Montreal-based retail pioneer Herschel Segal, known for founding iconic brands Le Château and DAVIDsTEA, has passed away. The specialty tea company announced Segal’s passing in a news release on Saturday, confirming he died on May 6, 2025, in Montreal.
Segal’s influence in Canadian retail spanned more than six decades, helping define both fashion and specialty beverage landscapes. A statement from DAVIDsTEA described him as a visionary who “brought vision, determination, and a strong belief in customer connection to every venture he led.”
Founder of Two Iconic Retail Brands
Segal first made his mark in the late 1950s with the founding of Le Château. Opening his first boutique in 1959 on Montreal’s bustling St. Catherine Street, he introduced Canadian consumers to European fashion trends, at a time when much of the country’s clothing was domestic and conservative. The brand quickly gained traction, becoming synonymous with youth style throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Le Château achieved cultural relevance during the era, outfitting celebrities including John Lennon and Yoko Ono with custom velour jumpsuits during their 1969 “bed-in” for peace in Montreal. The company went public in 1983 and reached over 160 locations by the early 1990s, occupying a prominent place in major shopping malls across Canada.
But by the 2010s, the retailer struggled amid growing competition from international fast-fashion giants like H&M and Zara. Le Château filed for creditor protection in 2020, closing all of its stores. The brand has since been relaunched online by Suzy’s Inc., but Segal had long since stepped away from day-to-day operations.
Reimagining Tea Retail in Canada
In 2008, Segal turned his focus to another industry altogether, co-founding DAVIDsTEA with the goal of transforming the way North Americans interacted with tea. By offering an extensive selection of loose-leaf blends, vibrant store designs, and a youthful brand identity, the company attracted a new generation of tea drinkers.
His daughter, Sarah Segal, currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Brand Officer of DAVIDsTEA, while his wife, Jane Silverstone Segal, is Chair of the Board. Herschel Segal himself retired from the board in 2021 but remained the company’s largest shareholder through his private investment firm, Rainy Day Investments Ltd.
“Herschel’s legacy lives on through DAVIDsTEA and I am committed to continuing his vision,” said Jane Silverstone Segal in the company’s statement.
Enduring Influence at DAVIDsTEA
Today, DAVIDsTEA operates 20 company-owned retail locations across Canada and distributes its products through more than 4,000 grocery and pharmacy retailers, over 1,500 convenience stores in Canada, and more than 900 grocery outlets in the United States. Its online and Amazon Marketplace presence also continues to expand.
“Herschel Segal was a pioneering Canadian entrepreneur whose career shaped two iconic retail brands,” the company said. “At DAVIDsTEA, he championed accessibility, innovation, and a sense of community — principles that continue to define the Company today.”
Rainy Day Investments remains the largest shareholder in DAVIDsTEA and has indicated its intention to maintain long-term support for the company.
A Life Rooted in Montreal, With a National Impact
Born and raised in Montreal, Segal earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from McGill University. Inspired by studies at The New School in New York City, Segal developed a deep appreciation for contemporary style and design — ideas he brought back to Canada and used to build two enduring brands.
He was married to Jane Silverstone Segal for 42 years and was a father to several children, including Sarah Segal. Known for his commitment to inclusivity and his support for the LGBTQ+ community, Segal was widely respected as a leader who prioritized community alongside commerce.
A Champion of Innovation and Customer Connection
The news of Segal’s passing has prompted tributes across the Canadian retail industry, recognizing a man whose ideas reshaped how Canadians shop.
“Herschel Segal brought vision, determination, and a strong belief in customer connection to every venture he led,” said the statement issued by DAVIDsTEA. “His entrepreneurial legacy lives on through the businesses he built and the many people he inspired.”
As the Canadian retail landscape continues to evolve, Segal’s pioneering spirit and fearless approach to innovation remain etched into the country’s commercial fabric. From introducing bell-bottom pants and velvet jackets to mall-goers in the 1960s to bringing brightly flavoured teas to a new generation of consumers, Segal left an indelible mark that transcends trends.
