There are so many Canadian brands that have strived to create a positive global impact. From creating sustainable products, to contributing to important organizations, to protecting the environment, these brands should be supported. Canadian brands are changing the retail industry and have more impact on the world than ever before. Check out all of these companies who put the earth and the community at the forefront of its business strategies.
Here are Canadian brands that have had a global impact.
SSENSE
SSENSE is fully committed to being a positive force in the fashion industry. It continues to make efforts to mitigate the negative social, environmental, and economic impacts related to the company’s operations. Also, SSENSE employees have citizenship in more than 35 different countries, and last year it hired models from 17 different countries. It’s focused on advancing gender equity by working together to guarantee a work culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, harmful stereotypes, and unlawful discrimination.
Lululemon
Lululemon believes that everyone has the right to be well. The brand recognizes that not everyone feels represented or welcome. ‘Here to Be’ was then created to help ensure that movement and mindful practices are accessible, and to advocate for change so that everyone can be well.
Aritzia
Aritzia created the Aritzia Community Care program so that you can purchase products in which part of the sales go toward a relief package to frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers on your behalf. The brand is also investing $1 million to expand and strengthen its Diversity And Inclusion Program to create positive impacts towards Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+.
Canada Goose
This past year, Canada Goose launched its Sustainable Impact Strategy. The brand is focusing on its long-standing commitment to keep the planet cool and the people on it warm. With this strategy, Canada Goose is determined to be carbon neutral, 100% Responsible Down Standard certified, to use reclaimed fur, and eliminate all plastics.
Mejuri
In June 2020, Mejuri announced the Mejuri Empowerment Fund that is based on the fact that when women are empowered to lead, they empower everyone around them. The company chose to start with supporting higher education for women and non-binary people. As part of its broader commitment to women’s empowerment, it pledged over $150,000 between 12 months to scholarships for Black women and Black non-binary people.
DECIEM
Although DECIEM is not yet a fully sustainable beauty company, its made a commitment to continuously improve all areas of our operations. Over the next two years, DECIEM is set to produce over 130 million unit boxes to hold all of its well-loved products. Since recognizing the impact and scale of this demand, its transitioned to carbon-neutral cardstock. DECIEM is also happy to offer an in-store recycling program, giving customers the ability to recycle product empties from any beauty brand.
Roots
Roots considers protecting the environment as one of the most critical issues of our time. It’s made the environment a priority to act responsibly and to do what they can to minimize any harmful impacts. Long before global warming became a household term, Roots supported a wide range of eco-friendly initiatives.
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In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many retailers are stepping up and taking preventative measures to put the safety of its workers and consumers first.
For a number of retailers, this means temporarily closing its stores — and in some cases, company-wide operations — to prevent the spread of Coronavirus across North America.
Here is a list of retailers who have chosen to temporarily close stores in response to COVID-19.
Note: This article will be updated as more stores and brands announce temporary COVID-19 store closures.
Apple
Apple was amongst the first retailers to make the call on COVID-19 store closures. While shoppers can still visit the online store and the Apple Store app, all retail locations will be closed until March 27.
Patagonia
Patagonia was also amongst the first retailers to announce the temporary closure of stores. The outdoor retailer temporarily closed its stores, offices, and other operations on March 13. At the time of writing, the retailer’s online store is closed as well and Patagonia plans on reassessing the situation on March 27.
Nike
With the well being of teammates and shoppers at top priority, Nike made the decision to close stores in multiple countries including Canada and the U.S. to help limit the spread of the Coronavirus. The closures came into effect on March 16 and will run until March 27, though you can still shop online and through Nike apps.
Urban Outfitters
Another retailer taking precautions in light of COVID-19 is Urban Outfitters. In a statement to the UO community, the company announced that it would be temporarily closing stores globally. Urban Outfitters noted that stores will not reopen until at least March 28 and all team members will continue being paid during this time. The online store and app are still open to shop.
Anthropologie
Urban Outfitter’s sister store Anthropologie will also be temporarily closing stores. In a statement released on Instagram on March 15, the retailer announced that stores will be closed until at least March 28. The online store and app will still be accessible to shoppers during this time.
Free People
Another retailer in the Urban Outfitters family that announced COVID-19 store closures is Free People. The retailer announced via Instagram that effective March 15, all stores will be closed until March 28. The online store and app will remain open.
lululemon
On March 15, lululemon announced that it will be temporarily closing stores across North America and Europe from March 16 to 27. In the statement, the athleticwear company noted that all employees will still receive pay for all hours scheduled to work and will have access to lululemon’s Global Pay Relief plan.
