It’s the end for Benjo: the famous toy store in the Saint-Roch district will close its doors after the holidays

The Benjo toy store, which was at the heart of the revival of the Saint-Roch district in Quebec, will permanently close its doors after the holiday season. Over the years, the business has attracted not only local families but also stars, including Céline Dion in 2008.

The announcement, which comes as the store marks its 20^e anniversary, was made to employees Thursday morning.

“Time flies. As this anniversary approached, we reassessed where we were and where we could go. It’s a decision that was thought through, but let’s say that after 20 years, we’re here. […] We are calm about the decision that was taken all together,” he told Journal Geneviève Marcon, founder of Benjo and co-president of GM Développement.

The latter intends to devote more time to philanthropic activities. Benjamin and Joséphine Campeau (hence the name Benjo), the children of M^me Marcon and his partner and partner, Jean Campeau, who form the next generation at GM Développement, have more interest in the residential and hotel sectors.

“Retailing isn’t easy either,” admits M.^me Marcon.

A few years ago, the company refocused its operations. This resulted in the sale of the building occupied by Benjo, which became part of the Mach Group portfolio, with the store becoming the tenant of a 25,000 square foot space.

“We had some great stories. It is not without sadness that we make this decision. It’s a chapter that’s ending,” says M.^me Marcon.

Saint-Roch a mutation

Benjo’s mission was to bring magic to children, while attracting young families to the rapidly reviving neighborhood. Twenty years later, the businesswoman can say mission accomplished.

“This objective has been achieved. I know there are some who will be disappointed. There are a lot of people who have extremely beautiful memories,” she shared.

GM Développement was the first developer to believe in the potential of this downtown district, still struggling with problems of homelessness and drug use.

“Homelessness, honestly, that’s not what I find disturbing. What I find disturbing is the crime, the delinquency. This is what we need to work on together. Is homelessness one element among others? Maybe in a proportion, but it’s not the main element,” says the businesswoman who has not considered selling the store.

“In Saint-Roch, there are ups and downs. The neighborhood is changing and we have to adapt. Does this business still have its place? Maybe, but maybe not as big. At the time, it wasn’t profitability at all costs that was predominant.”

A store that attracted stars

Over the years, several celebrities have paraded at Benjo, Quebec’s FAO Schwarz. In 2008, Céline Dion spent part of the night there with René-Charles to have fun, which led René Angélil to say that it was “the most beautiful toy store in the world!” This cannot be forgotten.

“The next day, it was madness in the store,” said the founder.

Nearly thirty people work at Benjo. Those affected will be offered work opportunities in other areas of the company. A significant part of the turnover was generated by online sales.

“We still had good attendance. On weekends, there was still a lot of traffic. People came to have a good time.”

The store will remain open until January 31 and will honor gift cards until its final closure. In the meantime, activities to mark the 20th^e anniversary will take place on November 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with competitions, discounts and tastings. Details are on the Benjo website.

The emblematic frog will continue the mission it has set itself to contribute to the development of youth in all spheres of life by continuing its philanthropic commitment, a cause that is close to the heart of M^me Marcon. Among the works, Benjo has continued to support Pignon Bleu for several years.