When our customers provide feedback, we listen. And then we act.
That’s exactly what happened when some of our Quebec customers expressed interest in being able to buy sauces and seasonings from local restaurant, Amir, during their weekly shop with us.
Fast forward to last year, and we were proud to become one of the first retailers to sell seven condiments and seasonings from Amir’s product line (all locally made) – including their famous garlic sauce and shawarma seasoning – at Walmart stores across the country.
We take customer feedback very seriously
But we didn’t stop there. We wanted to offer our customers the full Amir experience they craved. After many months in the making, we recently celebrated the grand opening of two Amir restaurants conveniently located inside our Shawinigan and Ste. Agathe stores in Quebec.
Amir’s story is much like ours in terms of its humble beginnings. What started as a family-owned restaurant in Montreal in 1983 has now become one of the largest Lebanese fast-food franchises in Quebec, serving up popular dishes such as shish taouk, shawarma, falafels and fattoush.
“Being able to see our products on shelves and open our doors inside two Walmart stores has been a dream come true,” says Nicole Zreik, President of Amir. “Our vision has always been to evolve, innovate and grow, with our customers’ needs at the heart of everything we do. It’s been nothing short of amazing to join forces with a company that shares our vision and we’re excited to share my family’s recipes with Walmart customers.”
“Our focus on catering to our customers’ needs and serving our communities has given us the incredible opportunity to share Amir’s story and authentic cuisine with them. I’m so proud to help expand the footprint of a local Quebec family-owned business,” says Cyrille Ballereau, Regional Vice President for Quebec at Walmart Canada.
Amir is just one example of how we take listening to customers’ feedback very seriously. But we also take our associates’ feedback very seriously. They really are the voice of the communities we serve. Several associates from one of our Brampton, Ontario stores asked about a Lay’s flavour that was unique to their home country, India. Not only were they longing for the day it would be available in Canada, they knew customers would be thrilled too. Our merchant team partnered closely with the supplier who worked hard to source Masala Magic and many other traditional flavours, which are now available in approximately a third of stores across the country. Let’s just say it really has been all that and a bag of chips. Try them for yourself!
Giving new Canadians a taste of home
Listening to our customers (and associates!) is important, but so is understanding their needs. With immigration on the rise, that means the needs of new Canadians too. So, first on the menu? Expanding our global foods offering.
We're committed to creating a welcoming place for new Canadians by diversifying the food products we carry. Think of it like being able to indulge in flavours from all over the world when you shop at Walmart.
We knew that customers were looking for more Halal options, so we partnered with Kebab Factory, a local supplier based in Mississauga, Ontario to offer ready-to-cook Halal frozen foods. We’re now the first retailer to carry their products nationally, offering a variety of items including kebabs, whole chickens, burgers and more. Our extensive Halal offering also includes popular items like Knorr flavoured cubes and a new candy line, Gummy Rush.
“It's all about diversifying our global foods offering to meet the diverse needs of our customers. And if we can support and nurture a passionate Canadian entrepreneur or business, it’s always a plus,” says Sourabh Malik, VP of Merchandising Food, Walmart Canada. “I’m proud of how we’ve been able to expand and enhance our offering, which also gives us the important opportunity to explore global cuisines and celebrate cultural festivals more.”
We have more than 3,000+ global food offerings available at stores across the country (check out some below) and will launch hundreds more this year. Which one are you excited to try next?
- Sher and Verka flour– we're proud to support these family owned, first-generation Canadian businesses and be a part of their growth journey
- Lucky Me! noodles – thanks to our customers who expressed interest in the infamous Filipino ramen
- Crafty Ramen – one of our latest ramen offerings from an Ontario-based, small business with Japanese roots
- Amul shakes – thanks to our customers who expressed interest in these shakes from the biggest dairy brand in India
