SAIL opens new store in Vaudreuil
There’s no denying the rapid expansion the western off-island region of Vaudreuil has seen over the past decade. From a boom in homes, commercial buildings, clinics, and large-scale retirement homes, Vaudreuil is a happening location.
With a recorded growth rate of 12.4 per cent (significantly higher than the province’s 4.1 per cent) between 2006 and 2011 in the Vaudreuil-Solange area, it’s no wonder the bigwigs at Quebec’s largest homegrown outdoor retailer noticed, and decided to be part of that progress.
“Vaudreuil has the highest birthrate in the entire province,” said Danièle Bergeron, vice-president of SAIL. “Plus, the area has an outdoorsy lifestyle, so it made perfect sense.”
SAIL invested $15 million in the new Vaudreuil location. With it came 135 jobs and more than half a million outdoor products on offer, along with a whole new look and colour scheme.
With six locations in Quebec now, and six in Ontario, SAIL has seen a steady growth since its birth in Beloeil a decade ago.
“We’re growing every year,” Bergeron said.
To celebrate the company’s 10-year anniversary, Bergeron was tasked with refreshing their brand. This involved creating a new visual identity, revamping the logo, and a whole new way to discover their elaborate collection of outdoor products.
“Our product has evolved so much over the years, so we have to display that evolution accordingly,” Bergeron said
Step into the Vaudreuil SAIL location and you’ll be met with a nature-inspired palette of blue, green and a touch of orange. The 14 changing-room doors were all made from chalet doors, and popular Quebec regions are inscribed on each, along with a large map where employees have marked off all the regions across the globe to which they’ve travelled, encouraging customers to ask about their adventures.
Our product has evolved so much over the years, so we have to display that evolution accordingly.
It’s more than just a plethora of products at SAIL; it’s also about the people who work there. SAIL employees don’t work on commission, and you don’t necessarily need an elaborate CV to work there, but you do need passion for the outdoor lifestyle and for travel.
“We want people who are passionate,” Bergeron remarked of the SAIL staff. “We want enthusiasts. Age doesn’t matter, either!”
SAIL Vaudreuil officially opened its doors on Wednesday, April 19, with upper management in the store to personally greet the first customers. To celebrate the launch of this new SAIL store, instant rebate coupons of varying value were awarded to the first 1,000 customers on Wednesday.
For more information, visit sail.ca.