Reformation
Reformation announced that it will be taking precautions and close stores until further notice. The statement, which was released on March 14, did not specify when stores will reopen but did reassure that retail staff will be receiving paid leave and that the online store will remain open.
Lush
In a statement, Lush let shoppers know that all 258 retail stores across Canada and the U.S. will be closed until March 29. The company also noted that due to its made fresh by hand operations, that it will be significantly scaling down its manufacturing and distribution. For the time being, Lush’s online store will continue to run, though shoppers should expect digital orders to take extra time.
Abercrombie & Fitch
In a statement, Abercrombie & Fitch announced that it will be closing all of its stores outside the Asia-Pacific region as of March 15. This includes abercrombie kids. Its online stores will remain open and the company will be extending its return policy to cover the period of store closures. There is no set reopen date for its physical locations as of yet.
Hollister Co.
Hollister Co., which is apart of the Abercrombie & Fitch family of stores, will also be closing all of its stores outside of the Asia-Pacific region as of March 15. Like Abercrombie & Fitch, its online store will remain open with an extended return policy.
Aritzia
On March 15, Aritzia released a statement on Instagram that noted all retail locations will be closed until further notice. In order to support its employees during this time, the Vancouver-based retailer set up a Community Relief Fund, stating that “all of Aritzia’s profits while we get through this challenging time, will go to the Aritzia Community Relief Fund to support our people and their families.” Aritzia.com is still accessible for those looking to shop.
Under Armour
In a statement to Business Insider, Under Armour confirmed that it will be temporarily closing stores in North America. The stores will be closed until March 28, and all employees will be compensated during this time. The online store and its online outlet continue to stay open.
UNIQLO
UNIQLO announced store closures in a letter to its community. All retail locations across Canada are closed until March 30, effective May 17. Shoppers are still able to shop online in the meantime.
Levi’s
Another retailer that’s made the decision to close is Levi’s. The denim retailer has temporarily closed Levi’s and Levi’s Outlet stores across North America and plans to reopen on March 27. All staff are being compensated during this time and the online store is still open to shop.
Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack
As of March 17, Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in the U.S. and Canada will temporarily close for two weeks. All of the store employees will be provided with pay and benefits during this time.
Sephora
On March 17, Sephora made the difficult decision to close all of its retail locations in Canada and the U.S. All retail workers will be paid during the hiatus. Sephora stores are planned to reopen on April 3, but until then, you can still shop the online store and receive free shipping with the promotion code “FREESHIP”.
Hudson’s Bay
Hudson’s Bay has temporarily closed all stores until the end of March, with store associates receiving pay for all scheduled shifts. At this time, thebay.com is still up and running for shoppers and the Canadian department store has extended its return policy. For online shoppers who have placed a “Buy Online Pick Up In Store” order, the retailer is arranging curbside pick up.
Holt Renfrew
The upscale department store made the decision to temporarily close all of its retail locations on March 17. The retailer did not announce when it planned on reopening. The online store remains open to shop with free shipping and returns.
Harry Rosen
Another upscale department store closing its doors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is Harry Rosen. On March 17, it announced that all Harry Rosen, Harry Rosen Outlet, and Zegna-branded stores would remain closed until March 31.
Zara
Fast-fashion giant Zara has temporarily closed 3,785 stores globally, including its Canadian locations, though its online store remains open. During this time, Inditex, the company that owns Zara, has made a major push to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, donating much-needed masks for patients and medical workers in Europe.
IKEA
On March 18, IKEA announced that it would close all of its Canadian stores in order to “support social distancing efforts and based on recommendations from local health authorities.” While the stores are closed, IKEA’s 7,300 store employees across the country will be supported by a “comprehensive benefits package and paid leave policy” and the online store will still be open to shop.
H&M
All H&M retail locations will be temporarily closed until April 2. Employees will continue to receive pay during the two weeks of closures. During the closures, H&M’s online store will still be open and the retailer is offering 90-day returns, free shipping, and free returns.
Aldo Shoes
The Montreal-based footwear and accessories retailer announced that it would close stores across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., France, and Ireland until March 31. The online store is still open to shop and the retailer is offering free standard shipping on all orders and extended returns.
