Giant Tiger founder dies at 89

By CityNews Ottawa staff

The founder of Giant Tiger has died.

Gordon Reid passed away in his home after a brief illness, a release from the company stated. He was 89.

He opened the first Giant Tiger store in 1961 in Ottawa’s ByWard Market which remains in operation today.

Giant Tiger now has 265 locations across Canada and employs more than 10,000 people.

“Gordon was a giant within Canada’s retail sector, an innovator who reshaped the industry,” said Gino DiGioacchino, interim president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Giant Tiger. “To us, he was also a friend and mentor. He will be greatly missed.”

Reid received the prestigious Retail Council of Canada’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 and Ottawa’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

He previously held board positions with the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, the International Mass Retail Association, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the Ottawa Heart Institute.

A commemoration of his legacy will be held at a later date.