Remaining true to our founding standards, Malaket continues to place a high value on being attentive to our customers’ needs. Staying up to date on the latest furniture and design trends, without forgetting traditional styles, Malaket prides itself on offering furnishings that suit your individual needs and respect your personal budgets.
It was in 1913 that Joseph Malacket left Syria to join his brother Michel in Canada. He was only 13 years-old, but quickly made a name for himself in the retail business.
Not long after, in the 1920’s, Joseph opened a general store in Brownsburg, Quebec.
Despite the World War II rationings, he managed to find radios, dresses, and refrigerators to sell to the employees at the ammunition plant in Brownsburg.
Lucien, his son, was born in 1927. At the end of his studies, he helped his father at the general store. They sold foodstuffs and products such as fur coats and clothing. In the basement of their store, they displayed Beautyrest mattresses that sold, at the time, for $50. Lucien sold his first furniture set in 1947 to Mr. and Mrs. Tomalty. He brought them on a tour of the factories in Montreal and they returned with new furnishings, as well as a ring and a wedding dress.
In the early 1950s, Lucien borrowed from his father Joseph, and rented a locale on Main Street in Lachute. The “c” in Malacket was removed to economize on the signage, and Joe. Malaket et fils was born.
The competition was fierce among the other two or three furniture dealers in Lachute, but Lucien, keen on distinguishing himself, moved into an old theatre on Argenteuil Street in the 1960s. Success would soon ensue.
During the 1970s, the furniture store was well-established, and sales were increasing. It was towards the end of the decade that Lucien and his brother Antoine decided to open two other stores in Ottawa, located at the corner of Bank and Laurier streets, and on Carling Avenue.
After eight difficult years, in part due to the 80s recession, they closed the Ottawa stores, and focused solely on the Lachute store. It was at this time that Lucien retired to begin a new career.
1987 marked a turning point. After almost two years of retirement from the furniture world, Lucien returned to his true passion, and started again by purchasing a store in Hawkesbury, Ontario.
His son Nicolas, only 18 years-old, began working in the warehouse and with the delivery team. A few years later, after studying arts and cabinetmaking, Nicolas decided to join his father to learn about the operations of the retail business.
In November 1994, a fire destroyed the store. This, however, did not discourage Lucien. He acquired a new building, at the current location, and restarted the business in June 1995 at the age of 68.
Twenty years later, on September 24, 2015, Lucien Malaket passed away. He left his son the legacy of quality service that stands apart. Today, Nicolas continues this mission, as well as that of remaining dedicated to the needs of his customers.
Jos. Malaket et fils and Ameublements Lucien Malaket, a continuing story....
