Who we are

In 1958, Ernest Iarrera opened his first men's clothing store on Sainte-Catherine Street East in Montreal. As a self-taught entrepreneur and the son of Italian immigrants, his goal was to make fashion trends accessible to the entire population of Quebec.

In a relatively short period of time, numerous Ernest stores emerged, contributing to the reshaping of the urban landscape in the metropolis, primarily within emerging shopping centers.

In 1991, the brand decided to expand to the city of Quebec, marking the beginning of an expansion across the entire province, from Gatineau to Rimouski.

Today, Ernest employs over 300 collaborators, operates 35 physical stores, and has a transactional web platform. Despite this substantial growth, the company retains its family character, with operations managed by the founder's children. Similarly, many children of employees have built their careers within the company.

Ernest also represents a family history for our customers. It's not uncommon for our advisors to have dressed successively the father, the son, and even the grandson of the same family. These enduring connections allow us to be trusted partners in the daily lives of our customers, sharing significant moments spanning several decades.

Managing a family business presents significant challenges. Under the leadership of Mark Iarrera, Ernest continues to progress, relying on the traditional values that form the foundation of our corporate culture. As President, Mark oversees a network of 35 stores throughout Quebec. He guides the company and directs its growth.

Carolyn Iarrera, whose passion for shopping is undeniable, initially began her career as a Director of Purchasing. As she traveled through major cities around the world, she was constantly seeking the latest trends. Her fascination with fashion and aesthetics quickly evolved into expertise in marketing and brand image management.