Brossard Store Grand Opening
Dear Team,
We did it! 3 stores in 6 weeks – a T&T first. I am so proud of you and your teams. Despite the drizzle, hundreds of customers lined up excitedly outside our store before doors opened.
We heard so many customers in Montreal tell us how they have been waiting for years for T&T to open on the South Shore and are especially excited for all the flavours in the Kitchen department. One customer told me he moved to Brossard 20 years ago and the only thing missing in his life was a T&T – and he is so happy that T&T is here now!
I can tell that we have taken our lessons from London, Kanata, and we’re applying the learnings to new stores. It’s wonderful that we are establishing a rhythm to new store openings and that we are getting better and better. The team is becoming a well-oiled machine for people development, construction, and store set up.
One of the highlights of my week was meeting all the new members who have joined the T&T family over the last 3 years. I am touched by how they embrace their responsibility to represent the Chinese community, and to uplift Asian food standards to the highest level we see in Canada. We want to be just as good, if not better, than all the other Canadian grocery stores. Better than Whole Foods, than Sobeys, or Metro, or Safeway. If we aspire to even higher heights, then we can secure a future of reaching more Canadians (and Americans!) by delivering Food For Joy. It’s great to have T&T! 有大統華，真好！
Tina Lee
CEO
Compassion and responsibility inspire the team's excellence
(Woodbine store) Produce Dept. - Gordon Ge
Mornings are always the busiest time of day for the Produce Department. As the Assistant Department Head, Sammy is always the first to arrive, preparing for the day ahead. Known for her meticulous work ethic, she leads by example with a hands-on approach. On hectic mornings, Sammy not only handles the opening tasks for the department, but also takes on the store's early duties. She’s always the first to lend a hand to colleagues, whether it be explaining tasks, demonstrating ways to improve efficiency, or motivating the team. Through her dedication and "Be the Best We Can Be", Sammy fosters unity and teamwork, earning the respect and admiration of her peers.
Sammy closely monitors inventory and quality issues, promptly resolving customer disputes, and addressing colleagues' challenges to ensure the store operates smoothly. Her proactive approach and attention to detail lighten the team’s workload and provide strong support for the store's overall operations.
Sammy perfectly exemplifies the "People Oriented" and "Customer is #1" values. She cares about her colleagues' well-being, offers help, and always considers the store's overall operations to ensure customers receive the best service. It is precisely this caring and responsible attitude that contributes to the overall success of the entire Woodbine team.
Farm tour provides expert insights
(Store Support Centre -Eastern Region) Store Operations Dept. - Justin Huang
The Meat Department coordinated a visit for our ER Store Support Centre's purchasing staff, Operations Department Specialists and Department Heads to one of our suppliers, Conestoga Meats.
This federally licensed supplier operates its production area in compliance with federal standards, with CFIA staff on-site long-term to ensure food safety.
The image shows the preparation room outside the company's production facility. Before entering, protective gear is required, and sanitization steps must be completed. The production area is highly automated, with machines handling most tasks like cutting and packaging, leaving employees to oversee only a small portion of the process.
According to the staff, the production facility can process 8,500 pigs a day. Its close partnerships with over 150 farms across Ontario ensure a stable meat supply and standardized operations
After the tour, we held a product seminar with facility staff, engaging in insightful discussions. This visit, alongside our "Be the Best We can Be", reinforces our goal to deliver fresh, high-quality T&T meat products at great value.
Change is the only constant
Asset Protection Dept.
The Asset Protection Department has gone through two years of steady growth, shifting from a reactive approach - relying on store security for patrol, managing suspected shoplifters, and responding to emergencies - to a more proactive, strategically structured process.
Following changes in direction, the Asset Protection Department's management team restructured, underwent external training, and developed training manuals on theft and fire prevention. They also implemented Loblaw company's "compliance" annual inspection system to ensure the company meets government regulations.
After the restructure, the department now takes a proactive and collaborative approach to provide stores with more efficient security services, employee training, loss prevention checks and recommendations for the stores. It also reviewed the Marketing Department's guidelines and safety protocols, while implementing fire and theft prevention, as well as crisis management training to strengthen compliance and employee safety.
The department redesigned its on-the-job training to help current staff refresh skills and new hires onboard faster. Reports are now fully digital via a mobile app, improving efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability.
The department actively engages in and supports events organized by provincial and municipal police, like community vendor-police communications and retail theft prevention initiatives, all of which have produced positive results.
Change should be gradual, purposeful, and can withstand scrutiny.
Change should inspire reflection, planning, implementation, and adaptation towards success.
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