Maison Lipari, a cornerstone in Montreal’s luxury homeware scene for over five decades, is set to embark on a significant expansion. The retailer plans to open a sprawling 21,000-square-foot retail space directly across from the Royalmount development, marking a transformative phase in its storied history.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, second-generation owner Patrizia Lipari shared insights into their strategic relocation. “We opened our first store 50 years ago in St. Leonard, which is the East end, a suburb of Montreal,” she recounted. “Five years ago, we opened a second, more central location at the junction of two major highways. It’s an area with furniture stores and luxury car dealerships—a high-traffic zone.”
Initially occupying 5,000 square feet, Maison Lipari expanded to 7,500 square feet by integrating adjacent spaces. However, the desire to offer a more comprehensive shopping experience necessitated further growth. “About a year ago, we learned that a major tenant was relocating across the street to Royalmount,” Lipari explained. “We saw an opportunity to take over their spot, which is three times the size of our current location.”
Enhancing the Shopping Experience
The new store isn’t just about increased square footage; it’s about redefining the customer journey. “To do what we’re doing correctly, we need at least 12,000 to 13,000 square feet,” Lipari noted. “We’re currently crammed into 7,500 square feet, which is overwhelming for both us and our customers.”
The expanded space will allow Maison Lipari to introduce new product categories. “We’ll be adding accent furniture, outdoor items, and providing proper space for beds and mattresses,” Lipari said. “We also plan to incorporate a leased restaurant component so customers can have lunch and extend their stay. It’s about creating a destination.”
A Culinary and Lifestyle Destination
The envisioned restaurant aims to reflect the company’s heritage. “We’d like it to align with our French and Italian roots,” Lipari mentioned. “Perhaps a bistro style or Italian cuisine, considering our family’s origins.” A restaurant operator hasn’t been selected as of yet. “We hope to have this component ready by the end of the year or early 2026.”
Beyond dining, the new location will feature a functional demonstration kitchen. “We’re installing a demo kitchen for hosting events and chef demonstrations,” Lipari revealed. “It’s an opportunity to showcase our cookware and offer interactive experiences for our customers.”
Situated at the corner of Royalmount and Décarie, the new store will face the Royalmount development. “From our north-facing windows, you can see the mall,” Lipari described. “It’s a complementary relationship. We’re in a design centre, and our offering fills a niche that’s been missing here in Montreal, and even in Canada.”
Curated Collections and Exclusive Brands
Maison Lipari prides itself on offering a curated selection of luxury homeware brands. “We carry over 150 brands, many of which are exclusive to us in Quebec,” Lipari stated. “For instance, we’re the only store in the East Coast offering Hästens beds.”
Other notable brands include Christofle, Bernardaud, and Baccarat. “Our product range is thoughtfully curated,” Lipari emphasized. “It’s fine homeware that you can’t necessarily find elsewhere.”
Dedicated Spaces for Designers and Customers
Understanding the importance of collaboration, the new store will feature a design centre. “We’re building a large conference room where designers can work privately with their clients,” Lipari explained. “It’s a space to lay out materials and be inspired, enhancing the overall shopping experience.”
Additionally, the store will house branded corners for an immersive experience. “We’re working on creating dedicated spaces for various brands,” Lipari said. “Customers will be able to explore a wide range of offerings in distinct sections.”
Embracing E-Commerce and Future Expansion
While the physical store is central to Maison Lipari’s identity, there’s a growing emphasis on e-commerce. “We’ve been focusing on increasing our online visibility,” Lipari noted. “Our website offers almost our entire product assortment, which is a challenge given we have about 30,000 active SKUs.”
Looking ahead, expansion beyond Montreal is on the horizon. “We’re interested in markets like Toronto and Florida,” Lipari shared. “Many of our customers move between these locations, and we already ship a lot to Florida. But first, we want to fine-tune our new concept here before considering replication elsewhere.”
A Legacy of Quality and Service
Maison Lipari’s success is rooted in its commitment to quality and personalized service. “We want customers to enjoy their experience and think of us for anything related to home needs,” Lipari expressed. “Whether it’s outfitting a new room or finding the perfect gift, we’re here to help.”
The company’s dedicated team plays a pivotal role in this mission. “Our staff is incredibly knowledgeable,” Lipari praised. “Many have been with us for decades, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to what they do.”
As the new store’s opening approaches, excitement is palpable. “This expansion is a significant milestone for us,” Lipari reflected. “We’re eager to welcome customers to a space that truly reflects our vision for Maison Lipari’s future.”
