Our history

It is in Switzerland that the history of Les Babouches d'Alain began. Lisette Pellerin, a Quebecker, got acquainted with Alain Gurtner, of Swiss origin. In this beautiful country recognized for its cleanliness and product quality, people have been wearing for decades felt overshoes called "patins" to keep their floors spotless. The young woman did not delay adopting this custom herself.

Lisette worked in Switzerland 13 years and in each of their visits in Quebec, the couple brought "patins" to their family and friends. Everybody thought it was a brilliant idea and eventually, Lisette and Alain renamed the overshoes "Babouches". When they decided to come to settle down here, they took steps to import the product in Quebec and commercialize it. However, they realized quickly that import was not solution. To offer this product in Quebec and in North America at a reasonable price, it was necessary to manufacture the Babouches right here.

After numerous marketing studies, Les Babouches d'Alain Inc. was born and incorporated in January 1997. From the beginning, the young entrepreneurs made a lot of efforts to promote their product by participating in several salons and exhibitions, both for the general public and for professionals. They also published many ads in newspapers, filmed one corporate video and broadcasted a TV message. Traditional media quickly took interest in the Babouches: let us mention amongst others broadcasts such as Claire Lamarche, Salut Bonjour!, Les Saisons de Clodine, La vie en Estrie and popular radio shows in Toronto. Furthermore, some magazine or newspapers articles contributed largely to the fame of the company.

Originally, manufacturing operations were subcontracted but in December 1997 the owners inaugurated their factory located at 35, rue Principale Nord in Windsor, Quebec.

Over the years, the number of distributors passed from 31 to more than 200 and the range of products diversified. Babouches are now sold in Quebec, Ontario, Atlantic Provinces and New England.

Since January 2001, Les Babouches d'Alain has been a registered trademark. The story is just beginning...