ALDO was established in 1972 when Aldo Bensadoun, the son of a shoe merchant and grandson of a cobbler, launched a footwear concession in a Montreal department store. His goal was to create a modern shoe company focused on stylish products, customer service, and ethical business practices. [1]

The brand’s first major success came with the Frida clog, a shoe inspired by Swedish and Japanese footwear that reflected the free-spirited fashion of the 1970s. This success led to the opening of ALDO’s first standalone retail store on Rue Sainte-Catherine in Montreal. Over the following decades, ALDO expanded across Canada before entering the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa through company-owned stores and franchise partnerships. [1]

Aldo Bensadoun founded ALDO at the age of 28. Coming from a family deeply involved in the footwear business, he sought to create a company centered on innovation, ethics, and customer experience rather than simply selling shoes.

Bensadoun remains recognized as one of Canada’s most influential retail entrepreneurs and has also been active in educational and philanthropic initiatives, particularly in youth development and business leadership. [2]

• Headquarters: Saint-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

• Founded: 1972

• Industry: Fashion retail

• Parent company: ALDO Group

• Type: Privately held company [3]

ALDO designs and sells fashion accessories including:

• Women’s shoes

• Men’s shoes

• Sneakers

• Boots

• Sandals

• High heels

• Handbags

• Wallets

• Jewelry

• Sunglasses

• Belts

• Scarves

• Fashion accessories

Rather than manufacturing luxury products, ALDO focuses on delivering fashion-forward designs at mid-range prices, updating collections frequently to match seasonal trends. [2]

ALDO positions itself as a brand that encourages confidence and self-expression through fashion. Its design philosophy emphasizes:

• Contemporary, trend-driven styles

• Accessibility and affordability

• Comfort technologies such as Pillow Walk™ cushioning

• Inclusive fashion

• Modern urban aesthetics

The company describes its mission as helping customers “step confidently through every chapter of life.” [1]

Over more than five decades, ALDO has expanded into a global retail network with:

• More than 1,500 stores

• Presence in 100+ countries

• Company-owned stores in North America

• Franchise operations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa

Its products are also sold through department stores and e-commerce platforms in many markets. [2]

In recent years, ALDO has increased its focus on sustainability by:

• Expanding the use of recycled and responsibly sourced materials

• Improving packaging to reduce environmental impact

• Working toward more sustainable manufacturing and sourcing practices

• Supporting initiatives aimed at reducing the company’s environmental footprint

These efforts are part of the ALDO Group’s broader corporate responsibility strategy. [2]

ALDO regularly collaborates with fashion designers, celebrities, and entertainment brands to create limited-edition collections. Notable collaborations have included partnerships inspired by popular culture, such as Barbie, alongside seasonal fashion campaigns featuring influencers and public figures. [4]

ALDO has earned recognition within the retail and fashion industries for:

• Customer experience

• Retail innovation

• Footwear design

• Corporate responsibility

• Global retail expansion

The company has also been acknowledged for leadership in fashion retail and workplace culture. [2]

ALDO is the flagship brand of the ALDO Group, a Canadian fashion company that also owns and operates brands including:

• Call It Spring

• Globo (in Canada)

The ALDO Group additionally manages licensing and wholesale partnerships for several international footwear and lifestyle brands. [2]

ALDO’s official website is located at aldoshoes.com.

1. We are ALDO

2. Aldo Group

3. Aldo (brand)

4. ALDO Just Dropped the Ultimate Barbie Shoe Collab