According to Tyan Parent, founding president of Groupe Brande, about 80% of the inventory comes from Canadian companies. All of the clothing, however, is offered at prices that are considered very reasonable. As Tyan says, "what sets us apart at Groupe Brande is definitely the product offering and the pricing."
That’s not the only thing that sets them apart, though. In an interview poland number for whatsapp with Tyan and Guillaume de Laplante, Vice President of Groupe Brande, we discuss the company’s role in a changing community.
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A multicultural neighborhood in full change
“It’s certain that on a daily basis, we’re lucky to be located where we are, at 7335 Décarie Boulevard. So it’s a very busy area,” explains Tyan. He adds that many of the store’s customers are discovering Montreal winter for the first time, in all its joys and difficulties. They need to equip themselves properly, and they turn to Groupe Brande not only for clothing, but also for information: how to find your way around the city, how to find an apartment, good local addresses, and much more. Groupe Brande is there, ready to answer questions and needs, in its own way.
What is the Brande Group doing to get involved in the Montreal community?
"We do business with a foundation called Operation Shoebox ( The Shoebox Project ). We've been doing business with them for four years now. It's a foundation that helps women in difficult situations."
Throughout the year, Groupe Brande collects donations of gently used clothing, which are then resold in a special part of the warehouse. The prices are very affordable—ranging from $2 to $10—and the store’s clientele is enthusiastic. All proceeds go directly to Operation Shoebox. “I’m very proud to say that we’ve raised $13,000 so far, which we’ll be able to give back to the organization,” adds Tyan.
A picture of sweaters and text advertising the Brande Group's fundraising efforts for the Shoebox Project.
At the Brande Group, "there is no such thing as a small project"
For his part, Guillaume de Laplante explains that the company is proud to share its experience and its huge store with local artisans.
For a few years now, Groupe Brande has been offering a consignment sales model in stores to encourage local businesses that display their products exclusively online. As Guillaume explains: “There are a lot of these companies that don’t have buyers on site, [so] we ask Quebec companies that only sell online if they want to partner with us.” These businesses can thus sell their products in stores, which gives them “additional revenue. And for us, it makes customers smile to have one more option.”
For artisans, it's encouraging to see their efforts on the shelves. "People can come and see their products in our stores. They're very proud. Between smaller ones, we help each other. And I think it's appreciated on both sides."
The interior of a store showing racks of winter coats, mannequins and jeans.
From local neighborhoods to thriving metropolitan cities, Lightspeed is on a mission to create strong, vibrant, and diverse retail streets everywhere. Learn how Lightspeed Capital, in particular, is helping Brande Group secure the cash flow it needs to fund its projects.