Simons partners with Port Franc, receives first order delivered by sailboat

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Aug 5, 2016

Quebec-based retailer Simons has partnered with Port Franc, a transatlantic trading company that connects North American consumers with independent French artisans.

 
Last week, Simons receives their first shipment from Port Franc, delivered by sailboat. The goal was to receive and ship clothes ethically and with a zero carbon footprint.
 
“Consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainable development. They are looking for products that are healthy, ethical and reliable. It is up to us to find solutions, one step at a time,” explains company president, Peter Simons, in a news statement.

The merchandise of four well known French manufacturers – Fileuse D’Arvor, Guy Cotten, Mat de Misaine, and Rondinaud - was shipped on the Picton Castle, a three-masted vessel of 179 feet long carrying 12,500 square feet of sail, built in 1928. The ship sailed for eight weeks before arriving at the port of Quebec, last week.
 
The ethical collection of authentic French products coming from family businesses is now available online at simons.ca and at select Simons locations.