La Shop à Rayons initially started with an idea that our founder (me!) had at 18 when he started a business launch course in Montreal, 17 years ago (ouch 🥲). Having all the trouble in the world finding an identity for myself, zero boxes to "fit", I wanted to create my own identity and start my own clothing customization business.
I saw it as big. A walk-in shop in a shopping center where anyone could come and customize their clothes on a whim; on-site seamstresses, designers, badges/fabrics/accessories that you can choose from bins, on-site clothing branding...
Then came the time to get serious. Like a not-quite-ready 18-year-old, I got scared and quit the course (which I retook and passed later in life). But the idea never went away. After a career change, and a change of direction at the company I was working for, I said to myself: it's now or never . I threw myself into it 100%!
Well, the project has evolved . We can indeed do clothing marking to personalize according to your tastes, but thanks to the technology and accessibility of lasers in recent years, we can now personalize much more than just clothes! Wood, glass, slate, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, leatherette... name it, we can do it.
The idea of having a storefront and thinking big is alive and well, and nothing is stopping us from getting there. For now, I invite you to be part of this iteration with the aim of helping you (or the person you care about) find your identity, strengthen your existing one, or just for a little laugh 😉.
Welcome to La Shop à Rayons!
Why “The Department Shop”?
The name makes us smile every time. On the one hand, it's a nod to those good old department stores where you could find everything. On the other, it's literally what we do: we engrave with laser beams! Double meaning, double the pleasure. That's kind of our philosophy: serious in work, but without taking life too seriously.
Our promise
When you order from us, you're not just buying an engraved product. You're investing in:
🎯 Precision - Our UV laser (or Mr. Faitoute as he's nicknamed) engraves with an accuracy of 0.01mm. To put that into perspective, that's finer than a human hair. We could engrave your name on a grain of rice if you insist, but we still suggest more practical supports 😂.
🍁 Local - Every order is processed here in Quebec. No middlemen, no outsourcing on the other side of the world. When you write to us, we respond. When you order, we create.
💡 Creativity - "Can this be engraved?" The answer is almost always yes. Company logo on pencils? Check. Picture of your cat on coasters? Double check. Your cat and company logo on your lunchbox to impress the finance girl during dinner? Triple check.
🚀 Speed - 7-10 business days from A to Z. No "4-6 weeks" that mysteriously stretch out because it's coming from China. We know that when you want something personalized, you want it as soon as possible. Not that we're last minute for the mother-in-law's gift or anything...but...anyway!
What makes us different
We're not going to tell you we're the only ones doing laser engraving. That would be a lie, and honestly, it would be boring.
What sets us apart is our approach. We treat every order as if it were for our own family. Because when it comes down to it, when someone entrusts us with the creation of a memory, a gift, a special moment... that's exactly what it becomes: personal.
Our UV laser (unlike traditional CO2 lasers) does not burn, it marks cold. The short wavelength is better absorbed , which gives more details thinner with less burning/discoloration on several materials. The result: a clean and durable finish that stands the test of time, washing, and even your angry mother-in-law who scrubs too hard when she does the dishes.
Our eco-responsible commitment
Because we love our planet as much as our customers:
- ✅ Zero chemicals in our engraving process
- ✅ Materials sourced locally when possible
- ✅ Minimalist and recyclable packaging
- ✅ Optimized energy consumption
A question? A crazy idea?
We love challenges. Seriously. The weirder it is, the more we love it. Last week, we etched the full lyrics to "Degeneration" onto a hockey puck. Why? Because we can .
So don't hesitate. Write to us. Call us. Send us your craziest ideas.
At worst, we'll say it's impossible (but that rarely happens). At best, we'll create something together that you'll be proud of for years to come.
PS Yes, we can engrave your favorite inspirational quote. No, we won't judge if it's "Live, Laugh, Love." We all have our guilty pleasures. 😉