Montreal-Based Jewellery Brand SarahBijoux to Open 1st Physical Store [Interview]

Date:

Share post:

Montreal-based jewelry brand SarahBijoux will open its first-ever brick and mortar location in its hometown at 5260 Saint-Laurent.

Founder and owner Sarah Simard said the new location will serve as the company’s new headquarters, storefront, and atelier. It will open in June.

The business originally launched in August 2018 as an ecommerce/online venture.

“That marked the launch of my online website, but I was already selling my jewelry through other shops in Montreal. So I was selling a bit in physical places, a little bit online and in many local maker’s markets,” she said. 

Image: SarahBijoux
5260 Saint Laurent Boulevard, Montreal, QC

The new location is in the middle of the Mile End area of Montreal. 

“It’s a pretty touristy neighbourhood but it’s also a really popular neighbourhood amongst Montrealers. I kind of always hang around here. There are a lot of different stores, really, really nice restaurants, bars. It’s a really cool neighbourhood. A lot of things are happening,” said Simard.

The innovative concept, in about 1,250 square feet, invites guests to shop the brand’s diverse range of gender-neutral rings, bracelets, and necklaces, and see jewelry being made in real time by local craftspeople and founder Simard herself.

“The really cool feature is a really large atelier space that will be separated from the retail floor. The retail space will be in the front of the store. So when clients enter they will be in that part of the store,” she said. 

“And then they will have a look at the atelier. That is about 500 to 600 square feet. It’s a really large space. What’s really, really cool with the store and the space is that they will be separated by glass partitions. So the clients will be able to see the jewelry making in action. They will be able to see kind of what’s going on behind the scenes. How the jewelry that they buy is being made.”

Sarah Simard at the Future Montreal SarahBijoux Storefront

Designed by local interior designer, Mathilde Prud’homme, the modern space will be filled with natural light streaming through the street-front windows. Ceramic, terrazzo-like floors and a neutral colour palette of dark sage, light walnut, and white, will highlight architectural elements such as the jewelry bar or the central display where SarahBijoux’s timeless and inclusive collections will be housed.

Offering guests a unique look into the jewelry fabrication process, which is often behind closed doors, the boutique’s expansive atelier space – separated from the retail floor by glass partitions – will house working benches, tools, and a workblock, where up to four craftspeople can work at a time. The boutique space will also have a section for private appointments and consultations during the week where consumers can order bespoke jewelry made for special occasions such as weddings, graduations, and birthdays, says the company.

Prior to Simard taking over the space, it was a popular bar that had been operated for several years but it closed during the pandemic.

“For now this is my really, really big plan. That’s what I’m going to be focused on in the next years. I really want to have time to meet the customers and get to know everyone around the neighbourhood and to really, really make this space work super well before considering anything else,” said Simard of future plans for the brand.

When she was about 19 or 20 years old, she went to college where she started making jewelry. At first it was just for fun as she had plans of going to university to study international relations and communications. 

“But with time I kind of made a name with word of mouth. My friends were wearing my jewelry. Word of mouth kind of gave me credibility with my entourage and with friends of friends,” she said. 

She was eventually approached by a store in Montreal that wanted to sell her creations. 

“That’s when it all started and that’s when I saw my pieces were liked not only by my friends and family but also by so many people that I didn’t know. That made me realize that I had a really great business opportunity. That’s why in 2018 I decided to go kind of big, launching a website and taking myself seriously, really owning my name and my brand and developing more of that.”

Simard said her jewelry can be worn on a daily basis and she makes gender neutral jewelry that is inclusive.

“For me it’s important that the jewelry and the prices are accessible and transparent,” she said.

Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary, has more than 40 years experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, faith, city and breaking news, and business. He is the Senior News Editor with Retail Insider in addition to working as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From The Author

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Related articles

The New Grocery Code of Conduct Should Benefit Both Canadians and the Food Industry [Op-Ed]

An industry expert provides an overview of what the new code should improve and supply chain management practices as consumers grapple with rapid food inflation.

Columbus Café Expands Rapidly in Canada, Opening 10th Location in Montreal and Announcing First Toronto Location [Interview]

The Parisian chain is looking to grow its presence in Canada significantly with a goal for a significant number of locations, according to its broker.

Swarovski Opens Unique One-of-a-Kind Canadian Concept Store on Bloor Street in Toronto [Photos]

Toronto is one of only a handful of cities globally to feature Swarovski’s new Instant Wonder concept store design. 

Healthy Planet Expands in Southern Ontario with 4 New Locations and Innovative Healthy Planet Kitchen [Interview]

One of Canada's fastest growing health and wellness retail chains is growing its brick-and-mortar presence while launching a new concept, says its GM.

Canadian Restaurants Facing Impending Bankruptcies as CEBA Loan Repayment Deadline Looms [Survey]

Research is showing an increase in bankruptcies with a loan repayment deadline at the end of the year potentially throwing the industry into chaos.

Louis Vuitton Opens Canada’s 2nd Men’s Ready-to-Wear Concession at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy in Montreal [Photos]

The luxury superbrand is growing its ready-to-wear presence in Canada in the country’s second-largest city, which will see even more clothing when a flagship Vuitton opens at Royalmount next year.

The Body Shop North America Appoints New General Manager to Expand Business: Interview with Jordan Searle

Searle discusses plans to upgrade stores with The Body Shop's new Workshop concept as the brand continues to see consumer growth amid competition.

Canadian Consumers will Abandon Checkouts if Preferred Payment Methods Unavailable [Study/Interview]

A new report examines consumer behaviour in Canada, indicating that retailers need to invest in tech to gain shopper loyalty.

Rack Attack Continues Expansion in Canada, Adding Three New Stores and Acquiring Calgary Locations [Interview]

The retailer of car racks, bike racks, rooftop tents, overlanding, and other outdoor gear is growing its operations in Canada with plans for more locations amid consumer demand.

Pilgrim CEO Robert Hayes Discusses the Jeweller’s Expansion Plans in Canada: Video Interview

The discussion includes how Hayes brought the brand into the market, what makes it so popular, wholesale expansion, and what's in store for new locations in Canada including one at CF Toronto Eaton Centre opening in late June.

Fitness Concept elleTO Growing Business with Female-Focus [Interview]

Founder Michelle Epstein discusses the rebrand and location moves which are proving successful for the 12-year old women's gym.

Montreal-Based Gourmet Salad Brand Mandy’s Sets Ambitious Expansion Plans, Eyeing National and International Growth [Interview]

The popular salad restaurant chain is looking at opening a substantial number of locations, given success after a recent expansion.