKEA said it tested and served different recipes, such as introducing chicken and veggies balls, innovating on the round food concept. The HUVUDROLL plant-based ball, designed to replicate the original flavour of the original meatball, launched in 2020 in an effort to offer healthier and more sustainable food choices.
“IKEA Canada is introducing a refreshed all-round menu that celebrates the entire meatball family, offering a variety of globally inspired dishes that reflect the rich cultural diversity of Canada. From plant-based nachos to Middle Eastern falafel and Scandinavian seafood options, the new menu brings bold flavours and sustainable ingredients to the forefront—available in IKEA Swedish Restaurants and Swedish Delis starting late Fall 2025,” said the retailer.
“Designed with affordability and accessibility in mind, the new menu offers six new dishes unique to Canada, alongside the classic eight-piece meatball dish that has long been a customer favourite. With prices starting at just $6.99, Canadians can enjoy high-quality, flavourful meals that suit a range of dietary preferences and budgets. This launch marks the beginning of an ongoing journey to bring more inclusive and globally inspired food experiences to IKEA customers across the country.”
IKEA Canada’s new Plant Ball Nachos dish will launch across Canada late this fall for just $6.99. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)
In addition to the classic eight-piece Swedish meatball dish, the new menu will feature six new dishes, each offering a unique flavour profile and inspired by the diverse cuisine in Canada:
Plant ball nachos with pico de gallo and jalapeno aioli, $6.99
Eight-piece plant balls with roasted potatoes, scallions, pesto and parmesan cheese, $8.99
Eight-piece falafel balls with couscous, mixed vegetables, garlic aioli and a lemon vinaigrette, $8.99
Six-piece cod balls served alongside French fries and kale salad with Lingonberry vinegrette and tartar sauce, $9.99
Chicken ball tikka masala served with rice, yogurt and naan, $9.99
Salmon filet dinner with roasted pesto potatoes, peas, and lingonberry kale in a hollandaise sauce, $11.99
Canadians can enjoy the new all-round menu in IKEA stores nationwide starting late Fall 2025.
Construction hoarding for the new Tom Ford store at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Photo: Craig Patterson
Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre will become home to Tom Ford’s first standalone store in Canada. Construction is already underway, with signage now visible on hoarding within the mall’s newest luxury wing. The store will span approximately 3,100 square feet and bring together Tom Ford’s men’s and women’s collections under one roof, a first for the Canadian market.
Yorkdale, owned and managed by Oxford Properties, has become Canada’s premier destination for luxury retail, attracting global brands eager to establish flagship locations. This opening underscores Yorkdale’s position as the top choice for luxury retailers entering or expanding in Canada.
The upcoming Tom Ford boutique will occupy a prominent location in Yorkdale’s new luxury wing between Loewe, which opened at Yorkdale last year, and a Dior flagship that is set to open Tuesday of this week. Across the aisle, two of the mall’s largest luxury flagships are also on the way: Saint Laurent will unveil an expanded 11,000-square-foot location this fall, while Gucci is set to open a 12,000-square-foot store in 2026.
The new luxury wing has quickly become a hub for some of the world’s most prestigious brands, with recent openings including Brunello Cucinelli, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Maison Margiela, Rimowa, Loro Piana, and others. This cluster of top-tier retailers creates a critical mass of luxury offerings that is drawing both domestic and international shoppers.
Brokerage DWSV Realty, led by David Wedemire and Stan Vyriotes, represented Tom Ford in the lease transaction.
Tom Ford boutique in Singapore. Photo: Tom Ford
Tom Ford’s Canadian Presence to Date
While this will be the first dedicated Tom Ford store in Canada, the brand has maintained a presence through select wholesale partners. Tom Ford menswear is available in dedicated shop-in-shops at several Harry Rosen locations nationwide, and Holt Renfrew operates Tom Ford menswear boutiques at its Vancouver and Montreal flagships. Holt Renfrew previously carried the women’s collection in Toronto and Vancouver, but the Yorkdale opening marks the first time that Canadian shoppers will have access to the full range of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections, accessories, and footwear in a single standalone space.
Industry insiders have talked about Tom Ford seeking retail space for Canada for years, with Toronto and Vancouver often mentioned as key markets. While Yorkdale has now been confirmed, it remains to be seen whether Tom Ford will pursue additional locations in Vancouver or other Canadian cities.
The Rise of Tom Ford as a Global Luxury Brand
Tom Ford founded his namesake label in 2005 after his highly influential tenure as creative director at Gucci, where he was widely credited with revitalizing the brand. Under Ford’s direction, the Tom Ford brand quickly became synonymous with refined glamour, introducing menswear, accessories, eyewear, and fragrance lines that set a new standard for modern luxury.
One of the brand’s earliest successes was the 2006 launch of “Tom Ford Black Orchid,” a fragrance that remains a global bestseller. Tom Ford eyewear, produced in collaboration with Marcolin Group, has become a defining product category, instantly recognizable for its sleek design and signature “T” motif.
