The world needs more Purdys

Chocolatier's success celebrated with the opening of 79^th store

VANCOUVER, June 20, 2018 /CNW/ - While the Canadian retail environment has been plagued by bankruptcies and closing-out sales, one homegrown brand is defying all downward trends by opening its 79^th store in Canada: Purdys Chocolatier. The family-owned confectioner is set to welcome food lovers Saturday June 23^rd in the heart of Toronto Eaton Centre with a sparkling array of chocolates that would make Willy Wonka's head spin. To celebrate the opening, Purdys has created 'Blueberry Buttermilk', a tart, creamy ganache featuring Ontario and Eastern Canadian wild lowbush blueberries?available exclusively at Purdys' Toronto Eaton Centre location on June 23^rd.

The recipe to the chocolatier's success is part science, part art and a whole lot of creative magic. Purdys constantly examines its offerings to meet the ever-increasing demands of a consumer who wants unique gift ideas and hyper personalization wrapped up in an absorbing retail experience. Keeping in tune with food, fashion and pop culture trends is married with the crunching of hard data on the performance of merchandising categories across retail and ecommerce channels. It's that blend of business intelligence and creative flair that's kept the company expanding instead of following the downward spiral of so many other Canadian retailers.

"We've focused on expanding options for specialty packaging and 'just because' gifting occasions due to customer demand for unique, personalized gifts with a local feel. Most of our boxes can be packed with a totally customized mix of chocolates so the recipient can always get exactly what they want," says Kriston Dean, VP Merchandising & Marketing at Purdys. "Another expansion area has been our From The Chocolate Kitchen collection that highlights on-trend flavours that pull really well with millennial and foodie audiences who are really engaged with gourmet culture. This lineup includes twists on old favourites, like Peanut Butter & Jelly, as well as innovative new flavour combinations like Ocean Peach, Bourbon Caramel and Sake & Sakura. We want our customers to get excited with each new release and experience something completely unique."

Consumer appetite for memorable in-store experiences are also being satisfied at Purdys. Interactive ice cream stations are a staple at all locations. Customers can watch ice cream bars dipped in decadent chocolate and smothered in freshly roasted nuts, adding theatre and fun to the chocolate shopping experience. Select locations boast a kiosk where shoppers can customize their own chocolate bar wrappers with just a few clicks by uploading their own photos and text to be printed within minutes right at the shop. Customers can also book truffle-making classes with a Master Chocolate Connoisseur, a service that's proven popular with the business community seeking an alternative to the usual team-building or client activities.

About Purdys Chocolatier (purdys.com):
Purdys Chocolatier was founded in 1907 in Vancouver by Richard Carmon Purdy. With 79 shops across the country, Purdys is Canada's go-to destination for innovative chocolate flavours and gifts. Purdys chocolates are made daily at their Vancouver Factory Kitchen, using only the freshest ingredients sourced from around the world. Every creation at Purdys uses 100% sustainable cocoa, ensuring their cocoa farmer partners and co-ops are supported by programs that improve their profits and the livelihoods of their families and communities. Bestsellers include Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels, Hedgehogs, Sweet Georgia Browns and English Toffee.

About CF Toronto Eaton Centre (cfshops.com/Toronto-eaton-centre.html):
The CF Toronto Eaton Centre is an unrivaled retail destination in the heart of Canada's most populous city, featuring more than 250 shops, capitalizing on unique and first-to-market retailers. CF Toronto Eaton Centre attracts over 50 million visitors annually and ranks as one of North America's best-performing centres. CF Toronto Eaton Centre is the first Canadian shopping centre to feature both a Nordstrom and a Saks Fifth Avenue.

SOURCE Purdys Chocolatier