A mainstay in Canadian commerce, Simons dates to 1840; that year, John Simons opened a store in Quebec City to sell fine European goods. Numerous Trans-Atlantic journeys ensured that Simons kept its supply on par with Europe, goods, establishing the retailer as a beacon of style and sophistication. Three decades later, Simons moved to 20 Côte de la Fabrique — an address it maintains today — offering a curated selection of high-end fashion and lifestyle brands. By the mid-twentieth century, Simons branched out to launch exclusive brands including the youth-centric Twik and fashion-forward La Contemporaine. The risk paid off: today, Simons occupies unique storefronts from coast to coast, offering global fashion and local styles alike.