Location/Region: Quebec, CAN
Industry: Interior design and luxury bedding
Apps implemented: Sales, Purchase, Accounting, Inventory and Helpdesk
Software
Replaced: NetSuite and Salesforce
Number of users: <10
Hosting type: Odoo Online
In the competitive world of interior design and high-quality home linens, Toile has found its niche as a trusted partner for both designers and clients seeking customization and quality. Founded by Ingrid Bryson in Quebec, the company specializes in bed, bath, and table linens, focusing on customizable solutions and tailored services. For more than two decades, Toile has relied on Odoo to simplify its processes, manage its back office, and keep operations efficient in a sector where no two orders look alike.
Toile began its journey in 1996 after Ingrid transitioned from 15 years in the sporting goods retail sector. Inspired by a trip to Toronto with a friend who was an interior designer, Ingrid identified a gap in Montreal’s market for customizable, by-appointment home linen services. She partnered initially to launch the concept, which later became her own venture.
From the beginning, Toile’s mission was clear: to avoid the traditional pitfalls of retail, such as excessive inventory and shrinkage, while still offering quality products. By focusing on low-inventory, customizable solutions and cultivating strong relationships with the design trade, Toile grew steadily, servicing both professionals and end consumers with a personalized approach.
"We offer a full-service product selection, work order consolidation, and delivery. We’re not just stocking shelves, we’re selecting what’s right for each project."
The Patchwork Problem:
Pre-Odoo Challenges
When Toile started adopting technology, Ingrid faced the challenge of finding a system that could manage custom orders, supplier relationships, and a mix of B2B and B2C processes. The options were limited.
Toile first tried NetSuite, but it proved to be far too complex and expensive for a small operation. “We were way in over our head,” Ingrid recalls. The system demanded more resources than Toile needed, and implementation was overwhelming.
Other solutions were explored, including Salesforce, but the requirement to add multiple external programs like QuickBooks made it complicated and costly. Ingrid needed a solution that could consolidate sales, purchasing, and order management in one integrated system, something more adaptable for a small but versatile business.
"I needed something more than a POS system, because 80 to 90% of our orders are custom. No two orders look the same, and there can be multiple vendors on one order."
Why Odoo Made the Difference
Ingrid discovered Odoo more than 13 years ago through research. She initially started with the free version and quickly realized its potential to unify operations. Despite early challenges, she stayed with the platform, gradually implementing more apps to meet Toile’s growing needs.
Today, Toile uses Sales, Purchase, Accounting, and Inventory as its core Odoo apps. Together, they provide a streamlined flow from order to delivery. One of the biggest advantages Ingrid highlights is the email trail attached to each sales and purchase order, ensuring that communications are documented and accessible.
- Custom Order Management Made Simple: Unlike retail stores with standard SKUs, Toile’s orders are highly customized. Odoo allows Ingrid’s team to record product details, consolidate multi-vendor orders, and manage purchasing and receiving efficiently, something that was nearly impossible with other systems.
- Better Tracking and Visibility: The Inventory app has become increasingly important. It enables Toile to track items sold, link them back to customers, and ensure accuracy for both stock and custom orders. “We’re able to track inventory, when we sold it, and to whom. That’s been very good,” Ingrid explains.
- Accounting that Works for the Team: Although accounting posed challenges in the early years due to differences between European and North American practices, the system has improved significantly. Today, Ingrid’s bookkeeper manages accounting entirely in Odoo. The functionality is effective and reliable.
- Flexibility for Growth: Even though not every module has been a fit for the very specialized business, the ability to select and scale with Odoo apps has been key. The company is also exploring Helpdesk to improve customer support.
"After all these years, we’re still running our business on Odoo, and that says it all. From Accounting to Inventory, and now Helpdesk, it keeps growing with us."
Looking Ahead: Toile’s Next Chapter
Toile is now preparing for a new stage of growth. While the company has primarily focused on the design trade, Ingrid envisions making Toile’s offerings more accessible to the public. To achieve this, implementing a Point of Sale (POS) system that is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with existing operations is a top priority.
Currently, cash-and-carry items require a process of quotes, sales orders, and invoices. Simplifying this with POS would save time for both staff and customers while supporting Toile’s expansion goals.
"For the next level to happen, the POS system has to be in place with an easy hardware solution that’s simple to navigate.”
Toile’s story shows how a small company with complex needs can benefit from Odoo’s flexibility and integrated approach. Whether it’s custom order management, accounting, or inventory tracking, Odoo has allowed Ingrid and her team to streamline operations and focus on what matters: delivering quality products and personalized service. If your business faces the challenge of juggling multiple vendors, custom orders, or hybrid B2B/B2C models, Odoo can help simplify and scale your operations.