Over the years, Tom Ford has dressed celebrities, politicians, and cultural icons, including Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and Daniel Craig in several James Bond films. The brand’s association with red-carpet style and popular culture has cemented its status as one of the most influential names in fashion.
New luxury wing at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Photo: Craig Patterson
Corporate Evolution and Brand Direction
In 2023, Tom Ford sold his brand in a landmark transaction: The Estée Lauder Companies became the sole owner of all Tom Ford trademarks and intellectual property, while Ermenegildo Zegna Group entered a long-term license to operate the global fashion business, including ready-to-wear, accessories, and retail. Tom Ford stepped down as creative director in April 2023 and was succeeded by Peter Hawkings, whose tenure lasted until July 2024;
Haider Ackermann is the incoming creative director for 2025. Zegna now leads Tom Ford’s global fashion strategy, including direct-to-consumer expansion, with a target of approximately 100 stores worldwide by 2030, focusing on major luxury markets across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Construction hoarding for the new Saint Laurent store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, across from Tom Ford. Photo: Craig Patterson
Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited and Tim Hortons announced Monday a strategic loyalty partnership that brings together two of Canada’s most iconic and beloved brands. Launching later in 2026, this collaboration will enable members to link their Triangle Rewards and Tims Rewards accounts to unlock new benefits.
Linked members will earn Canadian Tire Money (CTM) on eligible Tim Hortons purchases and enjoy exclusive offers through Triangle Rewards and Tims Rewards. Triangle Mastercard holders who link accounts will enjoy even richer opportunities to earn CTM when shopping at Tim Hortons locations, according to a news release.
Darryl Jenkins
“Tim Hortons and Canadian Tire are two of the country’s most recognized and beloved brands and we’re thrilled to join forces to bring even more value to Canadians,” said Darryl Jenkins, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Canadian Tire Corporation. “Our strategic partnerships are all about building our Triangle ecosystem to reward Canadians for their everyday activities – from shopping for essentials to now picking up their morning coffee.”
Hope Bagozzi
“We’re excited to give Canadians even more value on their daily Tims Run through this partnership with Canadian Tire,” said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons. “We’re proud of all the value we give Tims Rewards members as part of our loyalty program – including earning points on purchases, redeeming those points for their favourite Tims products, exclusive Members Only offers, and more. This partnership between our two iconic brands gives Canadians the ability to earn Canadian Tire Money on their order, alongside Tims Rewards points, and allows us to provide even more amazing everyday value.”
This marks the fourth marquee Canadian brand to join the Triangle Rewards ecosystem, following Petro-Canada, RBC and WestJet, cementing Triangle Rewards as one of Canada’s largest loyalty programs. With nearly 12 million Triangle Rewards members and millions of Canadians visiting Tim Hortons each day, the scale and reach of this partnership will ensure that more Canadians can earn and redeem rewards through the daily activities they already enjoy, said Canadian Tire.
“Triangle Rewards is a cornerstone of CTC’s new True North strategy – delivering meaningful rewards, deeper customer relationships and insights, and personalized offers that drive customer loyalty and engagement. With the addition of Tim Hortons, the reach of Triangle Rewards continues to expand into more aspects of Canadians’ everyday lives,” it said.
Millions of Canadians use Tims Rewards every week to earn points on their purchases at Tim Hortons. Tims Rewards members can redeem their points for their favourite beverages, baked goods, breakfasts, lunches or dinners at Tims. Tims Rewards also grants members access to contests and games including Roll Up To WIN™ and the Tims NHL Hockey Challenge, the ability to skip the line when ordering ahead on the app, and the Scan & Pay feature to earn points, redeem rewards, and pay for their order faster.”
Swiss premium chocolatier Läderach is set to make its British Columbia debut with the opening of a boutique at CF Richmond Centre on Friday, September 19. The highly anticipated launch represents a key milestone for the brand as it continues its North American growth strategy.
The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a chocolate giveaway for the first 200 customers, offering a warm welcome to chocolate lovers in the region. The Richmond store is Läderach’s first in British Columbia and follows a successful expansion wave across Canada, including last month’s opening at CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto.
“We are delighted to expand our presence of premium Swiss chocolate to British Columbia in this iconic shopping destination and look forward to continuing to expand our presence in Canada with our new Bloor St. location later this year,” said Warren Dunkelberger, President of Läderach North America.
The opening at CF Richmond Centre is part of Läderach’s growing retail network across North America, which has accelerated since 2019. After launching its Canadian flagship at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, the brand rolled out locations at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Square One Shopping Centre, York Mills Centre, and Sherway Gardens, steadily building a presence in key Canadian markets.
