Vancouver's homegrown fashion powerhouse, Aritzia, is making a monumental return to its roots. The clothing retailer has announced plans to establish a massive new flagship store in the heart of downtown Vancouver, signaling a major investment in its hometown.
A New Retail Landmark for Vancouver
The company confirmed it will be taking over the prominent retail space previously occupied by Nordstrom at CF Pacific Centre. This strategic location at the corner of Robson and Howe streets has been a subject of much speculation since Nordstrom concluded its Canadian operations in June 2023.
Scheduled to open in 2027, the new boutique will span an impressive 40,000 square feet across four floors. To put this scale into perspective, an entire acre is roughly 43,560 square feet, making this one of Aritzia's most substantial retail presences to date.
Expanding the Flagship Collection
This Vancouver flagship announcement follows the successful launch of other large-scale boutiques for the company in major metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago. In a news release, Aritzia described the planned Vancouver location as "one of Aritzia’s most expansive and immersive retail destinations to date."
Jennifer Wong, CEO of Aritzia, expressed her excitement about the project, stating: "Vancouver is where our story began, and we’re thrilled to bring an even more impactful Aritzia experience to the heart of the city with our new Pacific Centre Flagship. Expanding our collection of iconic flagships, this boutique represents an exciting step in our growth strategy as we continue to build our presence in North America and beyond."
Strengthening Local Presence and Unique Offerings
The new flagship further cements Aritzia's retail footprint in Metro Vancouver, where the company already operates approximately 20 stores under its various banners, including Aritzia, Babaton, and Wilfred. This expansion continues a pattern of aggressive growth for the retailer, which notably opened two major boutiques in Surrey's Guildford Town Centre and Kitsilano on the same day earlier this year.
Renderings of the future Vancouver flagship reveal an ambitious design featuring large, arched windows, branded flags, and lush greenery adorning the entrance. Perhaps most intriguing is the company's tease of a "casual-yet-elevated dining concept" within the space. This offering would likely build upon the existing A-OK Cafe concept found in some Aritzia locations and would find a natural home in the vacated space, which previously housed both a bar and a restaurant during Nordstrom's tenure.
Sal Iacono, President & CEO of Cadillac Fairview, echoed the significance of this development, calling the store a "landmark location" within the shopping mall and highlighting the "shared commitment to creating unparalleled retail destinations."
Founded in Vancouver in 1984, Aritzia's decision to plant its flag so prominently in its hometown represents a full-circle moment for the brand and a significant vote of confidence in the future of downtown Vancouver's retail landscape.
