Pascal Pouliot, owner of a new shop on Magog’s Principale street L’Armoire à jeux that opened its doors last July, was an actor and stage director prior to becoming a business executive in Montréal. His regular visits to Magog, his previous job in a game shop and the shortage of offerings in terms of games and entertainment items inspired him to return to his hometown and launch his own business. Following a conclusive market study, he embarked on his adventure. Pascal searches for original products to round out the assortment of games, craft items and toys of all kinds and for all ages offered in the region. He has no intention of competing with other Magog businesses.

Pascal admits that the search for funding was quite challenging; because of the pandemic financial institutions upped their requirements. Prior to being referred to the MRC and the CAE Memphrémagog to complete the financial structure required for his start-up, Pascal had reached out to friends and his network. He states that the “advisors at the CAE were very enthusiastic about my project and accepted my business plan. They offered me great advice and answered all my questions.” “When they visited my store, shortly after the opening, I was too busy with customers to give them a tour a positive sign for the future,” he adds with a smile.