Stokes Inc., Canada’s go-to destination for kitchenware, tableware and homeware needs, has been active again following a restructuring 4 years ago during the pandemic.
The brand, which is 89 years old and still a family business, has been opening new stores, renovating stores, relocating some and recently launched a new gift line as well as investing in its digital presence.
Cesar Morales, Marketing and Branding Director for Stokes, said in the past few years the company has launched a new website with “more of an omnichannel view where we offer BOPIS (buy online pick up in store) for our customers.”
“We’ve really worked a lot on our online shopping experience in the past few years. We also launched a new POS system last fall which will help us improve customer experience in stores,” said Morales. “There are other initiatives coming in the next 12 months as well”
“We’re trying to really become a more experiential retailer to compete with the big brands. Stokes is there to help them be their ‘at home’ chef . . . Stokes is very unique in what we sell.”
Currently the company has 104 stores across Canada.
Some of the Renovations, Relocations and New Stores in the last 18 months have been:
- Rue St-Denis (Montreal, QC)
- Carrefour Angrignon (Montreal, QC)
- Carrefour de la Rive-Sud (Boucherville, QC)
- Méga-Centre Charny (Charny, QC)
- Bramalea City Centre (New – Brampton, ON)
- Stone Road Mall (New – Guelph, ON)
- Intercity Shopping Centre (New – Thunder Bay, ON)
- Southcentre Mall (New – Calgary, AB.)
- Kingsway Mall (New – Edmonton, AB)
- Avalon Mall (St-John’s, NFLD)
- Royalty Crossing (Charlottetown, PEI)
Stokes stores are about 2,500 square feet.
Renovations were geared for the aesthetic look of locations with a fresher image, a nicer shopping environment for customers in key locations as well as a better presentation of product within the stores.
Morales said the company has also invested more on the digital side of the business in an effort to increase its social media presence on platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok. It’s also working with local chefs and promoting local talent.
Morales said the brand is also working hard to improve its product selection.
“When you come to the store, you’ll always see something new,” he said. “And we are always working on being an important lifestyle/value option for our customers.”
Recently, Stokes launched its new Easy to Gift line, where no wrapping is needed. The collection encompasses a variety of items.
“We are thrilled to introduce our new gift line, a demonstration of our enduring commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Morales. “Each product in this collection has been carefully curated to deliver both practical utility and aesthetic charm, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Our dedication to providing value to our customers remains steadfast, and with gifts starting at only $9.98, we are proud to offer affordable gift giving, especially in times when prices are on the rise.
“We want to also position Stokes as a destination for gifts, not just customers buying for their own needs.”
