Customer Update July 2025

July 2025

In this update:

FAQ's: Buying Canadian

FAQ's What Are Tariffs and Why Do They Matter?

BEST PRACTICES: Facilities

BEST PRACTICES: OFFICE SEATING

At Grand & Toy, we’re proud to support businesses with solutions that span Procurement, Finance, Facilities, Workplace Safety, Space Planning, and Budgeting. These areas are critical to creating efficient and productive workplaces, and we’re always looking for ways to help our customers navigate them effectively.

Recently, we’ve gathered valuable insights from the manufacturer community and addressed some of the most common questions we hear from our customers. From streamlining procurement processes to enhancing workplace safety, these insights are designed to help you make smarter decisions for your business.

Please note, this is not an official Grand & Toy publication, and the information shared here does not necessarily reflect the official position of Grand & Toy. However, we hope you find these insights helpful as you tackle the challenges and opportunities in your business operations.

 FAQ’S

My Supplier Says they are “Canadian” How do I Confirm This?

 Grand & Toy is a Canadian company because it was founded in Canada, has operated primarily within Canada for over a century, and serves Canadian businesses and consumers. Established in 1882 in Toronto, Ontario, Grand & Toy has built its reputation as a leading supplier of office products, furniture, and business solutions across the country. Although it is now a subsidiary of The ODP Corporation (formerly Office Depot, Inc.), Grand & Toy continues to operate under its own brand, maintain Canadian headquarters, and focus on the unique needs of Canadian customers. Its long history, local presence, and commitment to the Canadian market make Grand & Toy distinctly Canadian.

 Here are some of the common criteria found in recent RFPs (Requests for Proposals) that define or require a supplier to be a “Canadian company”:

• Canadian Ownership

  
  

  The company must be majority-owned (often 51% or more) by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

• Canadian Incorporation

  
  

  The company must be legally incorporated or registered in Canada under federal or provincial laws.

• Canadian Headquarters

  
  

  The company’s head office or principal place of business must be located in Canada.

• Canadian Employees

  
  

  A significant portion of the company’s workforce must be based in Canada.

• Canadian Operations

  
  

  The company must conduct substantial business activities, such as manufacturing, distribution, or service delivery, within Canada.

• Canadian Taxation

  
  

  The company must pay taxes in Canada and have a Canadian business number.

• Canadian Content

  
  

  Some RFPs require a certain percentage of goods, services, or value to be sourced, produced, or delivered from within Canada.

• Compliance with Canadian Laws

  
  

  The company must comply with all relevant Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations.

• Indigenous or Diverse Supplier Status

  
  

  In some cases, RFPs may specify preference or requirements for Indigenous-owned, women-owned, or other diverse Canadian businesses.

·       Note:The specific criteria can vary depending on the government body, industry, or the nature of the contract. Some RFPs are strict about ownership and control, while others focus more on local operations and economic impact.

 FAQ’S CONTINUED…

What Are Tariffs and Why Do They Matter?

Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods. Over the past few years, we’ve seen new tariffs introduced and existing ones adjusted, particularly between North America and key trading partners in Asia and Europe. These changes directly impact the cost and availability of many products we source for our customers.

What are (Potential) Impacts on Grand & Toy’s Supply Chain (and what are we doing about it??)

• Increased Costs:

  
  

  Tariffs on certain office products, furniture, and technology have led to higher import costs. This can affect pricing and margins, especially for goods sourced from countries subject to higher tariffs.

·        Supplier Diversification:To manage risk and maintain competitive pricing, Grand & Toy has been working to diversify our supplier base. We’re seeking more Canadian and North American suppliers to reduce exposure to tariff-affected imports. Partnering with a Canadian office furniture company to supply a portion of the product line, ensuring some inventory is produced domestically and not subject to import tariffs.

• Sourcing from Multiple Countries:

  
  

  Establishing relationships with manufacturers in other countries such as Vietnam and Mexico, where tariffs are lower or non-existent for certain goods.

• Working with North American Distributors:

  
  

  Collaborating with distributors who already import and warehouse products in Canada, providing more stable pricing and faster delivery.

• Inventory Management:

  
  

  Tariff uncertainty has prompted us to adjust inventory strategies. In some cases, we’ve increased stock levels of high-demand items to mitigate potential supply disruptions or price spikes.

• Customer Communication:

  
  

  We’re committed to transparency with our customers. When tariffs impact product pricing or availability, we communicate these changes proactively and work to offer alternative solutions.

·        Looking Ahead

·        While tariffs present ongoing challenges, they also encourage innovation and resilience. Grand & Toy’s supply chain and procurement teams are continuously monitoring trade developments and adjusting strategies to ensure we deliver value and reliability to our customers.

