Simons Supports Canadian Makers with Launch of Fabrique1840

October 17, 2018

Simons, the 178-year-old, family-owned fashion retailer from Quebec City, has launched a new online market that features an all-Canadian line up of skilled artisans, including Montreal lighting design firms Lambert et Fils and AllStudio. (Shown in photo, L-R: luminaires from Lambert & Fils and AllStudio.)

“The motivation behind Fabrique1840 is to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem,” says Peter Simons, Co-owner and President of Simons. “Canadians must establish a destination that supports and celebrates our creativity and values; the road to Canadian economic success is rooted in cooperation and community.” 

Sharing expertise to support Canadian design

Since launching its own custom e-commerce platform in 2010, Simons has become a leader in Canada’s e-commerce industry. Fabrique1840 shares that knowledge and infrastructure with artisanal entrepreneurs to help them prosper in a world dominated by a limited number of global platforms.

“The level of design and craftsmanship in this country is truly remarkable. We want to support these gifted creators to ensure they can make living from their craft and contribute to the local economy,” says Peter Simons. “Canadian design needs to be as celebrated as Scandinavian or Japanese design and we want to help tell that story.” 

“Similar to our approach to finding the most interesting and relevant fashion designers for Simons, we are constantly looking for undiscovered Canadian makers to bring to Fabrique1840,” adds Peter Simons. “If we can tell stories, introduce the artisans, and especially show the passion, it will be a great thing.”

The name Fabrique1840 is a nod to the location of the original Simons store founded in 1840 on Côte de la Fabrique in Quebec City. The word fabrique comes from the Latin “fabrica,” which means a person’s trade, craft or workshop. 

Simons was founded in 1840 by John Simons as a dry goods store in Québec City and has since built its reputation on being an accessible and inspired fashion brand. Simons is led by brothers Peter and Richard Simons who carry on the family legacy and the brand’s commitment to cultivating creativity, building meaningful relationships with staff, partners and customers, and being mindful of the environment and the communities where they do business. 

Simons has 15 stores across Canada, located in Quebec City (3 stores), Montreal, Anjou, Laval, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Edmonton (2 stores); West Vancouver, Calgary, Mississauga and Ottawa. 

Learn more about Lambert & Fils (www.simons.ca/en/fabrique-1840/lambert-fils–8837) and AllStudio (www.simons.ca/en/fabrique-1840/allstudio–8809) at Fabrique1840.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDucation 2024 – Concluded with Record-Breaking Attendance

    The LEDucation Trade Show and Conference, organized by the Designers Lighting Forum New York, wrapped 2024 with record-breaking attendance, welcoming more than 10,000 registrants from all aspects of the lighting industry. LEDucation celebrated its 18th year in New York City March 19–20 at the New York Hilton Midtown, becoming North America’s largest annual lighting industry… Read More…

  • Part 1: How Many Studies Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb?

    March 18, 2024 How studies in vision inform lighting standards at Night By Noah Sabatier Changing a light bulb in our home is perhaps the most simple task in which we can still credit ourselves for performing household maintenance. The amount of thought such an operation receives rarely extends beyond looking for the most efficient… Read More…


Design

  • Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    February 6, 2024 Since 1940, WFCU Credit Union is a prominent and forward-thinking financial institution based in Windsor and Essex County. For over 80 years, WFCU has been dedicated to serving Ontario residents, community, organizations, small businesses, commercial entities, and public institutions. Their new headquarters in Kitchener was created as they continue to grow their… Read More…

  • Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    December 5, 2023 At 170 m (554 ft) long and 50 m (160 ft) high, the Coaticook Canyon Bridge at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is one of the longest suspension footbridges in North America and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Eastern Townships. For several years, the Parc de la… Read More…


New Products

  • Liteline ORBIT 2″ Gimbal Recessed Fixture

    The ORBIT is a 5 watt 2″ gimbal recessed light fixture for retrofit applications, with 360° rotation and 80° tilt. It is a high-performance, easy to install downlight solution that offers good light output, energy-efficiency and streamlined design. Suitable for wet locations and ideal for vaulted ceiling and soffit installations. BodyDurable aluminum body with 360°… Read More…

  • Acclaim Lighting Introduces All-Weather Terra Drum with Multiple Color Options

    Acclaim Lighting introduces the Terra Drum series, rugged, all-weather inground, drive-over ready rated fixtures designed for recessed façade and tree lighting applications.  Available in 15-, 30- and 60-watt versions, Terra Drums have a drive-over rating of up to 6,000 lbs. (2,721kg). They are offered in 2400K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, Dynamic White (2700K-6000K), Quad Spectrum… Read More…