Tepperman’s Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Here’s a terrific Canadian success story at a time when Canada could use some good news to celebrate! Ontario retailer Tepperman’s marks its 100th anniversary in March, and is using the month to reflect on the company’s rich history for service, representing quality products, and the Tepperman family commitment to local communities. Tepperman’s today is one of Canada’s largest family-owned home furnishing retailers with locations in Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ancaster, Sarnia, Chatham, and St. Catharines.

An early Tepperman’s truck in signature red

The history of Tepperman’s is a true Canadian immigrant story that started when Nate Tepperman came to Canada after the Russian Revolution. Starting with nothing more than a dream in 1925, Nate began selling rugs door-to-door on foot in Windsor, Ontario. As his business grew, he evolved from walking to a bicycle to a used pickup truck, to eventually opening his first brick and mortar store in 1929.

His son, Bill Tepperman, took the helm in 1970, leading expansion into Chatham, Sarnia, and London. Under the leadership of brothers Andrew and Noah Tepperman, the company then grown to include stores in Kitchener, Ancaster, and St. Catharines.

Three generations of Tepperman leadership; Nate, Bill and Andrew

Key Tepperman’s milestones include the opening of the Bargain Annex in 1984, (now Outlet at Tepperman’s), being honored with the Canadian Retailer-of-the-Year award in 2003, numerous Environment and Sustainability awards by the local Chamber of Commerce, voted Best Place to Shop by the readers of local newspapers, investing over $1M in children’s education, including a unique Indigenous scholarship for post graduate studies, and being recognized as a “Great Place to Work” by the Great Place to Work Institute Canada for the past two years.

“This 100^th anniversary is more than a celebration of our business, it’s a celebration of our valued customers, employees, and business partners who have contributed to our success over the decades,” said Andrew Tepperman, 3^rd Generation, Executive Chairman. “Looking back 100 years ago, there were 22 home furnishing retailers in Windsor. Today, Tepperman’s is the only one still standing. What we do is not unique, but how we do it is, like building long-term customer relationships and a great work culture.”

Andrew Tepperman holds the 1931 Windsor telephone directory that listed 22 home furnishing stores of which Tepperman’s is the only one to remain in business.

The 1932 Windsor phone Directory . If Nate Tepperman could only have seen Google and online shopping to see how retail has evolved in the past 100 years! Notice how the only furniture retailer standing today had a simple line list in the directory and not a box listing, perhaps foretelling the fiscal responsibility required to build a 100-year business.

Themed “100 years…and more in store!”, this year-long celebration will be their most significant event in 100 years. It serves as a reflection of Tepperman’s rich history and a vision for an exciting future. Today, the company prides itself by offering unparalleled value with expert staff, in-house financing, decor services, and an expansive selection of furniture, mattresses, appliances, and electronics. “Looking ahead” added Andrew Tepperman, “Tepperman’s promises even more innovation, product selection, sustainability initiatives, and impactful community partnerships.”

Highlights of the 100th Anniversary celebration include:

Anniversary Catalogue: An inspirational special edition catalogue showcasing Tepperman’s legacy and latest products, available online and distributed to select homes.
Customer Appreciation: Exclusive promotions to thank our loyal customers throughout the year, leading with the 100^th Anniversary Giveaway with over $100,000 of prizes.
Community Engagement: Local events aligning with its commitment to giving back.

The cover for the 100th Anniversary catalogue

Tepperman’s continues to champion sustainability through initiatives such as EV charging stations installed at all stores, solar panel installations including a 914 solar panel installation on the roof of its 70,000 square foot Kitchener store, pollinator gardens, and partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Second Wind Recycling and Recyc-Mattress to reduce waste and divert products from landfills.

“As we honor our past with this 100^th anniversary, our story continues as there is so much more in store. We’re focused on the future as we innovate and grow. To survive 100 years, a company must be more than just a business, it must wholeheartedly embrace and prioritize the communities it serves. As our mission statement states, when we do it right, they will come back.” Stated aid Masoud Negad, newly appointed CEO of Tepperman’s.