In 1972, working out of a corner in a Le Chateau store, Aldo Bensadoun set up a small retail space selling clogs. In 1993, this visionary businessman opened his first store in the US. By 2016, Aldo was at the helm of an eponymous global footwear and accessories empire with over 3,000 points of sale, employing over 20,000 men and women and serving over 20 million customers annually.
From his humble beginnings, Aldo’s vision incorporated an ethos of style, quality and affordability which has remained unchanged to this day. But more than anything, Aldo set out to build a brand with a conscience. In fact, the Aldo brand is one of the most iconic brands deeply committed to being an unparalleled corporate citizen and giving something back to the community. As the chain grew and prospered, ALDO has supported a host of major causes both locally and globally. It has made repeated donations to institutions including the Jewish General Hospital, the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, the Montreal Heart Institute, McGill University, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, War Child, Dans la Rue and, of course, the CURE Foundation for breast cancer.
One cause in particular has become synonymous with the ALDO brand. Since the mid-80s, when very few companies had the courage to take a stand, ALDO has been deeply committed to the fight against AIDS. It has been involved with raising awareness, education, prevention, protection and to finding a definitive cure. It has pioneered and collaborated in numerous initiatives such as friendship bracelets, VFILES, Partners in Health and HIV Equity, all of which continue to make a real difference. For those living with HIV/AIDS, and many others around the world, the ALDO group remains a shining example of a brand with a true conscience.