For this edition of five favourites, I’m going to tell you a bit about five of my favourite Canadian brands. With Christmas just around the corner, I think it is important to try and do at least some of our holiday shopping at Canadian companies. Keep these ones in mind when you’re planning your gifts!
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DAVIDsTEA
I have been a huge fan of David’s since I moved to downtown Toronto in 2008, the same year they opened their very first store on Queen West. My sister introduced me to them and I have been going back ever since. In just five years they have expanded from that first store to over 75 locations across Canada & the US. I couldn’t be happier for their success.
My three David’s favourites: Genmaicha, The Skinny & Pink Lemonade -
ALDO
ALDO is a privately held Canadian shoes & accessories company based out of Montreal. I’m a shoe addict and a proud Canadian, so it goes without saying that I’m a big fan. (PS- in celebration of American Thanksgiving this weekend they have a “Black Friday” sale… so go check out their website for 30% off all weekend)
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LUSH
This is another great brand, with roots in both England & Canada that has seen a lot of international success (if you’ve ever done any shopping over in the UK & Europe, you surely would have noticed a few Lush stores over there!). Their products are all made from ethically acquired, organic ingredients and they are strongly against animal testing… amazing. This is a great place to find stocking stuffers for the beauty lovers on your shopping list! Read their interesting story here. Ps. Their bath bombs are amazing.
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Joe Fresh
I love Joe. The clothes are cute and reasonably priced. And while I wish they had stores in Canada that are the like the one on Fifth Avenue in New York City, I will forgive them because every time I go in there I find something I want to buy. [Fun fact: “Joe” is Joe Mimran, a Moroccan born Canadian who also started the Club Monaco brand in the mid 80’s!]
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Hudson’s Bay Comany
A North American retail pioneer. HBC has been in continuous operation for over 340 years – wow. The revamp of the flagship store on Queen Street in Toronto is beautiful and the company’s recent acquisition of Saks Fifth Avenue is really exciting. This long-standing Canadian brand has big things in store for the future. Go check out the new first floor shoe department in the Queen Street location – ASAP. And stay tuned for major renovations of the Toronto Bloor Street location too, they’re turning it into the second largest Saks store in the world.