With immense gratitude, we want to take a moment to thank you. Your trust and loyalty have allowed our company to grow and thrive every day. Your support is the key to our success, and we are proud to be part of your projects.
About Pénélope Sewing Machines
Since 1979, Pénélope Sewing Machines has established itself as a key reference in the sewing industry in Quebec. This beautiful adventure began when Mario Ouellette acquired the Pénélope store, specializing in fabric sales, located on Prince Street in Saint-Constant.
In 1984, Mario innovated by combining fabric sales with sewing machines from White and Husqvarna brands. The success was immediate, leading to the store's relocation to a charming little pink house on Saint-Pierre Street in Saint-Constant.
In 1991, Georgette Baribeau, a Haute Couture professional, joined the adventure by founding her sewing school within Pénélope, enriching the service offerings with specialized training.
The year 1999 marked a turning point: a unique opportunity allowed the company to partner with Club Tissus in Saint-Hubert, offering new growth prospects.
From 1999 to 2013, Mélanie Ouellette was a key figure at Pénélope as a shareholder, manager, and expert sales advisor. Through her leadership and keen sense of customer service, she played a major role in the store's growth and development.
Her expertise and dedication provided customers with a unique experience, combining insightful advice with a true passion for the trade. After 14 years of commitment, Mélanie chose to take on new challenges, leaving behind a lasting and valuable mark on Pénélope's history.
We are grateful for all the wonderful years she dedicated to us and for the impact she had on our business and customers.
In 2008, a new generation joined the management team with the arrival of Gabriel Ouellette. Driven by a passion for innovation, the team continues to be at the forefront of new sewing techniques.
In response to growing demand, a new branch opened in Sherbrooke in 2010, within Club Tissus, bringing Pénélope's expertise even closer to its clientele.
In 2014, Pénélope Sewing Machines continued to evolve by adding the distribution of Handi Quilter machines and Juki industrial machines, thereby consolidating its position as the largest sewing machine center in Quebec.
In 2015, Dora Laverdière, Gabriel Ouellette’s partner, joined Pénélope to oversee accounting. Thanks to her dedication and expertise, she gradually advanced within the company, becoming Vice President and Financial Controller.
In 2016, the company was honored by the Chamber of Commerce, receiving the Pantheon of Excellence award in the category of service and retail businesses.
In 2017, Pénélope Sewing Machines continued its expansion by opening a third branch in Laval, strengthening its reputation as the go-to destination for sewing machine purchases in Quebec.
In 2019, the company gained international recognition by winning the Babylock Samurai Award, ranking among the top 10 sewing machine sellers in North America.
In 2021, Mario Ouellette, who purchased the company in 1979, and Georgette Baribeau, who joined in 1991, retired. Today, the next generation is led by Gabriel Ouellette and Dora Laverdière, who have become the principal shareholders.
In 2022, Pénélope modernized its image by presenting a new simple, dynamic, and colorful logo, perfectly reflecting the company's energy and creativity.
In 2023, Pénélope Sewing Machines continued its momentum with bold initiatives, enriching its product and service offerings to meet the needs of an increasingly dynamic sewing community. This year also marked a significant milestone as Pénélope achieved the highest sales in Canada for Brother and Baby Lock brands and ranked among the top for Janome, Husqvarna, Pfaff, and Bernina brands.
In 2024, the company took another significant step by relocating the Laval branch to a more spacious and modern space within Club Tissus in Laval. This new address offers an optimized environment to better serve our growing clientele, with dedicated spaces for sewing training, specialized courses, and enhanced machine repair services.
Also in 2024, Pénélope took another step towards expansion by acquiring a Club Tissus franchise in Granby, where the company opened its fourth Pénélope Sewing Machines branch. This strategic growth allows Pénélope to become the largest sewing machine retailer in Canada.
Today, Pénélope Sewing Machines employs nearly 70 people, all exceptionally creative and talented. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, our customers always find answers to their questions, benefiting from personalized service and quality support.
Our mission remains the same: to offer personalized, high-quality service while sharing our passion for sewing.
The success of Pénélope Sewing Machines relies on the commitment and determination of its owners, Gabriel Ouellette and Dora Laverdière, who strive to provide an exceptional customer experience rooted in values of innovation, quality, and closeness.
