In Montreal, journalist Louis-Philippe Messier highlights the rise of a local convenience store, Toutes les choses parfaites, which has seen significant growth by offering Quebec-made products, including unique foods and eco-friendly items. Owner Karine Martel reports a 19% revenue increase, yet identifies gaps in local production, such as chewing gum and condoms. Despite her thriving business, she prioritizes community engagement and is willing to mentor aspiring local entrepreneurs looking to replicate her success.
Discovering Local Treasures in Montreal
In the vibrant city of Montreal, journalist Louis-Philippe Messier is always on the move, his office packed away in his backpack as he seeks out captivating stories and intriguing individuals. His urban column shines a spotlight on the diverse backgrounds and experiences that make this city unique.
A Local Convenience Store on the Rise
Recently, a charming 100% local convenience store in Montreal has expanded its offerings to include Quebec-made sanitary pads and locally grown nuts, now boasting a total of 360 brands. This surge in popularity is partly due to rising interest from customers eager to support local products in the wake of tariff threats from prominent figures.
The store showcases an array of unique items, such as truffle-flavored oil from the Appalachians under the Truffettes brand, Mirabel chips from Miett featuring caramelized onion and miso, and eco-friendly microfiber dishcloths from Solem.
For those looking to explore new Quebec products, Toutes les choses parfaites, located on the ground floor of the Angus Medical Clinic, is a must-visit grocery-café-convenience store. Karine Martel, the passionate owner, shares, “Every day, I receive a flood of emails and calls, along with samples of new local products.” Her inventory has doubled in just three years, and the growth shows no signs of slowing down, thanks in part to the influence of international tariffs.
Martel’s revenue for January saw a remarkable 19% increase compared to the previous year, which was already impressive. However, she admits, “I often have to turn down offers because my shelves are brimming with beautiful products.” Anyone who enters her store can easily spend time marveling at the selection.
Among the offerings, one can’t help but notice the delightful Le petit pouvoir red wine from Bourg des Cèdres vineyard and the exquisite Bombe Cerise chocolates, akin to artisanal Cherry Blossoms infused with alcohol. Additionally, the unique black soaps from Abieze Lab, which utilize camelina oil instead of the traditional olive oil, are bound to catch the eye.
Identifying Gaps in Local Production
Despite the successes, Martel expresses concern over the “rubbery” gaps in Quebec’s market. Surprisingly, the province lacks locally produced chewing gum and condoms. “We can’t exactly chew Quebec-style or enjoy a local condom,” she remarks, acknowledging the limited variety in these categories.
However, the store does carry popular products like the Iris + Arlo hygiene line and refillable deodorants from Kiima, which help reduce plastic waste. Additionally, customers can find Quebec nuts from Au jardin des noix, artisanal noodles from Macaroni et cie, and a selection of 100% Quebec vinegars.
Martel, now content with her thriving business, has no immediate plans for expansion. “I love my life here, greeting customers, and working with my dedicated team,” she states. Yet, she is open to mentoring others interested in starting their own local convenience stores, showcasing her commitment to the community and the local industry.
“I’m living my values 100% right now, and I’m eager to assist anyone who wants to replicate my success,” she shares. Let’s hope her generous willingness to help inspires others to embark on similar ventures across Quebec. Are there any aspiring entrepreneurs planning to launch 100% local convenience stores in other parts of the province?