Blondie Apparel’s Canadian-made success story
Fashion07.04.2025
More and more Canadians are making a conscious choice to support local brands, but what does this really mean for businesses on the ground? For Brodie O’Connor, co-founder of Blondie Apparel, the impact is undeniable.
“In the last month or two there’s been a definite shift,” she said. “With the tariffs, people have really decided to support Canadian brands where they can, and that’s translating in our sales, our emails … just everything. It’s pretty crazy.”
Since launching in 2014 with her business partner, Michelle, Blondie Apparel has seen steady, organic growth. The Ontario-based clothing company, known for its “enduring Canadian style” and sustainable, high-quality pieces has earned a loyal following.
But it’s this latest wave of “buy local” pride that’s taken their success to the next level.
Today, Blondie Apparel is stocked in 80 stores across Canada, and O’Connor says their wholesale orders have soared exponentially compared to last year.
“You can tell that consumers are going into their local store and they’re asking, ‘What’s Canadian?’,” she said. “So those stores are reacting and are trying to find Canadian brands to sell.”
The spike isn’t just limited to wholesale. Blondie Apparel is also seeing a flood of first-time orders from consumers nationwide.
“We’re shipping to British Columbia, we’re shipping out east. Everyday there are items going everywhere,” she added.
Keeping it local
Blondie Apparel’s success didn’t happen overnight. In the early days, the pair were sewing their own products and selling them at craft shows, hustling door-to-door to get local stores to carry their products.
However, that persistence paid off.
Now, a decade later, they’re riding the wave of a cultural shift. While there was a noticeable “shop local” push during the pandemic, O’Connor says this current buying trend feels different, like it has more longevity.
And it’s not just about the tariffs. Even before the recent trade disputes, O’Connor says there was a growing interest from women looking for local, sustainably-made, high-quality products.
“Ten years ago, we were constantly trying to pitch our story of why made in Canada was better, but now people are seeking us out for that exact reason,” she said.
Blondie Apparel’s commitment to 100 per cent Canadian production has become one of its biggest strengths. Every step of the process – down to the fabric and clothing tags – is made in Canada.
While that dedication comes with sourcing challenges and higher costs, O’Connor says it’s a non-negotiable for them. It’s also shielded them from some of the supply chain turmoil impacting other companies that rely on international manufacturing.
“We want people to be treated fairly, the environment to be treated fairly… those things are really important to us,” she explained. “We’re definitely holding strong with being made in Canada, and, now more than ever, I feel like we’ve made the right decision.”
The future is bright – and proudly Canadian
As Blondie Apparel continues to grow, O’Connor remains committed to staying true to their Canadian roots.
That community spirit is perhaps most evident in the brands latest limited-edition “Canada Now and Forever” hoodies, which have been a hit with loyal customers, further fueling the demand for homegrown, meaningful products.
And, as the demand for Canadian-made products hopefully continues to grow, Blondie Apparel is ready for whatever comes next, said O’Connor.
“If we had talked five years ago, I would have never predicted where we are right now as a brand,” she added. “I just know we come in everyday and can’t believe we get to do this. It’s just amazing.”
