Posted on
March 14, 2025
by
Charlotte Ferguson
Supporting local Canadian businesses is a fantastic way to strengthen our communities and economy. Here's an updated list of Canadian-owned and operated businesses across Ontario that offer household items, groceries, appliances, clothing, and more, along with their respective cities and brief histories:
Real Canadian Superstore
City: Various locations across Ontario, including Waterloo, Brampton, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay.
History: Launched in 1979 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Real Canadian Superstore is a chain of supermarkets owned by Loblaw Companies Limited. The stores offer a vast selection of products, including groceries, electronics, housewares, and clothing. The brand expanded into Ontario in the early 2000s to compete with other large retailers.
Home Hardware
City: Headquartered in St. Jacobs, ON, with locations across Ontario.
History: Established in 1964, Home Hardware is a 100% Canadian-owned cooperative. It was formed by a group of independent hardware retailers who wanted to compete with larger chains. Today, it offers a wide range of hardware supplies, building materials, and home furniture, with over 1,000 stores nationwide.
Farm Boy
City: Various locations across Ontario, including Kitchener, Ottawa, and Toronto.
History: Founded in 1981 in Cornwall, Ontario, Farm Boy began as a small produce store. Over the years, it has grown into a chain known for fresh groceries, local products, and a unique shopping experience.
Zehrs
City: Predominantly in Southwestern Ontario, including Waterloo, Kitchener, and Guelph.
History: Zehrs Markets was founded in 1950 by Emory Zehr in Kitchener, Ontario. It became part of Loblaw Companies Limited in the 1960s and continues to offer a wide range of groceries and household items under the Zehrs banner.
Broil King
City: Headquartered in Waterloo, ON.
History: Broil King is a brand under Onward Manufacturing Company, a family-owned business established in 1906. They design, engineer, and build high-quality gas grills, with manufacturing facilities in Waterloo, Ontario; Huntington, Indiana; and Dickson, Tennessee. Their commitment to quality and performance has made them a trusted name in outdoor cooking.
Elmira Pet Products
Location: Woolwich Township, ON
Description: Canada's largest private-label dry pet food manufacturer, providing quality nutrition for pets for over four decades.
Dare Foods Limited
Location: Cambridge, ON
Description: A family-owned company since 1889, Dare Foods offers a variety of cookies, crackers, and confectionery products, including popular brands like Bear Paws and Breton crackers.
Piller's Fine Foods
Location: Waterloo, ON
Description: Established in 1957, Piller's specializes in European-style deli meats and sausages, known for their quality and taste.
Krug Inc.
Location: Kitchener, ON
Description: Founded in 1880, Krug manufactures high-quality office and healthcare furniture, blending tradition with modern design.
Rossy
City: Various locations across Ontario, including Cornwall.
History: Founded in 1949 by Michael Rossy, Rossy is a regional chain of variety stores offering products such as grocery items, kitchenware, pet products, beauty and health items, gifts, children's toys, bedding, furniture, electronics, stationery, and clothing. The first Rossy store in Ontario was opened in 1981 in Cornwall.
By choosing to shop at these establishments, we not only receive quality products but also support our fellow Canadians. Let's keep our communities vibrant and thriving by supporting local businesses! 🍁