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Gearing up for the winter weather usually means switching over our wardrobes and packing on the layers. Normally, wearing just a single pair of leggings is no longer an option in negative temperatures, however this winter, it doesn’t have to be. There are a variety of leggings out there that are specially designed to keep you warm during the cold, winter months.
Read on to discover 10 warm and cozy pairs of leggings that are perfect for winter.
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As we make our way into colder days, you’re going to want to bundle up. Toronto winters can be brutal, so it’s better to be prepared in advance and say hello to big, downy parkas. If your hunt for the perfect winter jacket has just begun, this is the perfect starting point for you. We know winter coats don’t always come cheap so if this is the year you’re looking for a new one, we have you covered.
Take a look at our list of 15 of the best places to buy winter jacket in the GTA and don’t worry — you can thank us later when you’re not freezing your butt off!
MEC Toronto
MEC Is known for making some of the best outdoor gear on the market. With friendly and knowledgeable staff, this is a great place to get your hands on a durable and practical winter jacket that will last you a few years at the least.
Sporting Life
Sporting Life is a mecca for all things snow related. The store’s winter coat selection is one of the best in the city, and it carries everything from high-end technical ski wear, to fashion-forward outwear that will make even the most seasoned fashionistas jealous. Sporting Life currently holds one of the largest Canada Goose collections and caters to the refined shopper who doesn’t mind shelling out several hundreds of dollars for a high-quality coat. What’s awesome about Sporting Life is that you can regularly find great winter jackets on sale that will help save you some coin.
L.L. Bean
A true destination for anyone obsessed with being outside, L.L. Bean is filled with everything you’ll need to stay warm while outdoors. In addition to all the cozy sweaters, boots, and flannel that the retailer is famous for, don’t forget to check out its well made winter coats, too. We couldn’t be more excited that the brand now has a location in Canada that’s situated at Oakville Place.
Aritzia
If there’s something Canadian retailer, Aritzia knows, it’s winter and the retailer has definitely upped its parka game within the last few years. Most of the parkas and coats you’ll find at Aritzia are from its house brands such as Golden by TNA, TNA, Community, and Wilfred Free, but they are without a doubt, warm as can be. Many of the jackets you’ll find are made of water-resistant material, have a removable vegan fur trim, are machine washable, and down-filled.
Lorne’s Coats
Lorne’s has been a staple in Toronto for decades and what’s great about Lorne’s is that it does one thing — sell coats — and it does it well. While the weather may dictate that you need a parka, often in Toronto it’s unnecessary if you’re a few minutes walk from the office. If you work in a typical office you need a business appropriate coat. Actually, we are going further than that everyone needs a dress coat, not just you office folks.
The North Face
Looking for a coat that’ll see you through the snowy season? You’ll want to get yourself into The North Face as soon as possible because in Toronto, you never know when winter will kickstart. If you think you need the heaviest jacket in the world to stay warm whilst outside, think again because The North Face has loads of coat options that are sleek, not bulky in the slightest, and won’t make you sacrifice warmth.
SOIA & KYO
If looking cute is just as important as staying warm, then you’ve come to the right place. SOIA & KYO has you covered with its well made and expertly designed outerwear that doesn’t skimp on the chic details. The brands sporty down-filled parkas are crazy warm, and the fit of the coat looks so high fashion! Not wanting to order online? Head to Square One to shop in person!
Vallier
A new label from Altitude Sports that’s out of Montreal is Vallier and it’s a name you’ll want to remember when shopping for all things winter weather. In addition to the ultra chic and warm parkas and down-filled jackets that the brand offers, make sure you layer up in one of its crewneck sweatshirts and sweaters for all the cozy vibes!
Value Village + Consignment Stores
If you’re looking for cheap and cheerful, Value Village and various secondhand shops around Toronto are always great to hit up. While considered “gently used” you can often find yourself a great unique jacket perfect for those who need more than one or two jackets to round out your style needs. Many great consignment stores have fabulous vintage designer coats that can help you stand out in a crowd. Going this route almost guarantees you won’t be standing next to someone in the exact same coat as you.
Winners & Marshalls
While it can be somewhat hit or miss, Winners and Marshalls are great options for the shopper looking to pick up a brand name winter coat without breaking the bank. The best part is that these stores restock merchandise frequently, so there’s a good chance you’ll score no matter when you go in to shop.
