The former Archambault store, an iconic place in Montreal located at the corner of Sainte-Catherine and Berri, is set to experience a new life.

Founded in 1896, Archambault became over the decades a must-visit place for music lovers, readers, and culture enthusiasts in general.

This store, with its vast shelves of books, records, and musical instruments, was a meeting point for artists and enthusiasts of the city.

The building, with its distinctive architecture, has witnessed many transformations over the years. It has hosted cultural events, book launches, and concerts, thus becoming a true cultural hub in the heart of Montreal.

However, with the evolution of the market and the rise of digital platforms, the Archambault store closed its doors, leaving behind a space filled with history and memories.

Philippe Grisé, co-owner of the Empire stores, expressed his enthusiasm for this new location: "We fell in love with the space here," he said.

The interior of the former store reveals its brick columns and unconventional layout, which appealed to the new tenants.

The new Empire store will stand out from the ten other stores in the chain, primarily located in the suburbs, due to its unique atmosphere and design suited to the urban reality of the neighborhood.

The unusually low ceilings and multi-story layout of the building will offer a different dynamic, allowing for a truly unique customer experience.

The opening of this eleventh Empire store is scheduled for the summer of 2025, with an inauguration at the beginning of August.