 BEST PRACTICES: OFFICE SEATING

With So Many Options Out There, How do I go about Purchasing Seating for my Workplace?

Purchasing commercial seating may seem straightforward, but it’s important to understand why investing in high-quality, BIFMA-certified furniture is essential for your business. While a cheap chair from a retail store like Costco might seem like a cost-effective solution, it often leads to higher long-term costs, reduced employee productivity, and potential liability risks.

Why Commercial Seating Matters

Commercial seating is designed to meet rigorous standards for durability, ergonomics, and safety. Organizations like BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) certify furniture to ensure it meets these standards, providing peace of mind for businesses.

For example, Global Furniture Canada, a trusted BIFMA-certified brand, offers chairs that are built to withstand heavy daily use, provide ergonomic support, and comply with safety regulations. These features make them ideal for professional environments where comfort and reliability are key.

Risks of Using Non-Commercial Seating

Using consumer-grade seating in a professional environment can lead to:

• Liability Concerns: Chairs not designed for heavy use may break, causing injuries and legal risks.

• Lack of Durability: Frequent replacements increase costs and disrupt operations.

• Increased Total Cost of Ownership: While cheap chairs may seem cost-effective upfront, their short lifespan and lack of warranty result in higher expenses over time.

• Reduced Employee Productivity: Poor ergonomics lead to discomfort, fatigue, and lower performance.

Evaluating Seating Options in Person

When selecting commercial seating, consider the following features:

1. Lumbar Support: Ensure the chair provides adjustable support for the lower back to prevent strain.

2. Adjustability: Look for chairs with adjustable height, armrests, and tilt mechanisms to accommodate different users.

3. Material Quality: Opt for durable materials like mesh or high-grade upholstery that resist wear and tear.

4. Comfort: Test the chair for overall comfort, ensuring it supports long hours of use without discomfort.

Real-World Benefits of Commercial Seating

Here are examples of how commercial seating has improved operations for businesses:

• Healthcare Industry: A clinic reduced chair replacements by 40% over five years by switching to BIFMA-certified seating, saving thousands in costs.

• Corporate Offices: A company reported a 25% increase in employee satisfaction after upgrading to ergonomic chairs, leading to higher productivity.

• Education Sector: Schools using durable commercial seating avoided frequent replacements, reallocating budgets to other priorities.

Why Consider Grand & Toy

Grand & Toy offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of your business. Whether you’re in healthcare, education, or corporate offices, our experts can help you select the right seating to enhance comfort, productivity, and long-term value.

Additionally, showrooms are available to help you get hands-on experience with different seating options. This allows you to test features like lumbar support, adjustability, and material quality, ensuring you make an informed decision.

If you are not currently utilizing Grand & Toy in this category, consider including us on the quote list and asking for some recommendations. We would be happy to be a part of your Due Diligence

BEST PRACTICES: FACILITIES

I Need to Find Savings in our Facilities Budget. What are Some Simple Ways to Achieve This?

Upgrading your facility, to the correct towel and tissue dispensers -and consolidating your supply choices can deliver significant cost savings while enhancing the appearance of your facility at little to no additional cost. Modern dispensers are designed to reduce waste by controlling the amount of product dispensed, ensuring that employees and customers use only what they need. This can lower consumption by up to 30%, reducing restocking frequency and overall supply costs.

In addition to cost savings, updated dispensers provide a sleek, professional look that elevates the appearance of your facility without requiring a major investment. A clean and modern dispenser system reflects positively on your business, improving customer and employee perceptions.

These dispensers also help reduce shrinkage by minimizing the risk of theft or misuse of supplies. With controlled dispensing mechanisms, businesses can better manage inventory and ensure products are used appropriately, reducing unnecessary waste and loss.

Another key benefit is the availability of 100% Canadian Manufacturers for towel and tissue products. By choosing Canadian-made options, businesses can support local industries while ensuring high-quality products that meet rigorous standards. This not only aligns with sustainability goals but also reinforces a commitment to supporting the Canadian economy.

By consolidating your towel and tissue products with a single supplier, you can simplify inventory management, reduce administrative overhead, and unlock bulk pricing discounts. These updates offer a cost-effective way to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance your workplace environment.

If you are not utilizing Grand and Toy in this area, consider having us do some of the homework for you – and come up with a recommendation.

INPUT FUTURE ISSUES

We hope to share insight in topics around Supply-Chain, Sustainability, Workplace Solutions, Facilities, Technology and the other areas we come in contact with – in future issues.

Is there a topic that we can help break down for you?  Please email jeffhamilton@grandandtoy.com and we would be happy to look at it.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“ABCs of business decay, which are arrogance, bureaucracy and complacency.”

― Warren Buffett, The Essays of Warren Buffett : Lessons for Corporate America