Hatley is a Montreal-based retailer and wholesaler of gifts and apparel. Founded in 1987, the company is best known for its PVC-free rain gear[1] and cotton pyjamas.[2]
History
Hatley was established as a home-based business in North Hatley, Quebec, Canada, by John and Alice Oldland in 1986. Alice, an artist, operated a gift shop named "The Little Blue House" and created artwork in her studio. To support local charitable causes, Alice donated hand-painted aprons for auction. Recognizing the potential market for these designs, John sold 200 aprons to kitchen stores during a trip to Toronto.[3]
Upon retiring in 1999, John and Alice transferred ownership of the company to their sons, Chris, Nick, and Jeremy. The company headquarters relocated from North Hatley to Montréal under the new management. The sons diversified the product line to include children's apparel, women's sleepwear, and a range of gift items such as napkins, kitchen textiles, mugs, and accessories.[4]