Surmesur
Company typePrivate
IndustryRetail
Founded2010
FoundersVincent and François Thériault
Area served
North America, Canada, United States, Mexico
ProductsCustom menswear
Websitesurmesur.com

Surmesur is a Canadian custom menswear retailer specializing in made-to-measure clothing. Founded by brothers Vincent and François Thériault in 2010, the company is headquartered in Quebec City, Quebec. Surmesur combines traditional tailoring with technology offering clients personalized experiences through digital fitting tools and diverse customization options.[1]

History

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The idea for Surmesur originated from diverse trips the brothers took around Asia and South America. The accessibility of custom clothing in many countries inspired them. They started the company in 2010 after identifying a gap in the North American market for affordable, high-quality, made-to-measure menswear.[2]

The first showroom opened in Quebec City, and the business grew as it combined traditional in-store consultations with digital fitting systems, offering a modern approach to tailoring. This approach helped the company expand into other cities.[3] By 2013, Surmesur expanded into Montreal and Toronto, marking its entry into Canada’s largest metropolitan market.[4]

In 2016, the company launched its first U.S. store in Chicago, followed by Pittsburgh. In 2017, they introduced an augmented reality (AR) fitting experience in the Pittsburgh showroom, allowing clients to visualize their garments before production. [5]

Surmesur operates showrooms in Ottawa, Laval, Mississauga, Waterloo, and Vancouver, with on-the-road services in Mexico.[6]

In 2024, Surmesur became a suit provider for the NHL Coaches’ Association.[7]

Business Model

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Surmesur operates through a showroom-based, appointment-only model. Clients work with style consultants to create custom garments using a proprietary software called “Studio”, ensuring precision in measurements and design. Clients can choose from a wide array of fabrics, patterns, and customization options, such as collars, cuffs, and monograms. Finalized designs are sent to manufacturing facilities, and finished products are delivered within 4-6 weeks.[8]

Awards

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Surmesur has received various recognitions, including:

  • 2011: Bourse Jeune entreprise Desjardins[9]
  • 2016: E-commerce award from Canada Post[10]
  • 2022: Special Hermes prize awarded to Vincent Thériault and his wife Catherine Savoie by Laval University for their work during the pandemic.[11]

COVID-19 Pandemic

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During the pandemic, Surmesur pivoted its operations to include the production of medical masks and gowns, addressing supply shortages. This effort secured a $255 million contract with the Québec government.[12]

Vincent and François Thériault co-authored Made-To-Deliver: An inspiring entrepreneurial story of boldness and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside Elise Paradis.[13][14]

Community Engagement

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In 2023, Surmesur launched the 104 Foundation, aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship and supporting local charities in Québec.[15]

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ Viscount, Patricia (December 19, 2018). "Custom Menswear Retailer 'Surmesur' Expanding Brick-and-Mortar Operations into New Markets".
  2. ^ "Surmesur : quand l'habit fait la différence". TVA Nouvelles. October 6, 2014.
  3. ^ Cosco, Amanda (October 6, 2016). "Surmesur: Bringing Tailor-Made to the Modern Man — Electric Runway".
  4. ^ "Store Guide: Surmesur, a new custom men's clothing shop for guys intimidated by the tailor". Toronto Life. October 16, 2013.
  5. ^ Sinichak, Jessica (May 8, 2017). "Cutting Edge: Custom Menswear Goes Digital with Augmented Reality".
  6. ^ "Book an appointment". Surmesur.
  7. ^ Toneguzzi, Mario (May 13, 2024). "Canadian Custom Clothing Brand 'Surmesur' Expanding with New Locations, and Partnership with NHL Coaches' Association [Interview]".
  8. ^ Waltz, Amanda (May 11, 2017). "Surmesur boosts Pittsburgh's fashion clout with augmented reality shopping experience". NEXTpittsburgh.
  9. ^ "Surmesur remporte la Bourse Jeune Entreprise Desjardins 2011". Magazine Prestige. May 11, 2011.
  10. ^ Post, Canada (March 3, 2017). "Surmesur wins e-commerce award". Magazine | Canada Post.
  11. ^ "Des personnalités d'exception pour la 40e cérémonie des prix Hermès". FSA ULaval.
  12. ^ Castonguay, Alec (March 2, 2021). "À la chasse planétaire aux masques". L’actualité.
  13. ^ ICI.Radio-Canada.ca, Zone Économie- (November 16, 2021). "« Tailler sa place » : récit d'une réussite entrepreneuriale en contexte pandémique". Radio-Canada.
  14. ^ Paradis, Elise (2021). Tailler sa place : De l'entrepreneurial inspirant à la résilience. Simon Gauthier. ISBN 9798734164709.
  15. ^ "104". www.action104.com.