It has now been four years since I decided to open the Arloca boutique. A lot has happened since that April 15, 2019, and our team is more motivated than ever to welcome you and offer carefully selected quality products. During your visits to the store, the same questions often come up, so I decided to take the time to share my answers with you. I also want to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers who have been with us since day one.
Catherine Lecompte, founder of Arloca
Where did the idea for this boutique in the heart of Rosemont come from?
When I was looking for gifts for my family or friends, or when I wanted to buy myself a beautiful locally made piece of jewelry, I found that the distinction between "designed" and "made" here was not always clear. I didn’t want a product designed locally but manufactured in Asia—I wanted something truly 100% Canadian. That’s why I decided to open a boutique where there is no ambiguity in the selection offered. I don’t want customers who walk into the store to wonder about the origin of the products, but rather to enjoy all the beautiful things made locally.
What are the boutique’s core values?
Now more than ever, I am aware that our actions can have a significant social impact. I strongly believe in the value of local, ethical, and eco-friendly shopping.
I know all the artisans I work with, and our relationships grow stronger over the years. By purchasing our products, you directly contribute to the economic development of several families in Quebec and across Canada. You support local production and uphold responsible values.
It’s also important to mention that we minimize unnecessary packaging and plastic in our boutique. Even the wooden and metal shelves and tables were designed by an artisan from Boisbriand.
Our shelves in the manufacturing workshop in Boisbriand
Why Set Up on Plaza St-Hubert?
Plaza St-Hubert is a lively and well-known shopping street in Montreal. I have known this street forever—my mother and grandmother used to shop here. It is renowned for its concentration of local and independent shops. People who come to shop on this street know they are supporting small businesses and local artisans. The clientele is loyal and deeply connected to this vibrant area.
Storefront at 6572 St-Hubert Street
About the design, what does the brand aim to reflect?
I wanted a simple and clean brand that aligns with the boutique. The name and logo highlight the local artisans and showcase their work. I decided to name the boutique "arloca," which is a coined word for artisan and local. I wanted the message to be straightforward and effective.
The Arloca store during Summer 2023
The last few years have not been easy for retail. How has your boutique navigated through this?
Success relies primarily on teamwork. I would like to thank the employees, family members, and friends… It is thanks to everyone that Arloca stands out by providing personalized and warm service to our customers. The quality of the products, the hard work, and the kindness of the artisans are also the fundamental ingredients that ensure customers always have beautiful products. The closure of long-established businesses is always a shock and prompts reflection. Therefore, I must remain innovative and not rest on my laurels.
I look forward to welcoming you to the boutique.
Catherine
1 comment
J’ai pensé à vous lorsque j’étais à Kamouraska et Rivière-du-Loup où j’achète à tout coup des bijoux Mélusine. Je trouvais ça dommage qu’on ne les retrouve pas à Montréal, et c’est tout à fait dans le style des bijoux que l’on retrouve chez arloca! J’ai même pris la carte d’affaires de Mélusine pour aller vous la porter, mais je n’avais pas encore pris le temps de le faire. En lisant votre lettre, ça m’a rappelé combien j’apprécie votre boutique et votre souci d’offrir des produits de qualité faits ici. Votre boutique est exceptionnelle! Bravo!