Since its inception in 2018, Fabrique 1840 has been the Canadian designer’s haven and artisan’s showcase. As Simons’ exclusively Canadian online platform, it has provided a curated space for over 400 artisans from across the nation. This platform is more than just an e-commerce site; it’s a celebration of Canada’s talent, a testament to the creativity that spans from coast to coast. Fabrique 1840 opened a gateway for consumers to access unique, made-in-Canada products, ranging from homewares, furniture, ceramics, and accessories, to modern art. We sat down with Pascal Cloutier, the Buying Director of Fabrique 1840’s Web Exclusives Program, to learn a bit more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Fabrique 1840, is Simons’ entirely Canadian online platform. Available to Canadian designers and artisans since 2018, the platform gives consumers access to unique products that are made in Canada and showcases our nation’s talent. It offers homewares, furniture, ceramics, accessories, and modern art. Fabrique 1840 consists of over 400 artisans from all four corners of the country—400 extraordinary individuals who are connected by their passion for beauty, creativity, and attention to detail.
What made you want to do this work?
The motivation behind Fabrique 1840 is to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem. Since launching our own, completely custom, e-commerce platform in 2010, Simons has become a leader in Canada’s e-commerce industry with expertise in technology and the processes necessary to support a successful, growing business in the ever-evolving world of retail. Fabrique 1840 takes all of that knowledge and infrastructure and shares it with Canadian artisanal entrepreneurs to help them prosper in a world dominated by a limited number of global platforms.
We want to be able to create added value for the artisans and for Simons. The quality of our Canadian craftsmen is incredible – I hope customers will support them even more. They deserve all our support.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
The level of design and craftsmanship in this country is truly remarkable. We wanted to support these gifted creators to ensure they can make living from their craft and contribute to the local economy. 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. With the goal of supporting gifted creators, we wish to ensure they can make living from their craft and contribute to the local economy.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Fabrique 1840 was created to attract our customers who are interested in high-quality, local design and materials. We would like customers to choose our ecosystem because it’s rooted in the community, because it’s local, because it’s responsible and because it has certain values that resonate with their own. However, our goal is for the entire Simons clientele to know about Fabrique 1840, its artisans and its values.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We choose artisans for their creativity and the authenticity of their production. We want to tell their stories so that people can discover them. When we launched Fabrique 1840 five years ago, we immersed ourselves into the Canadian artisanal market to hand select a diverse community of more than 50 creators. Today, Fabrique 1840 consists of over 400 artisans from all four corners of the country. 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 Fabrique 1840. Each product corresponds to Simons’ fundamental values which reflect quality, uniqueness, sustainability and Canadian know-how.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
As Simons’ entirely Canadian online platform, Fabrique 1840 is available all over Canada.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
In terms of marketplace, we really like Canadian-based Goodee, representing artisans worldwide. They have the same goal when it comes to curation and merchandising.
