From homeowners working on modest upgrades to contractors handling large-scale developments, La Gloire has built a reputation for offering products that suit every budget.
A humble start with tiles
La Gloire began its journey in 2019, initially focusing on supplying tiles through a partnership with Goodwill Tiles. Salesperson Kevin Gashugi explains that, in the early years, the business served mainly retailers, though individual clients were also welcomed. Word-of-mouth quickly became their strongest form of marketing as satisfied customers recommended the store to others.
'We started mostly with tiles, offering different sizes to satisfy all kinds of customers,' Kevin reflected on those early days during a recent visit by IGIHE to the supplier's showroom in Gisozi.
As demand grew, clients began asking for more than just tiles, prompting the company to expand its range. By 2022, customers were requesting toilets, cabinets, MDF boards, marine boards and other essential finishing materials, an opportunity that guided La Gloire's evolution into a more comprehensive supplier.
According to Kevin, the company's goal was to make it easier for customers to find everything they needed in one place. This led to key milestones: in 2023, La Gloire became the sole representative of BNBM gypsum products, and partnered with Golden Home and Acacia Factory from Uganda for marine boards.
In December 2024, the company also introduced large-format tiles from China and India and became a representative of the Somany brand from India. These expansions diversified the showroom and strengthened La Gloire's presence in the finishing materials market.
Tiles for every space and budget
Today, the company offers an impressive range of products. Its tile collection includes modern large-format tiles such as 75×150cm, 80×80cm and 60×120cm, as well as more standard and affordable sizes like 60×60cm, 50x50cm, 40×40cm and 30×30cm. Customers can also find outdoor tiles and solutions for stairs.
'We want to make sure everyone finds something that works for them,' Kevin says, emphasising that every client is guaranteed to find an option that suits their style and budget.
For interior finishing, La Gloire supplies MDF boards commonly used for kitchen cabinets, wardrobes and furniture, along with water-resistant marine boards preferred for areas exposed to moisture. To complete these installations, the store also stocks accessories such as handles, sofa legs, taps and cabinet fittings, allowing customers to source everything they need without moving between multiple suppliers.
The company's gypsum section has equally grown in demand. Clients can choose from BNBM, German and Sunshine gypsum boards, along with the necessary gypsum powder and plaster. These products are popular for ceilings, partitions and decorative work because they offer a clean finish and a modern look while being easy to install.
Expanding bathroom and sanitaryware solutions
La Gloire's bathroom and sanitaryware section is one of its fastest-growing departments. Customers can explore a wide selection of toilets, including water-saving and soft-close models, smart mirrors with lighting and anti-fog features, bathroom cabinets in modern designs and premium showers. Among the popular innovations are showers with temperature displays, which help users heat water more efficiently and reduce unnecessary energy use.
Beyond finishes, the store also provides essential plumbing items such as flexible tubes, valves, fittings and water heaters. Kevin notes that the water heaters stocked at La Gloire are preferred for their efficiency because they heat water only when needed, making them ideal for reducing household electricity consumption. For waterproofing needs, the company supplies trusted Sika products used to protect bathrooms, balconies and other moisture-prone areas.
Customer satisfaction at the core
A strong focus on customer satisfaction continues to set La Gloire apart. Bulk buyers receive negotiable discounts, and delivery services are arranged based on the size and fragility of the order.
The team also follows up with clients to understand how the products performed in their projects, a practice Kevin says helps the company decide which new items to introduce. He adds that all products meet international quality standards, reinforcing the company's commitment to durability and customer trust.
From a single outlet, La Gloire has expanded to more than 10 branches across Kigali, Musanze, Rubavu and other districts, with plans to continue widening its reach. The company sources products from Rwanda, India, China, Egypt and Uganda, giving customers a wide variety of options without compromising on quality or affordability.
Whether someone is renovating a home, furnishing new spaces or working on commercial buildings, La Gloire offers solutions that are practical, modern and accessible.
'Any budget constraint you may have, come and talk to us. We have experts who can advise you, products that fit every need and solutions tailored to your project," Kevin assures.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
