The pandemic has caused an unprecedented shift to remote work. A consequence of this shift is that workers are feeling more disconnected from their employers than ever before.
A recent Angus Reid poll found that roughly one in five Canadians would rather quit their jobs than return to the office. Clearly, remote work is here to stay. Organizations are feeling the pressure to adapt to this new environment to keep their employees engaged. This is where the idea for Arigato was born.
Arigato was established in Toronto in 2021 by Nabil Ahmed and David Ramsaran. They saw a need for organizations to bridge the gap with their distributed teams and increase employee satisfaction in this new remote world.
They offer over twelve themed gift boxes for purchase, which are curated with products that are locally and ethically sourced. Every month, they hand pick a new set of unique and artisanal gifts. Their aim is to support neighborhood businesses that have struggled during the pandemic and the lockdowns.
Their commitment to supporting small businesses is a big part of why they are also one of our vendors at Brightly Boxed. We offer two of their most popular gifts, the Rejuvenate Gift Box and the Indulge Gift Box, on our platform.
We had the opportunity to talk to Nabil about Arigato and the GoFundMe campaign, #GiftTheFrontline, which they’ve launched to support frontline workers.
1) How would you describe your services and/or products in 200 words or less?
Nabil Ahmed:
Employees receive a curated variety of high-quality, locally sourced gifts to encourage and reward their efforts. Whether remote or in the office, Arigato will ship your gift boxes to wherever people are located. Arigato boxes are also perfect for client gifts or sharing with friends and family.
2) Who are your target clients?
Nabil:
Medium-sized funded startups in the technology sector.
Although they focus on B2B and employee engagement, their gift boxes are suitable for anyone who likes local products that are foodie or self-care inspired. They make a great gift for friends and family.
3) What do your clients say about your business?
Nabil:
“Great experience with Arigato, really easy to use. A lot of good products in the subscription boxes and superb customer service from the team.”
4) What are your plans for business growth? New services and/or products that clients can look out for?
Nabil:
We have many new box themes coming up, from a mixology box, to a fitness box, games box and more.
Each box includes a curation of 6+ products that are beautiful, useful and locally sourced!
5) Tell us about Arigato’s GoFundMe campaign
Nabil:
We have recently launched an initiative to provide care packages to frontline workers. The care packages contain a selection of primarily locally sourced items designed to promote self-care.
Within a few weeks of launching the initiative, we’ve managed to put a smile on the faces of 25 frontline workers with our care packages at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Community Living Toronto. But this is only the beginning.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of March 2022, which will allow us to send gifts to 500 frontline workers in Toronto, with each gift valued at $20.
People wishing to donate can visit our GoFundMe page.
6) What advice would you give to others who might be considering starting a business?
Nabil:
Start today and find a mentor.
Find a reliable partner or two. Your chances of succeeding will be much greater.
Get used to feeling like you don’t know anything. That’s normal and healthy. It means you’re learning something new.
7) How do our readers find you?
Nabil:
You can email us at hello@arigatogift.com and follow us on social media @arigatogift
~ Contact Arigato ~
Website:
Arigato
Facebook:
Arigato
Instagram:
arigatogift
GoFundMe:
Show the frontlines some love, Toronto!
Email:
hello@arigatogift.com
Photos provided by Arigato
Business Unboxed is a regular feature of Brightly Boxed, a locally curated gifting platform. Find us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok
Our email: info@brightlyboxed.com
