POP Shoes celebrates its 40 years of history

This year, POP Shoes celebrates its 40 years of history, alongside its 70 teams spread across Canada. The adventure began during the Second World War, when the company responded to a strong demand for rubber boots intended for farmers. It was from this opportunity that the idea to specialize in footwear took shape. 

A few decades later, in 1985, guided by Réal Côté's vision, POP Shoes chose to rely on the strength of the collective by adopting the franchise model. The company brought together local merchants under one banner, with a shared dream: to unite their strengths to offer their communities quality shoes at a fair price. This simple idea, driven by deep human values, shaped what POP Shoes has become today, one of Quebec's largest franchisors.

Since then, the brand has continuously evolved. It has modernized its brand image, redesigned its logo, and adapted its offerings to follow market trends, all while staying true to its clientele and founding values. Forty years later, POP Shoes continues to proudly walk alongside local families.

This evolution has also resulted in significant expansion. Today, POP Shoes has 70 stores, including 29 under the sister banner Go Sport, spread across Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes. This growth reflects a beautiful human story: nearly 900 passionate employees who, every day, welcome customers with warmth and care, as if they were part of the family.

Beyond its commercial influence, POP Shoes is a committed neighbor. Long before getting involved in the causes supported by its parent company, each POP Shoes merchant invests wholeheartedly in the community life of their region, forging direct ties with their neighborhood. The company also actively supports causes that reflect its core values and that are close to its heart, such as Enfant Soleil, for which more than $525,000 has been raised, and the Maman Dion Foundation.

The best in-store customer experience

This commitment goes hand in hand with a constant desire for excellence. The quality of service offered in-store does not go unnoticed: the banner has been awarded two consecutive years for the best customer service in the footwear sector in Quebec, according to the WOW survey conducted by the Léger firm. A great proof of the trust and affection its customers have for it!

Today, with 40 years of history and nearly 100 years of family expertise through Côté-Reco, POP Shoes continues to offer a vast selection of exclusive and international brands, always at affordable prices. Because deep down, that's what matters: continuing to walk by your side and being a part of your most beautiful memories for a long time to come.

Over the decades, POP Shoes continues to stand out. Offering accessible products for the whole family, it is today one of the distributors with the largest variety of brands in Quebec, with 13 exclusive brands and a wide range of international brands. The company also distinguishes itself by its excellent value for money and expertise, through its franchisor, Côté-Reco, a family business with nearly 100 years of experience. 

Touching stories from our merchants

Cynthia Gagné, owner of the POP Shoes store in Rimouski, took over the franchise from her mother in 2013. She grew up in an inspiring entrepreneurial environment, as her mother had even set up a small shop within their home. From a young age, Cynthia was already lending a hand: she prepared invoices, participated in visual displays, and helped unpack merchandise. It was at 17 that she discovered a true passion for retail, and it was also then that she began dreaming of following in her mother's footsteps.

Today, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of POP Shoes, Cynthia says she is filled with pride when reflecting on the company's journey. She marvels at how much the collections have evolved, both in style and quality, since her childhood.

Always guided by this entrepreneurial flame, Cynthia shares with us the precious advice her parents gave her: to do her work with heart and passion. And that is exactly what she does, day after day.

Hélène Harvey, co-owner of POP Shoes in Châteauguay, realized her dream of becoming a franchisee at the age of 57. Since she was 20, she has nurtured a true passion for the shoe industry, having started her career at Yellow Shoes, where the adventure began.

Energetic and endowed with an innovative spirit, Hélène is always in search of new ideas and ways to advance her business. The first time Côté-Reco offered her to become a franchisee, she had to reluctantly decline the offer due to personal circumstances. But when the opportunity arose again, she did not hesitate for a second, convinced that it is never too late to achieve her ambitions. 

Hélène perfectly embodies the idea that nothing happens for nothing. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of POP Shoes, she says she is grateful to be part of this big family. Her main goal? To keep moving forward towards renewal. For her, the adventure is far from over, and she hopes to be an inspiring example for all those who have not yet realized their dream.

David Lacasse, owner of the POP Shoes store in Saint-Georges, is much more than a merchant: he is a man of heart, deeply rooted in his community. Proud member of the POP Shoes family for 10 years now.

Driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, David left a government job to take over his father's store. It was an opportunity for him to test his abilities, to evolve the business in his own way, and above all, to leave his own mark. Being part of this family adventure that has lasted for 40 years is no small thing: it is a story of continuity, shared DNA, values that are passed on and lived daily.

Affectionately nicknamed "Mr. POP" by his customers, he wants to remain that familiar, warm, and humble face you meet in the store. Always present and engaged in his community for several local causes, David relies on a human management approach, surrounded by a golden team, where trust and closeness guide every interaction.

For him, POP Shoes is not just a business: it is a lively, accessible place where the relationship with the customer and the community makes all the difference.

There are 70 such routes across Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes. Together, they form a network of passionate entrepreneurs, united by common values: closeness, respect, quality, and a sense of service.