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DeSerres, formerly known by the name Omer DeSerres, is a Canadian business founded in Montreal in 1908, specializing in the sale of art materials, creative leisure products, school supplies, frames and framing services. Known for its red palette logo, the chain has 27 locations across Canada as well as an online storefront. Its product range caters to a diverse clientele, including professional artists, DIY enthusiasts, families and schools. Since 2024, DeSerres has been part of the Renaud-Bray[1] group.
History
[edit]Beginnings (1908-1930)
[edit]In 1908, Omer DeSerres launched a hardware store specializing in plumbing and heating. He quickly diversified his offerings to include decorative items, paints and automotive parts. Despite the challenges of World War I, the business experienced sustained growth, necessitating the opening of a four-storey warehouse in 1917.
From the 1920s onward, Omer DeSerres adopted methods that were innovative for the time: deliveries by horse-drawn carriage and the publication in 1926 of a bilingual catalogue[2]. Distributed on a greater scale the following year, it helped to fine-tune product offerings and supported the expansion of the business.
Passing of the Torch and Diversification (1930-1970)
[edit]In 1937, Roger DeSerres, having graduated from McGill University, joined his father Omer in the business. Together, they modernized operations and transformed the hardware stores into department stores. Following the death of Omer in 1949, Roger took over the operation of seven branches and continued diversifying, notably with the addition of sporting goods and small appliances. The relocation of the School of Applied Arts near a downtown branch in the early 1950s led to the opening of the first art supplies department, beginning the company's shift towards fine arts[3].
National Growth (1975-2024)
[edit]In 1975, Marc DeSerres, grandson of the founder, joined the business and steered the product offerings towards art supplies[4]. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by a series of major acquisitions, including Trottier et Lizotte, Loomis & Toles and Le Foyer Artistique, which allowed DeSerres to expand outside Quebec and double its network.
During the 2000s, the business opened 16 new branches and reinforced its presence across Canada. The opening of an online storefront in 2010 marked a digital turning point. Despite the arrival of competitors such as Michael's[5][6], DeSerres continued growing with the opening of new stores in Quebec City[7], Drummondville[8], Vaudreuil and Richmond Hill, among others.
To mark its 110th anniversary in 2018, the company adopted a new logo and trademark, affirming its mission to support the freedom to create[9].
Acquisition by Renaud-Bray (2024)
[edit]In 2024, DeSerres was acquired by the Renaud-Bray group, a major player in books and cultural products in Quebec. In the absence of a successor within the DeSerres family[10], this transaction aimed to preserve the company's legacy while strengthening its offerings of creative and cultural products. DeSerres retains its name, its artistic identity and its store network[11], while benefiting from Renaud-Bray's commercial and logistics structure.
Branches
[edit]With a network of 27 stores across Canada, DeSerres is one of the few specialty art supply retailers to offer a pan-Canadian presence. Its locations cover the major urban areas of Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and British Columbia, in addition to an online storefront serving all of Canada.
Quebec
[edit]- Marché Central (Montréal)
- Complexe Alexis Nihon (Montréal)
- Saint-Catherine (Montréal)
- Place Montréal Trust (Montréal)
- Vaudreuil
- Brossard
- Point-Claire
- Boucherville
- Saint-Léonard
- Boisbriand
- Laval
- Saint-Hubert
- Ste-Foy (Québec)
- Galerie de la Capitale (Québec)
- Chicoutimi
- Sherbrooke
- Trois-Rivières
- Gatineau
Ontario
[edit]- Danforth (Toronto)
- Spadina (Toronto)
- Uptown (Toronto)
- Oakville
- Richmond Hill
- Ottawa
- Nepean
Nova Scotia
[edit]- Halifax
British Columbia
[edit]- Vancouver
Some branches have been renovated[12][13], incorporating creative inspiration zones, workshop spaces, and an expanded range of local or exclusive products.
Mission and Products
[edit]DeSerres' mission is to foster and develop creative expression for as many people as possible by offering a variety of products and personalized service to a diverse clientele. With a catalogue of more than 16,000 products, the company offers:
- Fine art supplies, graphic arts materials, and all related products and accessories;
- Creative hobbies and arts and crafts for children and adults;
- Creative games and crafts for the whole family;
- Frames for photos and canvas;
- Custom framing services.
Ranking
[edit]According to the Leger WOW 2024 study, DeSerres ranks 1st for in-store experience in the Creative Hobbies category, and 34th out of 350 brands across all categories evaluated in Canada.
References
[edit]- ^ Lavoie, Mireille (2024-10-01). "Le groupe Renaud-Bray achète DeSerres". Radio-Canada. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
- ^ Emilie (2021-12-13). "DeSerres : 113 ans de créativité » Détail Québec". Détail Québec (in French). Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ Canadienne, La Presse (2024-10-01). "«Le moment est venu pour moi de passer le relais» — Marc DeSerres". Les Affaires (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ Décarie, Jean-Philippe (2012-12-15). "Marc DeSerres: un artiste du commerce de détail". La Presse (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ Massé, Isabelle (2012-09-14). "Le géant Michaels vient défier DeSerres". La Presse (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ Fournier, Marie-Eve (2013-12-11). "DeSerres contre Michaels". La Presse (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ Yves_Therrien (2012-11-30). "DeSerres ouvre son troisième magasin à Québec". Le Soleil (in French). Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ agencetolle (2013-09-12). "Pour son 33e magasin, DeSerres a choisi Drummondville". L'Express (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ "DeSerres inspire la liberté de créer avec son nouveau positionnement". Grenier aux nouvelles (in French). Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ Décarie, Jean-Philippe (2024-10-05). "Susciter la vocation de repreneur". La Presse (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ McEvoy, Julien (2024-10-01). "Renaud-Bray acquiert DeSerres". Le Journal de Montréal. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ Radio-Canada (2017-01-19). "Nouveau concept de magasin pour DeSerres". Radio-Canada. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
- ^ Galarneau, Mathieu (2017-01-19). "Le magasin DeSerres s'agrandit à Place Ste-Foy". Métro Québec (in French). Retrieved 2025-10-21.