BURST
The news: Aritzia opens new stores in Kitsilano, Guildford
The buzz: Canadian fashion company Aritzia has opened not one, but two new stores in Metro Vancouver. And it did it on the very same day.
The Vancouver-headquartered company opened the doors of a new location at 2199 W 4th Ave. in Kitsilano, along with a location at Guildford Town Centre in Surrey, today (May 15).
Situated inside the Canadian Bank of Commerce heritage building in Kits, the new Vancouver boutique maintains many of the key architectural elements of the historic space, while adding new design touches to the mix such as a statement-making staircase and two custom bronze sculptures at the entrance.
And, over in Surrey, the new Aritzia boutique at Guildford Town Centre features a first for B.C.: An A-OK Cafe.
The new location offers an expanded footprint for the brand — it’s now billed as the largest Aritzia store in Canada — as well as the company’s unique in-house coffee shop offering.
Featuring a menu selection of teas and coffees, made with a “signature” A-OK roast, of course, the A-OK Cafe also features a small selection of locally sourced baked goods.
The two store openings are part of a celebratory 40th anniversary year for the company, which has already included a re-release of a customer-favourite bowling bag in February.
Founded in 1984 by Brian Hill, the first stand-alone Aritzia location was located at the Oakridge Centre in Vancouver. The company first set up shop at the Guildford Town Centre in Surrey in 2013.
Aritzia now operates more than 125 boutiques across North America, according to a news release.
The retailer: Aritzia