Adopt, the vibrant retail concept from France that focuses on fine fragrances and related accessories for the masses, is getting ready to make its debut in Canada with three locations.
Tony Flanz, of Montreal-based real estate firm Think Retail, has been working with the Adopt brand and its plans to expand into Canada.
Flanz said Adopt has just completed agreements to open in Quebec at Carrefour Laval, Galeries d’Anjou and Place Ste-Foy. The stores — 616 square feet, 629 square feet and 536 square feet — are set to open in September.
“This, however, is just the beginning. Thereafter, Adopt aims to open at least five additional Quebec locations in 2025, followed by expansion into Ontario in 2025/2026. It’s an exciting time for this global brand,” explained Flanz.
He said the additional Quebec locations will be around the province. Flanz and his team are looking for regional and super regional malls for the brand – mostly super regional.
Flanz said expansion into Ontario could be as early as the fourth quarter of 2025 in Toronto or Ottawa.
“Once we get into Ontario the initial focus will be on the GTA (Greater Toronto Area),” he added.
The potential is for between 35 to 40 locations in Canada.
“Founded in France in 1986 by perfumer Dominique Monlun, the Adopt is about choice, accessibility and reinvention. With fun and chic stores in more than 40 countries, Adopt is fresh and engaging—much like its target audience,” said Flanz.
“The Adopt range features more than 100 original, joyful, feminine, masculine or mixed eaux de parfums, all made in a beautiful historical production site in Cestas, near Bordeaux. Rather than embracing a single signature scent, the Adopt ethos is to have multiple fragrances for all of life’s moods and moments, from every day to formal and seasonal.”
Flanz said adopt stores also feature complementary items, such as sprays, body creams, candles and essential oils infused with its array of scents, so that customers can immerse themselves in their favourite fragrances. In addition, Adopt offers a range of skincare products for the face, from serums and moisturizers to lip balms and cleansers.
He said the stores are designed with a modern vibe, and the branding is electric, with packaging that appeals to all generations: The average customer is aged 34, with 37 per cent ages 18 to 25, 42 per cent ages 26 to 45 and 21 per cent over 45 years.
“The brand offers something for all tastes and lifestyles. In addition, products put people and planet first, with a multi-pillar commitment to sustainability practices throughout the value chain, natural ingredients, organic ranges and eco-friendly packaging,” he said.
“A regular on the pages of fashion and beauty magazines, as well as the feeds of social media influencers, Adopt is a proven concept with a strong global footprint and following.”
Flanz said ideal spaces are 500 to 800 square feet in enclosed malls and along busy high streets.
In a previous interview with Retail Insider, Marcel Rinaldy, President of Groupe 3M, who will be the Canadian partner/developer of the brand, said:
“We are convinced that there is a huge potential in the Canadian population – open minded people with a French culture, knowing that the fine fragrances are coming from France.
“Adopt makes the revolution in the perfume universe. Adopt is making the French Fragrance Revolution! The brand offers high quality perfumes at very accessible prices. It also distributes cosmetics, body care, skin care and home care.
“Adopt is unique. It proposes the wider range of the market with more than 150 fragrances of high quality 100 per cent made in France, created by the greatest perfumers, at an accessible price for all and respecting our planet.”
The brand has more than 180 stores in metropolitan France with more than 50 locations in overseas territories such as French West Indies, Reunion Island, Mayotte, Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Saint-Martin. It is also in more than 40 countries with 2,600 points of sale as a wholesaler in places like department stores.