Joe Fresh
Joe Fresh is a great choice for the frugal shopper. If you’re in the market for a down-filled coat this is the place to go to grab one for under $200. These coats are crazy warm and will last multiple seasons so you really get a great bang for your buck.
Canada Goose
While definitely not cheap option, a Canada Goose jacket is well worth your buck if you’re looking to invest in a quality, made-in-Canada down jacket. Having been experts in luxury extreme weather outerwear since 1957, you can be guaranteed that the brands coats will last a lifetime and keep you warm in the chilliest winter temperatures. The brands newest collab is with luxury label Juun.J and it’s a collection that re-imagined four of its heritage pieces. Expect to see the same super warm jackets but with trendy exaggerated proportions and graphic silhouettes.
Nordstrom
If you’re looking for a place that has a TON of different styles to choose from, start your search at Nordstrom. Whether you’re looking for something functional or fashionable, the store has the best of both worlds, plus everything in between. Think quality Canadian brands, as well as other designer labels like Cole Haan and Ralph Lauren. Not to mention you can even enlist the help of a free stylist to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Patagonia
If you consider yourself an adventurer, you might want to check out Patagonia. The brand is all about functionality and durability at its best. The brands sporty yet chic jackets are perfect for those wishing to spend a lot of time doing activities outdoors this winter. Known for its lighter jackets that are compact, water resistant, and insulated, you’ll get all the warmth without feeling like the Michelin Man.
Pajar
Montreal-based Pajar makes jackets that are both stylish and warm, and when we say warm, we mean you won’t freeze, even when it’s -30C outside. There’s a reason why Pajar has been highly revered in the winter wear world, and its quality, innovative technology, and craftsmanship prove why.
Nobis
If you’re in the market for classic fitted silhouettes and functionality, then Nobis has your back. The brands jackets will keep you safe and warm in pretty much all weather conditions, including wind, rain, snow, sleet, and hail. A big plus is that Nobis jackets can be home laundered, meaning you can save big money on pricy dry cleaning.
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Sometimes brands extend their normal reach and work on something that benefits not only themselves but society as a whole. If you’ve been following American news lately, you may have caught the story that President Donal Trump has made a decision to significantly reduce the protection of two prominent American national parks. If not check out this video below to catch up.
Following this announcement outdoor lifestyle brand Patagonia has announced plans to fight back against the Trump administration. If you check out Patagonia’s website, you land on a redesigned website that features just a black page with the words ” The President Stole Your Land” (this message only shows up on the U.S. version of the site. If you go to the Canadian version you’ll see a similar sentiment with the words “This land is your land?”). The click-through leads you to a page that discussed the problem. Essentially critics of Trumps move say that the Trump administration is privatizing national parks and that this move by Trump will equal the largest elimination of protected land in American history.
According to CNN, Patagonia’s founder Yvon Chouinard has had enough and has stated: “I’m going to sue him”. Patagonia has always had a strong commitment to the environment and has released an online petition urging visitors to take action against the Trump administration.
Retailers, listen up! Patagonia is about to launch an amazing initiative and you should follow suit. The initiative will also save die-hard Patagonia fans a pretty penny.
The outdoor clothing retailer has long been committed to environmental affairs (because what’s an outdoor company without the great outdoors, right?). Since their conception in 1973, they’ve been pushing sustainable clothing and a brand they believe is built to last, offering repairs on just about any ol’ piece of Patagonia clothing that’s thrown their way. And just last year, they donated $10 million in Black Friday sales to grassroots environmental groups.
Image: Instagram/@Patagonia
And now, Patagonia is taking their Worn Wear program, a program that advocates for recycling, reusing, repairing and reducing consumption, a step forward. To encourage shoppers to reduce their ecological footprint and help bring an end to textile waste, which is estimated to be 13 million tons per year in the United States alone, the company is asking shoppers to bring in Patagonia apparel they no longer wear in exchange for store credit.
The old apparel will then be shipped off to Patagonia’s repair facility in Reno, California – the largest garment repair center in North America – to be repaired and washed with waterless technology that helps restore the fabric. The renewed garment will then be sold on Patagonia’s website for a lesser cost.
Patagonia has been running the Worn Wear program since 2011 but will begin the new initiative that encourages customers to bring old Patagonia garments to local stores in exchange for store credit come April 2017.
It’s a win-win-win: One for the environment, one for your wallet, and one for Patagonia.
What do you think of the Patagonia Worn Wear program?
Featured Image: Instagram/@mikeylikesrocks
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