Retail industry mourns the passing of Mark Halpern – Message from Samantha Smeaton – President, Kitchen Stuff Plus Inc.

To our KSP Team,

It is with profound sadness that I share with you that our founder and leader, Mark Halpern, passed away last night (September 26) after his courageous battle with cancer.  He passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends.  

Mark started the business 35 years ago with money he saved from his Bar Mitzvah and a mission to find deals that would ‘amaze and delight’ our customers – a simple, yet inspiring, mission and phrase that guided him throughout his career and enabled him to create KSP as we know it today.  He loved nothing more than finding an exceptional item and getting our customers the absolute best price for it.  He had a knack for picking great products and was an unbelievable negotiator.  He was decisive and passionate in his vision for KSP and, with his own incredible work ethic, set high standards for the business. This drive for excellence became an infectious and motivating force for us all, and today, is at the core of everything we do.   

Mark truly exemplified an open door policy.  He always made himself available to anyone, whether it was a customer or a KSP team member.   He would a stop in the middle of a meeting to answer a call from the store.  His entrepreneurial spirit made him open to any idea and he was always willing to try something new, so long as it supported his vision for KSP.  He was warm, funny, and approachable.  He was an advocate for development, and promotion from within, and delighted in seeing people progress internally within the business. 

Mark has left a extraordinary and lasting impression on us all.  KSP is a true Canadian success story, admired by the industry and beloved by our customers. 

There’s no one else quite like Mark, and he will be missed greatly.  Although Mark is no longer with us, his vision for KSP continues to be an unwavering guide, and we will continue to execute this vision in his honour.    

Samantha Smeaton | President | Kitchen Stuff Plus Inc.