1966 – HOME BASE
Aldo Bensadoun completes his French military service, teaching Economics at the École de Cavalerie de Saumur. Shortly thereafter, he returns to his favourite city, this time making Montreal his home.
1972 – THE EARLY DAYS
ALDO Shoes is founded as a footwear concession within a chain of popular fashion boutiques. The original group includes 4 Canadian stores in Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City and Winnipeg.
1978 – THE FIRST STORE
The first freestanding ALDO store opens on Sainte-Catherine Street in Montreal, Canada, ending the practice of leased departments within the chain of clothing fashion boutiques.
1980 – 1993 EXPANSION
By 1980, the company becomes independent and prospers. Over the course of the next 13 years, 95 freestanding stores operate under the trade name ALDO.
1993 – 2001 EVOLUTION
ALDO initiates its retail entry into the U.S. market. The first ALDO U.S. store opens near Boston, Massachusetts. Over the course of the next 9 years, approximately 125 stores open in the U.S. alone. By the end of this period ALDO also operates over 180 successful stores in regional malls and key fashion street locations in most major Canadian urban centers.
In addition, the Group operates over 300 stores under 8 prominent retail banners, each catering to a distinct well-defined customer group.
1994 – FIRST INTERNATIONAL STORE
ALDO ventures outside of North America under a franchise agreement in Israel.
2001 – GULF STATES
ALDO’s success in Israel sets the course for an International business model. ALDO grants franchise rights in United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states. A third franchise is granted in Saudi Arabia.
2002 – LONDON
ALDO graces the high streets of London, England, opening prime locations on Oxford Street and Neal Street. The brand also finds its way to the English countryside opening in mall locations including Basingstoke, Uxbridge, Camden, Croydon, Kent & Southampton.
2003 – ASIA
ALDO expands to Asia, opening its doors in Singapore.
2004 – CONTINUING EXPANSION
With the success of ALDO's stores in the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, the brand continues its global expansion into Portugal, Denmark, Malaysia, and Lebanon.
2005 – CONTINUING EXPANSION
ALDO is on the rise with new market openings in Australia, Ireland, India, South Africa and Poland.
2006 – CONTINUING EXPANSION
Another exciting year of growth as ALDO opens in China, Thailand, Taiwan, Russia, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan.
2007
Turkey, Romania, Venezuela, Panama, Indonesia, Philippines, Ukraine, Mexico, Chile and Aruba all join the ALDO family.
2008
ALDO opens its doors in Serbia, Montenegro, Greece, Croatia.
2009 AND BEYOND
2009 will see new market launches in Cyprus, Spain, Vietnam and Hong Kong. By the end of 2009, over 900 ALDO stores will be operating in 45 countries across all continents except Antarctica!
