La Maison Simons CEO Discusses New Halifax Store and Retailer’s Ongoing Expansion [Video Interview]

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Bernard Leblanc, President and Chief Executive Officer at La Maison Simons. Photo: Simons

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Craig Patterson and Bernard Leblanc, President and Chief Executive Officer at La Maison Simons, discuss the opening of Simons’ new store in Halifax, marking the Quebec City-based retailer’s first venture into the Atlantic provinces. Leblanc shares insights into the $20 million investment and the store’s design, which pays homage to Halifax’s maritime heritage and the Simon family’s roots, with architectural elements inspired by the Bluenose and sails referencing Simons family history. The store expansion reflects Simon’s ambition to bring its brand coast to coast, offering a unique shopping experience that blends local heritage with the retailer’s distinguished architectural style.

The conversation shifts to the rationale behind selecting Halifax for Simon’s 17th store. Leblanc highlights Halifax’s status as a dynamic and rapidly growing city with a diverse clientele, including a significant student population and visitors from neighbouring provinces. The strategic location within a major shopping centre aims to cater to the broader Atlantic region, further cementing Simon’s presence in the Canadian retail landscape.

Patterson and Leblanc finally delve into Simon’s broader retail strategy, discussing the significant portion of sales now coming from e-commerce, while also acknowledging the strong return to physical store shopping post-pandemic. Leblanc emphasizes a unified commerce approach, prioritizing seamless customer experiences across all platforms. The discussion concludes with future prospects for expansion and the potential for more Simon’s stores in major Canadian cities, underlining the company’s patient yet ambitious growth strategy and its commitment to serving diverse customer needs across the country.

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