Läderach’s North American expansion gained momentum after it acquired multiple leases vacated by Godiva following its exit from physical retail in 2021. This strategic move allowed the Swiss chocolatier to establish a footprint in prime shopping centres and introduce its “bean-to-bar-to-store” model, which emphasizes transparency and quality control from cocoa bean sourcing to final product.
A Distinctive Retail Experience
The new Richmond Centre boutique will showcase the full Läderach assortment within a bright, modern retail space designed to immerse customers in the world of Swiss chocolate. At the heart of the store is the brand’s iconic FrischSchoggi™ counter, where large slabs of fresh chocolate are displayed and broken to order by Läderach chocolatiers, allowing customers to select their favourite flavours and purchase by weight.
The shop will also offer pralines, truffles, single-origin tablet bars, seasonal assortments, and exclusive creations such as the bestselling milk chocolate Dubai. Each item is crafted in Switzerland using high-quality ingredients sourced directly from trusted suppliers.
Photo: Läderach
Elevating Canada’s Premium Chocolate Market
Since its founding in 1962 in Ennenda, Switzerland, Läderach has earned an international reputation for excellence, operating more than 200 boutiques in 21 countries and maintaining a robust e-commerce platform.
The company employs over 2,500 people globally and prides itself on its commitment to freshness, artisanal skill, and Swiss heritage.
Its focus on freshness sets it apart in the premium chocolate market, with products made bean-to-bar in Switzerland and shipped directly to stores. This dedication to quality has positioned Läderach as a favourite among chocolate connoisseurs seeking an elevated experience.
Läderach’s global profile has risen significantly in recent years, thanks to high-profile openings such as its flagship store on New York City’s Fifth Avenue and its first location in Puerto Rico. In Canada, its expansion is strategic, with a focus on flagship shopping centres and urban retail hubs that attract a mix of local and tourist traffic.
The upcoming Bloor Street boutique in Toronto will further cement its position in Canada’s luxury retail landscape, joining a corridor that includes leading global brands and top-tier chocolatiers.
IMGadgets, the Mississauga-based e-commerce company, is celebrating its 10th year in business with impressive growth across multiple product categories, including fitness, home living, and its flagship e-mobility segment where it holds about 60% market share in Canada.
“We literally started with one product, you know, hoverboard,” said Meenu Seda, CEO and co-founder of IMGadgets. “So it’s part of the e-mobility category. We started with e-commerce right off the bat. We were selling on our website and on different marketplaces. Since then, we have grown into a multi-category e-commerce company.”
Meenu Seda
Seda described IMGadgets as a “full-fledged e-commerce company” that handles all operations in-house, from its 25,000-square-foot warehouse in Mississauga to pick, pack, and shipping to consumers. The company currently employs over 25 staff, with plans to double warehouse space to keep pace with growing demand.
Everything sold by IMGadgets is online, with no current retail footprint, though Seda says they are exploring retail options. “At present, it’s 100% online,” she confirmed.
When asked why the company chose to launch and remain online, Seda explained, “Online seemed to be the most economical way of doing business. It’s a little expensive to open a shop and have everything there. So we decided, let’s just start selling online and see how that goes. It just never stopped for us.”
IMGadgets has also found success on emerging marketplaces like Temu, which launched in Canada recently. “We recently launched on Temu, about April this year,” Seda said. “Traction has been really good. To our own surprise, our flagship category, e-mobility, is one of the top-selling products today on Temu.”
Photo: IMGadgets
She highlighted how Temu attracted a new and distinct customer base. “They brought in people who really want to buy on Temu. It did not take any share from other marketplaces; it just added to the revenue we are generating.”
Beyond sales, Seda praised the support Temu provides to sellers. “It’s a true partnership because they have really aggressive account managers and category managers who we are in touch with on a weekly basis. They help sellers sell products, and the marketplace plays a really big role in that.”
As IMGadgets looks ahead, Seda is optimistic about continued growth and maintaining its position in Canada’s e-commerce market. With its strong foothold in e-mobility and expanding multi-category offerings, the company’s decade-long journey demonstrates the power of digital retail.
“IMGadgets is one of many Canadian businesses finding success by reaching a broader customer base through Temu. We offer a low-cost channel for consumers to access a wide range of products and for sellers to connect with new shoppers,” said a Temu spokesperson.
Photo: IMGadgets
Temu is a global e-commerce platform connecting consumers with millions of manufacturers, brands, and business partners. Since launching in Canada in February 2023, Temu has been about making quality products affordable and accessible for everyone. The platform now operates in more than 90 markets worldwide.
Temu fully opened to all Canadian sellers in February 2025 and has since rapidly expanded its network of local merchants. Sellers can list products across more than 600 categories, ranging from CDs and vinyl to furniture.
Temu is helping local businesses grow and strengthen their market presence, and continues to invest significantly in tools and support—from personalized seller guidance through a dedicated team to partnerships with leading ERP providers that help sellers streamline operations and fulfillment.
