In Quebec, we count more than 235,000 SMBs. Each year, over 95,000 new businesses are created in Quebec. We can therefore easily consider entrepreneurship as second nature to Quebecers.
Despite economic crises, pandemics and other difficulties faced by entrepreneurs, many companies have succeeded in surviving and thriving for over a hundred years.
Between 2002 and 2014, there was an average birth of companies of around 96,000 per year. Of these 96,000 companies:
- 98% survive their first year of activity;
- 63% will still be active after 5 years;
- 43% survive their first decade;
Then the decline is more gradual. However, starting a business and staying in business is a challenge for any entrepreneur.
In 2020, Groupe Bellon Prestige celebrated its 125th birthday. We believe it is important to recognize companies that have been operating in Quebec for over a century.
We invite you to discover 6 companies that have been part of the Quebec landscape for over 100 years.
Century-old companies in Quebec
The Yellow Shoes group: still passionate about shoes
The Yellow group was founded in Montreal in 1916. Moreover, its head office is still in Montreal, located in the Mile-End. The company was so successful it opened almost a hundred franchises in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick.
Besides the classic Yellow Shoes, the Yellow group also includes City Shoes and Maison Fournier. Maison Fournier is a company specializing in high-end leatherwork and various leather goods.
Note that Maison Fournier is also a century-old company since it was born in 1890 in Quebec. The Yellow group employs more than 1,500 people.
Juneau: beautifying your spaces for over 100 years
The Juneau painting and decoration company was founded in 1919 in Quebec. Juneau’s seasoned painters have been transforming Quebec homes for over a hundred years.
The group started out specializing in the interior restoration of churches and the sale and installation of gold leaf. Juneau was also one of the first Quebec companies to offer the famous Sico brand paint.
Today, the Juneau company has doubled the size of its store and always continues to offer impeccable service to its customers.
Archambault: an entertainment pillar in Quebec
We can’t talk about century-old companies without mentioning Archambault, Quebec’s largest seller of musical instruments. Since its founding in 1895, Archambault has become a true reference for music and literature in Quebec. Groupe Bellon Prestige is proud to have installed awnings at the Archambault franchise near the Berri-UQAM metro station.
Over the years, Archambault has developed and diversified its offering. In addition to musical instruments, Archambault now offers a variety of multimedia products, books, games and other curiosities that appeal to the whole family.
Archambault also has fifteen points of sale across the province and a website for online purchases.
Simons: a Quebec fashion leader for over 100 years
Founded in 1840, Simons is one of the fashion stores that have survived and prospered for over a century in Quebec. This fashion company has distinguished itself by demonstrating its ability to modernize and always offer quality clothing with style from the world’s fashion capitals. Simons is also recognized for its exceptional customer service.
Today, Simons has over a dozen boutiques and each of them is a true example of modernization, architecture and art. Besides, Simons is the first company in Canada to make history with net-zero consumption. It uses geothermal boreholes and solar panels to provide air conditioning, heating and electricity. In addition to being a true fashion giant in Quebec, Simons is a company with unparalleled social awareness. We are proud to have been able to install banners for the Simons stores.
La Presse: at the news forefront
La Presse is more than a newspaper and news. It is a collection of content and media offered on multiple platforms, such as digital publications for tablets and mobile and web applications. La Presse always stays in front of its readers by offering quality information and impeccable presentation.
La Presse has won numerous prizes and distinctions, including the famous Judith-Jasmin Prize and the Silver Prize from the Canadian Online Publishing Awards.
Groupe Bellon Prestige: quality tailor-made products
Finally, Groupe Bellon Prestige is also a century-old company. We celebrated our 125 years in 2020 and we are proud to have been part of the Quebec decor for so many years.
Our story begins in 1895 under the name of JK Bellon. In 1939, King George VI’s visit allowed the company to become better known. Later, Expo 67 propelled us onto the awning companies map in Quebec. Our company then wins the majority of calls for tenders for the Olympics.
Finally, the last generation buys its biggest competitor and becomes Groupe Bellon Prestige. Bellon moves to a factory 3 times the size and begins to sell 3 times more custom awnings. It is therefore 4 generations who have collected success after success in the field of custom awnings in Quebec.
What do companies that manage to stay in business for this long have in common?
Agility
Companies that thrive for over 100 years are companies that innovate and always seek to grow. To remain relevant for more than a century, it is necessary to be able to pivot quickly. Think of Yellow who developed the online shoe sales market to stay in front of its customers.
In the same vein, Groupe Bellon Prestige has not hesitated to offer a more varied range of products, but also many related services. If Bellon started by offering only custom awnings, we now offer winter shelters, patio umbrellas and banners, as well as services like cleaning, storage and lettering. Companies that survive are therefore companies demonstrating the agility necessary to remain relevant.
The importance of the workforce
Your staff also plays a key part in your business’s success. Groupe Bellon Prestige attaches great importance to the way it treats its employees and we are always recruiting. Moreover, Carole Bellon does not hesitate when it comes to the health and well-being of her employees.
One example among many is that an employee who quits smoking may earn up to $1,000 to quit smoking. Groupe Bellon also offers a referral program and a social club which helps strengthen team cohesion.
Dedicated customer service
Besides your employees, your customers are the reason for your success. Providing quality service that listens to your customers is crucial for your business’s survival. Each client is unique and tastes vary greatly between each of them. To offer dedicated customer service, Groupe Bellon Prestige participates in many events to stay ahead of the trends.
To be able to offer your customers a variety of products and being able to adapt to changes is essential to remain relevant.
Quality products and effective advertising
Nothing better than getting a call from someone who has been referred by another customer. Satisfied customers are the best advertising for your business. To keep your customers happy, you need all the items mentioned above, but also high-quality products.
At Bellon, we choose our materials according to the highest industry standards. For example, we opt for aluminum instead of steel, since it does not oxidize. We are also investing heavily in communications and have opened a marketing department so people can continue to talk about us.
In conclusion…
Ultimately, only companies with the capacity to renew themselves, expand and develop their operations will survive for more than a century. Groupe Bellon Prestige is proud to be a tailor-made awning dealer in Quebec in business for 125 years.
If you need help or want to invest in your landscaping, do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts will take your call with great pleasure.
