A well-known storefront in Kitsilano is finally open again with a new, familiar, and very Vancouver retailer calling the spot home.
Fashion giant Aritzia is opening its newest location on Thursday, May 15 at 2199 W. 4th Ave.
Urban Outfitters left the location on West 4th well over a year ago, permanently shuttering their store on Jan. 23, 2024.
A month later and signs were already up for Aritzia, as the popular Vancouver-based retailer took over the heritage building at the intersection with Yew Street.
Aritzia, which sells "everyday luxury" clothing and items, was founded in Vancouver. The first store opened in Oakridge nearly 40 years ago.
The location is arguably the most iconic storefront in Kitsilano with a mixture of architectural designs; the original structure was built in 1912 for the Canadian Bank of Commerce when streetcars first came to the area.
Before becoming Urban Outfitters it was a Le Chateau. In 2001, a notable addition was made on the east side of the building, adding a modern-looking glass section to one of the oldest buildings in the neighbourhood.
"Aritzia has added to the building’s existing aesthetic with new features, like an exterior colour scheme, a newly crafted millwork staircase beneath a skylight and two custom bronze sculptures at the boutique entrance," describes a media release from Aritiza HQ.
"This location also features historic and architecturally significant details, which the brand thoughtfully preserved, such as a temple-front facade, double-height main hall and original stone and brick materials," adds Aritzia.
In addition to the West 4th Avenue location, Artizia is also opening its revamped and expanded shop at Guildford Town Centre in Surrey, with a particularly noteworthy addition: The first A-OK Café location in British Columbia.
A-OK Café is Aritzia's in-house coffee shop, which serves "a curated menu of gourmet drinks and locally baked goods," according to the brand. That includes "micro-ground teas as well as iced and [hot] espresso beverages made with Aritzia’s signature A-OK roast."
This article was originally published on Feb. 25, 2024 and has been updated
