Lebanese immigrant Ablan Leon sold clothing from a suitcase door-to-door, then used the profits in 1909 to open a general merchandise store in this southern Ontario city.
That store grew into one of Canada’s largest retailers, Leon’s Furniture Ltd.
This month, Leon’s grandson—Terry Leon, president and CEO of the company—will unveil a life-size sculpture in Welland’s Chippawa Park to honour the entrepreneur and mark the firm’s 100th anniversary.
Titled “The Leon’s Living Room,” the work by artist Timothy Schmalz depicts the founder sitting on a couch in a living-room setting, complete with two wing-back chairs and an oval coffee table.
“Visitors will be able to interact with the bronze statue—sit on the furniture and unwind beside one of Canada’s greatest retail legends,” according to a news release announcing the June 23 unveiling.
Members of city council, as well as other descendants of Leon, are set to attend the ceremony. Twelve members of the Leon family are still active in the business.
Leon’s Furniture operates 64 large-format stores across Canada.
