Grosche Proud to Open Guelph's First Living Wage Retail Store

May 26, 2016

By Helmi Ansari

On March 1, we opened our very first retail boutique in Guelph, ON. We are super happy to have a first store. But moreover, we are proud to be Guelph's first certified living wage retail store. To welcome us, Mayor Cam Guthrie came by to inaugurate the opening with a ribbon cutting.

What can you get at the GROSCHE retail store?

Find the best selection of all natural loose-leaf teas, matcha teas and fresh roasted coffees. On top of that, we offer French presses, tea infuser pots and everything else you need to brew the best coffee and tea. We also make and brew hot teas, iced teas, hot and iced coffees and matcha drinks.

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What is the living wage program?

For those of you not familiar with the living wage program, it is a conservative estimate of what two full-time working people need to earn hourly to live, with two children. The local living wage is $16.50/hour. This number is calculated through a rigorous and reviewed process. This process is vetted nationally by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The local living wage conversation has been spearhead by the Poverty Task Force. They are now reaching out to all employer encouraging them to sign on.

What does it mean for GROSCHE to be a living wage employer?

“Paying a Living Wage is not only the right thing to do for our community, but also good for business. It promotes better living in the community. It also ensures that our employees are all able to afford the basics they need to live a healthy lifestyle,” says Company Founder Helmi Ansari.

“We are excited to open our coffee and tea boutique in downtown Guelph. Visitors can find a large variety of loose leaf teas, gourmet coffees, and the finest Grosche coffee and tea accessories.”

"We are thrilled to welcome Grosche International to our community and to the Guelph & Wellington Living Wage Employer Recognition Program,” says Randalin Ellery of Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination. “As the first retailer in Guelph signing on to the program, they are leading the way for others by supporting social change and decent work in our community."

Come by for a cup of coffee

We are excited about our first store downtown Guelph and are thrilled to be a part of the local community. We look forward to what the year has in store for us and to see you at the store for a cup of coffee or tea or even just a chat.