By Sonya Davidson
We had nearly forgotten about Canadian retailer Grand & Toy until this past week when they had popped up in our inboxes. Yes, they definitely still do exist and online is where you'll find them. This past week Grand & Toy has been buzzing to remind us, not only businesses, but consumers that they have lots to offer. From small appliances, laptops, cameras, entertainment items, and even stocking stuffers, they can help check off many items on your holiday shopping list.
Whlle the usual needs of businesses can still be found on the sites (computers, electronics, printers, coffee makers, etc) you can also find unique items like the MakerBot 3D replicator for personal use. I've also spotted the latest HP Spectre Pro X360 laptop -- a sleek and sexy convertable laptop. Hmm....a nice nod to Bond...coincidence?.
BTW...you don't have to wait until Black Friday as the company has been releasing pre-sales all week as we learned at a recent holiday media event.
The site also offers a more modern and fun approach to the holidays with appealing categories (Go go Gadgets, Warm & Cozy, All About Business, On The Move) in marketing and online trailers as well as offering printable gift tags (matched with Avery Labels, 22807-0). A little humour goes a long way....
The Grand & Toy company began in 1883 as a printing business in Toronto by Brother-in-law Samuel Toy and James Grand with much success. However in 1904, the Great Fire of Toronto destroyed $10 million in property and merchandise and caused the company rebuild while maintaining their business. That same year, they established their first catalogue.
The company had also endured the Great Depresssion adopting extraordinary measures to ensure that staff wouldn't lose their jobs. There were many interesting facts in the company's history that are worth noting...
- Percy Grand, James' eldest son, invents the Roundedge pencil in 1927, still the most popular pencil in general use today.
- The company introduces the first Planning Services for Canadian offices to design and furnish workspaces and this continues today known as G&T Interiors.
- After watching his son suffer eyestrain while studying, Percy Grand invents 'eyesaving' green bond paper that becomes a business standard for ledger paper in 1932.
- In 1955 the company surprised many by building a massive headquarters and warehouse in what was consider the countryside in the Don Mills area of Toronto.
- Grand & Toy embraces technology. In 1989, they developed the industry's first customer-controlled electronic ordering system called LINK. This system set the stage for more computer based programs and in 1996, they unveiled their website.
- In 2007 the company launches GreenOffice promoting eco-smart practices in the workspace and served as an advocacy forum on how to become more sustainable in the workplace and help reduce businesses' overall impact on the environment.
- In 2008, the Grand & Toy website boosts of offering more than 250,000 tech products plus offered a new team of Tech Solutions Advisors to customer account holders.