How Candy Funhouse Found the Sweet Spot for Global Growth
We love seeing our customers find the sweet spot for success. Candy Funhouse, a Canada-based online candy retailer, is just one valued customer that is showing how the right combination of e-commerce and international shipping strategy can unlock global expansion. What began as a family-run brick-and-mortar store serving Canadian customers is now a global digital brand—with thousands of products, millions of fans (many A-list), and a growing international footprint. A key turning point to their success? Moving from domestic fulfillment to seamless international shipping with a reliable partner.
The Challenge: Going Global with a Local Shipping Model
Candy Funhouse built early success through its storefront and domestic shipping model, but global demand was growing fast. Candy is universal, and international customers were eager to get their hands on nostalgic or rare treats. However, inconsistent and patchwork shipping methods made global growth difficult.
“Trying to patch together a network of different shipping solutions leaves gaps and slows the process,” said CSCO Mo Hejazi. “In the past, we used a combination of cross-border shipping and local mail delivery, and the result was delayed packages and poor customer experiences—an overall nightmare. In fact, we were seeing more than a 25% rate of delayed international orders before making the switch.”
The Turning Point: Going All-In on E-Commerce and DHL Express
In 2018, co-founders Jamal and Mo Hejazi made a strategic decision: pivot the business fully online and address international fulfillment head-on. They partnered with DHL Express to ensure global customers received the same fast, reliable experience as local ones.
“In e-commerce, especially with impulse items like candy, fast delivery is crucial to ensure our customers get the true Candy Funhouse experience,” said CMO Dave Theodoropoulos. “Partnering with DHL gave us the reach, reliability, and speed we needed to truly go global.”
The Results: Explosive Global Growth with No Compromises
With DHL Express as their logistics partner, Candy Funhouse can now deliver orders internationally in as little as 1–2 days. DHL’s Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) service and Customs clearance support have eliminated the friction and confusion that once plagued global orders. “Since moving to DHL, on-time international delivery rates have jumped to 98.7%,” said Dave Theodoropoulos.
Customers also benefit from DHL’s On Demand Delivery tool, which lets them customize delivery times, dates, and locations, enhancing flexibility and satisfaction. As a result, the numbers speak for themselves: a 166% year-over-year growth in international sales to the U.S., with expansions underway beyond North America.
“Reliable express delivery ensures that each candy experience is complete and joy-packed,” said Mo Hejazi. “With DHL, we’re not just delivering candy: we’re delivering smiles across borders.”
The Takeaway: Your Global Potential Starts with the Right Partner Candy Funhouse’s journey underscores a powerful truth: e-commerce success at scale depends on international shipping you can trust. DHL Express didn’t just help them ship faster. It helped them think bigger and keep the delivery experience front and center.
“With DHL’s support, we’ve built a roadmap to expand internationally in phases while protecting customer experience,” said Mo Hejazi. “Their team acts like an extension of our own, problem-solving, advising, and helping us save time and money at every step.”
Candy Funhouse found the sweet spot by combining digital innovation with a global logistics partner that delivers. If you're ready to scale your brand across borders, DHL Express is there to help you do it quickly and reliably – ready to grow alongside you.
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