French luxury furniture brand Roche Bobois has officially opened its latest Canadian showroom at Royalmount, Montreal’s premier luxury shopping destination. Spanning 6,300 square feet, the new store blends contemporary French design with cutting-edge technology to create an immersive customer experience.
“We are thrilled to open our doors at Royalmount,” said Pierre Berardo, General Manager for Roche Bobois in Canada. “It’s a significant milestone for our brand in Montreal, aligning perfectly with Royalmount’s vision of luxury retail.”
Royalmount has quickly established itself as Montreal’s answer to luxury retail hubs like Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. “Montreal never really had a unified, high-end shopping destination until now,” Berardo noted. “Royalmount brings together iconic brands like Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton in one sophisticated space. It made perfect sense for us to be part of this unique retail ecosystem.”
Royalmount: Montreal’s New Luxury Epicentre
Located at the intersection of Montreal’s key transportation routes, Royalmount is a visionary, mixed-use development designed to redefine luxury in the city. Developed by Carbonleo, the same company behind Quartier DIX30, Royalmount aims to create an urban oasis where retail, entertainment, and green spaces coexist.
The development’s emphasis on sustainability, pedestrian-friendly design, and public art installations further enhances its appeal. “We see Royalmount as the future of luxury retail in Montreal, and we’re proud to be part of this transformative project,” Berardo added.
A Legacy of Design and Innovation
Founded in 1960 through the partnership of the Roche and Chouchan families, Roche Bobois has grown into a global leader in high-end furniture. The brand first entered the North American market in Quebec in 1971, establishing deep roots in the Canadian retail landscape.
“Quebec holds a special place in our history as our first North American market,” Berardo explained. “Having three showrooms in Montreal reflects that legacy and our continued commitment to the region.”
Today, the brand boasts over 260 showrooms in more than 50 countries, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. “Roche Bobois has always been about blending French art de vivre with innovative design,” Berardo said. “Our global footprint reflects the universal appeal of our collections.”
Designing Dreams: The Showroom Experience
Elegance and comfort define the new Royalmount showroom, which showcases Roche Bobois’ signature style—sleek lines, bold colours, and innovative materials. The store’s design features natural elements such as ceramic, wood, and living green walls, creating an organic, inviting atmosphere.
“We wanted the showroom to feel like an extension of the home,” Berardo said. “Warm, cozy, and inspiring, with a focus on sustainability and natural materials.”
A standout feature is the in-store 3D design service. “Customers can see their dream home come to life in real-time,” Berardo explained. “Using advanced 3D rendering software, our interior designers can recreate any space based on customer measurements or blueprints. It’s a game-changer for personalized design.”
Product Spotlight: Icons of Design
Roche Bobois’ diverse product range includes living room furniture, dining sets, bedroom collections, outdoor furnishings, and decorative accessories. Among its most iconic pieces is the Mah Jong sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971. “The Mah Jong is a statement piece that embodies creativity and versatility,” Berardo noted.
Another standout is the Bubble sofa, known for its playful, avant-garde design and exceptional comfort. “The Bubble is popular globally, thanks to its bold aesthetics and ergonomic form,” Berardo added.
The brand’s collections, Les Contemporains and Les Nouveaux Classiques, cater to diverse tastes. Les Contemporains showcases modern, cutting-edge designs, while Les Nouveaux Classiques reinterprets traditional French elegance with a contemporary twist.
“What sets Roche Bobois apart is our commitment to customization,” Berardo emphasized. “Clients can choose from a vast array of fabrics, materials, and finishes to create furniture that reflects their personal style.”
Expanding Footprint: A Calculated Growth Strategy
With eight showrooms across Canada—three in Montreal, two in Toronto, and one each in Vancouver, Calgary, and Quebec City—Roche Bobois continues to grow strategically. “We’ve been opening two to four stores annually in North America,” Berardo said. “Our expansion is thoughtful, focusing on markets where we see strong demand.”
The Royalmount location replaces the brand’s former Laval showroom, a move Berardo described as strategic. “Laval wasn’t aligning with our target demographic. Royalmount offers the upscale, high-traffic environment we need to thrive.”
Future expansion plans include a potential third Toronto location and discussions about entering Ottawa. “We’re cautious but optimistic. Each new store must be a solid business decision, not just a real estate play,” Berardo emphasized.
The Future of Retail: Blending Physical and Digital
While Roche Bobois has recently launched e-commerce in the U.S., Canada remains focused on in-store experiences. “We’re testing online sales in the U.S., but furniture is still a tactile purchase,” Berardo said. “People want to see, touch, and feel before they buy.”
Roche Bobois launched its e-commerce platform in the U.S. in 2023, marking a significant shift towards digital transformation. “Our e-commerce platform allows customers to explore our collections online, customize products, and even complete purchases,” Berardo explained. “However, we’re still in the testing phase, refining the user experience based on customer feedback.”
Although there’s no official timeline for expanding e-commerce to Canada, Berardo hinted at future developments. “It’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ We’re gathering data, understanding consumer behaviour, and ensuring that when we do launch in Canada, it will be seamless and impactful.”
Despite the digital push, Berardo emphasized the enduring importance of physical showrooms. “Our goal is to integrate digital tools to enhance, not replace, the in-store experience. The future of retail is hybrid, blending the best of both worlds.”
A Commitment to Sustainability
Roche Bobois is also committed to eco-design. “Sustainability is part of our DNA,” Berardo affirmed. “We prioritize responsible sourcing and eco-friendly materials. It’s not just a trend; it’s our responsibility as a global brand.”
The brand’s eco-conscious initiatives include the use of sustainable wood, low-emission materials, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. “Our Legend bookcase, designed by Christophe Delcourt, was our first entirely eco-designed collection, setting the standard for future products,” Berardo noted.
As Roche Bobois settles into its new home at Royalmount, the future looks promising. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Berardo said. “Sales are strong, foot traffic is growing, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”
