April is the month of renewal, of hope, of the promise of better days. A well-chosen name for the growing supermarket chain, founded in Quebec twenty-five years ago on the principle of overall well-being and a healthy lifestyle.
Shopping in an Avril supermarket is an experience in itself. Zen atmosphere, sleek design, abundant windows, soothing tones, wide and airy aisles, neat displays: everything is thought out and well thought out to savor the present moment. A rare phenomenon in the world of food! The independent chain has built its enviable reputation on its natural, local and eco-responsible products, its wide selection of 100% organic fruits and vegetables, its allergen-free and gluten-free foods and everything you can imagine to fill a pantry. – eat healthy. But the proposal does not stop there, because Avril supermarkets are true “all-inclusive” destinations for those looking for a healthy lifestyle.
To discover: the house brands dedicated to condiments and basic ingredients for cooking – one branch even grows its own microgreens! –, ready-to-eat, as well as a fine range of carefully selected wines. The gourmet offer is completed by a bistro area to have a bite to eat on the spot or to get takeaway meals. In addition, there are sections dedicated to dietary supplements, skin care, cosmetics, household products, as well as a baby area and a bookstore area.
To complete this holistic offer, specially trained advisors in natural health products and cosmetics are present on site to answer customer questions and needs.
An inspiring trajectory
The history of Avril supermarkets began in 1995 when Sylvie Senay and Rolland Tanguay, a couple in life and in business, bought a small natural products store of barely 1,000 square feet in Granby, with the objective of offering healthy and organic products to those who care, like them, about their health and that of the planet. The concept, quite marginal at the time, was a great success: the business expanded and quickly struggled to meet the demand of a growing clientele.
In 2007, the duo took the next step with an ambitious expansion plan. The spring-sounding name is found, the small premises of the beginnings give way to high-end health supermarkets that are sprouting up all over Quebec, and the concept of a hybrid space combining traditional grocery, delicatessen, drugstore and restaurant is launched. Today, the company, which has nearly 900 employees, has ten branches in Granby, Brossard, Longueuil, Magog, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Lévis, Laval and, more recently, Saint-Bruno and Montreal. And it’s not over: well launched on the trajectory of success, Avril plans to open several new supermarkets in the years to come.
Democratizing organic food
One of the objectives that entrepreneurs have set themselves since the very beginning is to offer natural, organic and as local products as possible at a good price, to ensure that healthy food is accessible to the entire population, and not reserved for a certain elite. To do this, they built a 120,000 square foot distribution center in Granby, housing a central kitchen. Just take a look at the transaction site and the flyer (because there is one!) to see that the quality-price ratio of Avril supermarkets compares favorably with that of other large surfaces.
Where can you find organic foods, vitamin ready-to-eat foods, supplements, cosmetics and a host of natural products?
Avril health supermarkets are true “all-inclusive” destinations for those looking for a healthy lifestyle.
A human-centric strategy
For Sylvie Senay, the success of Avril supermarkets is based not only on a good business strategy, on a concept that stands out and on products offering excellent value for money, but above all on the human factor, as evidenced by the concern for the company’s award-winning customer service. “Above all, there is the association with my husband from the very beginning. The other key factor was to surround ourselves well and to be able to count on an extraordinary team. It is with her that we have built stores in our image, which fortunately appeal to consumers. For Rolland Tanguay, it’s a real dream come true. “When we look back, we can see that we have been incredibly fortunate to be supported throughout this development and we are grateful for that. »
A great adventure, centered on authentic values and a benevolent mission, which has only just begun for this visionary couple.
Simplify your life without compromise
This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.