After Montreal and Toronto, the Montreal shoe brand Maguire will open a store in New York in May. It will be located in the heart of the Nolita district, on Elizabeth Street, a trendy and very commercial artery.
Posted at 2:00 p.m.
“It’s our first big window on the world”, launches the duo behind Maguire, the sisters Myriam and Romy Belzile-Maguire. “New York is the gateway to the United States, which is a big market. But it is also the desire to have an international influence. »
This store in New York, they’ve been thinking about it for a while. They took advantage of lower rents to get started. “During the pandemic, many shops closed and left empty spaces. Rents have dropped by half, so you had to take your chance. We found the premises in November, we signed our lease for 5 years 10 days ago, and we had the last good deal in the neighborhood before the price increase, because it is starting again in New York. We are really excited! », stresses Miriam.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Romy and Myriam Belzile-Maguire, founders of the Maguire shoe brand, in their Montreal boutique
The 1000 ft shop2 is located at 198 Elizabeth Street, in an area with many independent shops. “There’s Everlane, the French brand Sézane, the Canadian jewelry brand Mejuri, it’s really a place where there are several brands that have developed online, like us. Our boutique is a point of service where people come to try the products, like in Montreal and Toronto,” says Romy.
“We are an independent brand. Investissement Québec is helping us launch the project, but we are a small company with 14 employees starting in New York. The goal is to grow the business,” says Myriam. And exporting allows it to do so, since sales outside Quebec have increased from 11% to 42% between 2020 and 2021.
Gap to fill
The vision of the founders remains the same: to offer quality shoes, with an original design, at a fair price and made in an ethical manner.
We’ve been preparing for our arrival in New York for a year. Our partnership with the American brand Madewell has increased our sales and we have seen all the potential there is for the American market.
Romy Belzile-Maguire, co-founder of Maguire
When it comes to the style of Maguire shoes, Myriam and Romy think their products stand out for their quality and price. “I went to Saks and Bergdorf Goodman in New York, there are very nice shoes, but at three or four times the price of what they offer. There is a gap between the very high end [Prada] and the very accessible [Aldo]and Maguire comes to fill it,” says Myriam.
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAGUIRE
Chelsea-style boots, Corticella model, $295
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAGUIRE
Paola suede moccasin, $240, available in several colors
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Maguire’s best-selling models are the same everywhere, whether in Montreal, Toronto or the United States. There are Chelsea boots, colored loafers, as well as sandals. “For the summer, we will have more chic and colorful heels that we can wear for events like weddings, and there are more of them in the United States! “says Miriam.
And after New York?
Myriam Belzile-Maguire always knew she would become a shoe designer. She studied at Cordwainers College in London, a very prestigious school recognized throughout the world, which counts the famous Jimmy Choo as a graduate.
When the New York store opens, I will finish paying for my school year in London. [en 2009] ! I don’t regret it, I learned so much and that’s what allows me to be here today. Plus, we’re going to celebrate Maguire’s 5th birthday!
Myriam Belzile-Maguire, co-founder of Maguire
When Maguire was created in 2017, there was a sneaker and handbag model. Today, there are about forty models available in different colors.
The two sisters are from the Quebec region. Their name Maguire comes from their Irish grandfather, who immigrated to Sherbrooke. “Our last name allowed us to sneak in internationally,” they say.
“We went into business after working in a company for years. You have to have patience. We do things in an ethical way and it is now a value that customers are looking for. »
And after New York? The two sisters answer together: “It may be Paris or London, but with investors. »