BAD BOY HISTORY

The Bad Boy phenomenon began in 1955, when Mel Lastman opened his first Bad Boy store on Weston Road. Mel's branded message stated that Bad Boy was “the place to shop” because of its great pricing and excellent service.

Mel instantly became a legend in Toronto with his creative publicity stunts such as, selling two-dollar bills for one dollar – coined as the “best two for one deals you could find”. Mel’s charisma and great business sense was the catalyst that turned one store into an impressive chain of 40 locations across Ontario.

In 1972, Mel decided to turn his attention to politics and ran for office in the City of North York as Mayor. Not only did he win, but he also won the hearts and admiration of the constituents and served as Mayor for 25 consecutive years. In 1975, Mel decided to sell his beloved furniture store and continue his career in politics, ultimately earning him the name "Mega City Mel".

In 1991, Blayne Lastman, Mel’s son, resurrected the Bad Boy name and reputation for having the lowest prices in town. His decision to re-open the new store in the center of Toronto’s “furniture strip” had many naysayers scratching their heads. The nineties were an extremely challenging time for the business community and many long standing players had no other choice but to close down due to the recession. Blayne, who had just as much gusto as his father Mel, beat all odds and went on to implement an innovative, flash forward sales strategy that would later be replicated by other retailers in the industry. The success of this first store in Scarborough quickly led to another opening in Mississauga.

Blayne was extremely committed to building the Bad Boy name and brand. His eclectic ideas and gimmicks infused shoppers with excitement and captured an enormous amount of media attention catapulting Bad Boy’s popularity through the roof! In fact, in 1994, the United States White House served Bad Boy with a “cease and desist” order under the complaint surrounding Bad Boy’s use of the then President, Bill Clinton look-a-like being used in their advertising. In typical Bad Boy style, Blayne did not cease and desist, instead he responded with “This is Canada, not the 51st State”, followed by a sequel commercial featuring a Hillary Clinton look-a-like!

While the Scarborough and Mississauga locations flourished, Blayne continued to expand with new locations in North York, Whitby and Barrie. With five stores, and a bustling Central Distribution Center operating at full tilt, Blayne turned his focus to fine tune operations to ensure Bad Boy’s mandate for great pricing and excellent service.

In 2006, Mel decided to join Blayne and come back to his original love. Bad Boy formally became Lastman’s Bad Boy and Mel was proclaimed the Honorary Chairman of the Board. With Mel back on board, the business came full circle. In 2007, Blayne and the team opened two new stores in London and Kitchener to overwhelming enthusiasm. The following year, yet another fabulous store opening was celebrated in Burlington.

Blayne and his dedicated team of Bad Boys continue to lead Lastman’s Bad Boy with integrity and the highest standards in customer service. As one of the most acclaimed teams in retail – they are always aiming at pleasing customers by offering great quality and great value at great prices. Plans for expansion continue as Lastman’s Bad Boy is always looking for a location near you!