Purdys Chocolatier Brings Back Nationwide Pop-Up Shops for a Third Consecutive Year
Beginning October 25, Purdys Chocolatier — one of Canada’s most beloved and enduring chocolate brands — is set to delight chocolate lovers nationwide with the launch of eight new pop-up stores across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. The expansion arrives just in time for the busy holiday gifting season, offering more Canadians the opportunity to experience Purdys’ signature chocolates closer to home.
This new round of pop-up openings marks the third consecutive year that Purdys Chocolatier has rolled out temporary retail locations across Canada, a strategy that has proven highly successful in connecting with communities beyond its permanent storefronts. Purdys ChocolatierThe move underscores Purdys’ ongoing commitment to accessibility and its mission to spread joy through high-quality, handcrafted chocolates made from sustainable cocoa.
“Every year, we’re overwhelmed by the warm reception our pop-up stores receive from both new and long-time customers,” says Kriston Dean, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Purdys Chocolatier. “We are so fortunate to have such strong connections with chocolate lovers across the country. Their enthusiasm and loyalty allow us to expand our pop-up strategy again this year and continue sharing our chocolates with even more Canadians.”
A Sweet Success Story in Community Expansion
Purdys first began experimenting with pop-up shops as a way to meet customer demand in regions where permanent stores were not yet established. Purdys Chocolatier The model quickly became a seasonal success. In 2024, pop-up locations in Courtenay, BC; Edmonton, AB; Lloydminster, AB; Regina, SK; Saskatoon, SK; and St. Catharines, ON, attracted thousands of visitors eager to shop the brand’s popular assortments — from iconic Hedgehogs and Sweet Georgia Browns to new seasonal creations designed for the holidays.
Building on that success, Purdys has decided not only to reopen temporary shops but also to transform several of them into long-term fixtures. Two of last year’s pop-ups — at Driftwood Mall in Courtenay, BC, and Niagara Pen Centre in St. Catharines, ON — have now become permanent stores. These conversions reflect the brand’s thoughtful, data-driven approach to retail expansion.
“We’re continuously evaluating our pop-up results to identify where we can make a lasting impact,” explains Dean. “When we see strong community support, high engagement, and consistent sales growth, that’s when we know it’s time to make those locations a permanent part of the Purdys family.”
In addition to the permanent sites in Courtenay and St. Catharines, Purdys recently opened a new brick-and-mortar store in Medicine Hat, Alberta — another sign of the company’s sustained investment in growing its presence across Western Canada.
Strategic Growth Guided by Customer Insights
Purdys’ expansion strategy is deeply rooted in customer feedback and market research. The company analyzes data from its retail network, online store, and seasonal campaigns to identify emerging opportunities and underserved regions. This hybrid approach enables the brand to reach new audiences without compromising the craftsmanship and quality that have defined Purdys since its founding in 1907.
“We recognize there are regions across Canada where we have yet to establish a physical presence,” Dean says. “By combining customer insights with data from our digital and retail channels, we can strategically pinpoint the right places to grow. Our goal is to ensure that every Canadian who loves chocolate has easier access to Purdys — whether they’re shopping in-store or online.”
Dean notes that the company’s focus extends beyond simply opening more locations; it’s about creating meaningful connections and experiences. “We’re not just selling chocolate,” she explains. “We’re delivering moments of joy — something we all need, especially during the holiday season. Every new store, whether pop-up or permanent, is an opportunity to connect with a new community and share in that joy.”
Meeting the Demand for Canadian-Made Gifts
As the holiday season approaches, demand for high-quality, Canadian-made gifts is surging. Purdys Chocolatier, which proudly makes all of its chocolates in Vancouver using sustainable cocoa, continues to position itself as the go-to brand for gifting occasions.
“There is a clear demand for Canadian gifts this holiday season,” says Dean. “We want to make the best Canadian chocolate gifting option more accessible to more people across the country. Purdys Chocolatier Whether you’re shopping for a loved one, a colleague, or a teacher, Purdys offers something special that represents both craftsmanship and care.”
From its signature assortments to festive collections designed for Christmas and year-end celebrations, Purdys’ pop-up locations will feature a curated selection of its most popular products. Shoppers can expect to find fan favorites like the Assorted Chocolate Gift Box, Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels, and limited-edition holiday truffles — each wrapped in the brand’s iconic purple packaging that has become synonymous with joyful gifting.
Blending Tradition with Modern Retail
Founded more than a century ago, Purdys Chocolatier has grown from a single shop on Vancouver’s Robson Street into a national name, now boasting more than 80 stores across Canada. Despite its size, the company remains family-owned and proudly Canadian. It continues to prioritize ethical sourcing through its Sustainable Cocoa Program and maintains its artisanal approach to chocolate-making.
In recent years, the company has embraced an omnichannel retail strategy that integrates online and offline shopping experiences. Customers can order products online for home delivery or in-store pickup, while pop-up locations provide an engaging way for people to experience the brand firsthand. This balanced approach allows Purdys to expand its reach without losing the personal touch that has endeared it to generations of Canadians.
