Simplitude: all-Canadian online store with a wide range of products

I was quite excited to discover a new (to me) online store selling only Canadian products at Simplitude.ca. The product range offered is quite wide from chocolates and candies, to skin care products, cleaning supplies, and even basic ingredients like baking soda.

Individual products are identified by which province they are made in. As Simplitude itself is based in Québec, most products are sourced from Québec as well. The site available in English but some features like the search filter only come up in French.

Simplitude has a significant focus on specific ethical or dietary features including organic, recycled, vegan, zero waste and lets you narrow your search using filters. It also has a sizeable gluten free section.

Simplitude is employing an interesting business model, where an optional paid membership can provide significant savings. Pricing is quite competitive, for example ATTITUDE toothpaste is offered at $7.95 or $6.76 for members, compared to $8.95 when purchased directly from ATTITUDE.

The competitive prices and membership model did make me wonder if the site was legitimate. A quick search of the Internet Archives shows that the website has been up since at least 2022 and the Simplitude Facebook page has been active with frequent post since at least 2023, posts often feature videos of the co-founders with the products. Finally, finding French language media articles from 2021 about the launch of Simplitude but my concerns to rest.

An interesting offering are the seasonal discovery boxes available for $60 featuring 7 to 9 products and 3 to 5 samples.

Is Simplitude an all Canadian version of Amazon or Costco?

Membership pricing has different options from $15/month if paid monthly or $8/month if paid annually. They also guarantee membership savings for annual subscriptions and will refund the difference between the membership and the savings. The membership approach makes it somewhat of a Canadian version of Costco or a Canadian version of Amazon.

Free shipping is available for Québec and Ontario for orders over $125 and for members (Canada wide) on orders over $80. Orders under the free shipping thresholds are charged $12 for shipping and fees can be avoiding by picking up in person at their Montreal warehouse.