Our Story
Danawares was created, by Peter Lewis (current CEO), in the basement of his house. Originally Danawares designed and marketed a line of kitchen gadgets, cutlery, kitchen tools, fondues, ceramics, patio wares and other specialty items.
In 1992 Danawares entered into the licensed products world. Initially we started with Disney, with a line of ceramic kitchen ceramics including Mickey Mouse Cookie Jars, spoon rests, salt and pepper sets, and mugs.
After two years of having huge success with Disney, we expanded our licensed range to include Pillow Buddies, Melamine children’s’ dinnerware, lunch bags, and many other items.
By 2007 Danawares was Disney’s largest Canadian licensee. We then further expanded our ranges to include stationery, arts and crafts, puzzles, plush, toys and arts and crafts, jewelry, outdoor and indoor children’s furniture. With a huge presence on the Canadian market, we started partnering with all major other licensors like Warner Bros, Nickelodeon, Barbie, as well as man many other studios.
By 2010, Danawares’ products were in virtually all retailers in Canada, who handled our types of products. At this time we started being approached by international firms seeking a presence in Canada.
To properly handle these great companies, Danawares hired its current president, Dana Lewis.
She in time developed a professional team to help market and sell these non-Canadian lines. Today our distribution business represents about half of our total business.
Our products are sold in Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Shoppers Drug Marts, Loblaw’s, Jean Coutu, Sobeys, London Drugs, Home Hardware, Indigo, as well as many clothing and accessory chains.
Danawares has been built by a dedicated team of professionals, many of whom have been with us for 15, 20, 25, and 30 years. Our staff is dedicated to doing the best they can. They are honest, honorable and fun to be with. Led by Dana Lewis, who is young, vibrant and driven, Danawares is poised to continue growing.
If your firm is looking to enter into the Canadian market place we look forward to discussing the possibilities with you. Contact us. We will be delighted to hear about the opportunity.
Our values
Ethics
There’s more to being a supplier than just great products and that includes ethical sourcing and compliance. Working with our licensors and customers, we ensure that all our manufacturing partners are socially compliant and meet the requirements established by local governments through regular 3rd party audits. Compliance also extends to our products where all our items are tested by certified labs in accordance with laws and protocols established by our customers.
Inventory
Danawares maintains a wide assortment of in-stock product ready to ship within 48 hours.
Drop ship
Full EDI capability to dropship single piece orders direct-to-consumer.
Ability to execute
Our objective, day in and day out, is to exceed our customers’ expectations.
Understanding customers' needs
A critical measure of our success is understanding and listening
to our customers’ needs. Their target price points, customer demographics and timelines are mutually understood and met.