2025 Period 12 - EN

Thank You, T&T Ora

Dear T&T Team,

In every chapter of T&T’s story, one principle has always guided us: customer is #1. This belief has been a big reason behind how we, as a team, can grow so quickly.

At the same time, with this kind of growth comes important decisions about how we use our resources most effectively to serve our customers.

After careful consideration, and with a heavy heart, we've made the strategic decision to close our T&T Ora store in Richmond, B.C., on November 28th, 2025.

This decision doesn’t come lightly, but the time has come for us to make a change. With the building showing its age, our team has worked tirelessly to stay on top of the countless maintenance issues as they arise. We’ve also braved the inconsistent and tricky parking situation alongside our customers, but the reality is that local residents have found it easier to visit our Lansdowne location, just 1.4km away and twice the size.

It's not easy for us to say goodbye. Ora holds a special place in our hearts. It was the last store that my mother, Cindy Lee, helped open before she retired in 2014. For the 11 years since, this store has been a good neighbour to our community. We also remember it as the first B.C. location to host our ecommerce business, paving the way for us to reach more people across the furthest corners of Richmond.

I understand this decision can be disappointing, particularly for our team at Ora. We are making every effort to support everyone through this transition and relocating as many colleagues as possible to other T&T locations and our Support Centre.

Rest assured, the upward trajectory of our business remains strong. We continue to grow fast, with many new stores planned across different regions. We don’t expect to make any similar decisions in the near future. By making this change now, we can focus more of our resources on serving new customers.

To our team at Ora: from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being an important part of T&T’s story. You have served our customers and community with excellence and diligence for over a decade. Whether you are staying with us or choosing a new path, I hope you will carry with you the pride of having been a part of the T&T family.

Tina Lee

CEO

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Demonstrating passion through action

(North Edmonton store) Store Admin Dept. Leo Zhang 

Vicky is a particularly exceptional employee at our store. As an LCS, she goes beyond her core duties, actively supporting operations and training with passion and responsibility. Whether it's a promotional event or arranging holiday decorations, she inspires the team and fosters a positive, enjoyable work atmosphere.

Vicky takes the initiative in cashier training, carefully guiding new employees and adapting her teaching to each trainee's pace. She helps newcomers quickly master systems and processes, boosting efficiency. Even on her days off, she assists customers, gathers feedback, and offers suggestions to enhance the team's service.

Vicky also shares a warm connection with T&T. Before joining the company, when she and her family were buying a home, they specifically chose a location close to T&T because she loved the culture and atmosphere. She chose to join the T&T team later on, demonstrating her trust and passion for the brand through her actions. 

Vicky demonstrates the spirit of "customer first" and "teamwork" through her actions. Her efforts not only strengthens the team but also lets customers experience the warmth and care that define T&T.

"Couldn't do it without you" - A day in Sean's receiving routine

William Zhang (Promenade store) - Seafood Department

At our PR store, we have an exceptionally reliable employee — Sean. His catchphrase, "Couldn't do it without you," is not only his way of greeting others, it's a source of motivation for himself and his colleagues.

The Receiving Department is the first checkpoint for products coming into the store, and Sean consistently demonstrates thoroughness and efficiency, ensuring that delivery lists are accurate and inventory matches records. On average, he identifies over $1,500 worth in supplier shortages each month. When praised, he humbly says: "This is just part of my daily work." Equally as impressive is his knack for spotting potential equipment issues, discovering and reporting potential failures of the baler and electric forklift before they disrupt operations.

Sean is highly organized, keeping the receiving area clean, orderly, and running smoothly even during the busiest times. He is also willing to help others. After completing tasks in his own department, he will take the initiative to assist other departments with restocking and moving goods. Everyone says that if you find Sean, you're sure to get help.

His passion towards work and attention to detail have inspired the entire team. 

"Couldn't do it without you," isn't just Sean's catchphrase, it's a principle he consistently puts into action. It's employees like him who willingly take on responsibilities and work diligently that keep the company moving forward. 

Don't be tempted by petty gains; integrity comes first

Asset Protection Dept. 

We've been taught from a young age to value what we have and not to be wasteful. While these values are admirable in daily life, these habits may create some issues in the workplace. The line between frugality and maintaining proper standards is thin, and crossing it may lead to regret.

An employee from the Grocery Department at a certain store discovered some defective products while restocking. Once these products were approved for disposal by the Department Head, this individual thought, "It would be such a waste to throw it away, it shouldn't be an issue to bring home and eat?" In the end, the employee took the products home, an act that was in clear violation of company policy.

The company established clear tasting and disposal procedures to ensure product quality and food safety. Only the Department Head (or their superior), and chefs who are responsible for production can personally or assign someone to do so. Otherwise, all unpaid products, whether they be samples, have damaged packaging, are defects, expired or prepared for disposal, must not be tasted, taken off-site or gifted to others by any employee at any time or place.

Please do not become careless just because an item appears to have little value. The company has clear rules and records for the handling of all rejected or defective products. Crossing this line, even for something of minimal value, undermines integrity and can damage your personal reputation as well as your future career prospects.

One wrong choice can cost trust, but an act of integrity can earn respect.