1983
A planned retirement
After 15 years in the automotive business, Doug and Eva Dufresne sell their service station, intending to retire.
About TDG
a family business that kept growing.
The Dufresne Group remains proudly family-owned. From our home office in Winnipeg, we operate 52 retail stores and eight distribution centres, manage our own home furnishings brand, and support a network of more than 150 independent retailers across Canada.
Through the years
forty years in furniture.
Follow the moments that shaped The Dufresne Group, from one store in Kenora to a family of brands across Canada.
1985
Eaton’s leaves Kenora
Retail giant Eaton’s pulls out of smaller markets, leaving the Dufresnes’ hometown of Kenora without a furniture retailer.
1986
The first Dufresne store
Recognizing an opportunity, Doug and Eva Dufresne open their first furniture and appliance store in Kenora, Ontario.
1991
A family affair
The first Dufresne store is a hit in the community, and soon the entire family is working in the fledgling business.
1993
Expanding into Winnipeg
Dufresne expands into Winnipeg, opening its second store and marking the beginning of a significant expansion across Manitoba.
1996
A major step in Dufresne’s expansion
Dufresne continues to grow, acquiring two stores from the larger DeFehr Furniture, including its flagship at 1750 Ellice Avenue.
1997
Our first distribution centre
Dufresne opens the first of many distribution centres, this one in Winnipeg, extending its exceptional guest service to delivery.
1999
Canada's Best Managed Companies
Dufresne earns its first Canada's Best Managed Companies designation for strong leadership and performance.
2001
Lights, camera, Doug
Founder Doug Dufresne stars in a series of locally produced commercials whose campy humour makes them a big hit with guests.
2002
Partnering with The North West Company
Dufresne partners with The North West Company to supply home furnishings to over 120 northern communities.
2005
The first Ashley store
TDG opens its first Ashley location on St. James Street in Winnipeg, adding a second major brand and new room to grow.
2006
The launch of dRSG
Dufresne Retail Solutions Group is founded to give independents collective buying power, marketing, training, and resources.
2012
Dufresne Spencer Group is formed
TDG partners with The Spencer Group, an up-and-coming Ashley licensee in Memphis, to form Dufresne Spencer Group (DSG).
2017
The world’s largest Ashley licensee
After extraordinary growth to over 100 U.S. stores, DSG becomes the largest Ashley HomeStore licensee in the world.
2024
Ashley Global Retail acquires DSG
With 130 locations, DSG is acquired by Ashley Global Retail, capping more than a decade of remarkable growth.
2025
Introducing Tenth+Maple
TDG adds Tenth+Maple to its family of brands, bringing a fresh approach to contemporary home furnishings.
Our purpose
our purpose fits in three words.
Make Life Better. For the guests we serve, the people who work here, and the communities we support. It's what drives us to help Canadians create homes they love, build meaningful careers, and make a positive difference every day.
Community & impact
making life better, together.
Our commitment to Making Life Better extends beyond our stores. Through charitable partnerships, community investments, and the efforts of our team members, we're proud to support the communities we serve.
beds for families
Through Dream Big and Hope to Dream, we help provide children and families in need with beds and a better night's sleep.
community investment
Through The Dufresne Foundation, we support a wide range of causes, including healthcare, education, and community development.
team involvement
Our teams give back through initiatives such as United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and local community partnerships across Canada.