TWG Tea to Relocate 1st North American Storefront in Vancouver to Former Tesla Space

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The former TWG Tea Salon & Boutique location in Vancouver, BC, at 1070 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC. Photo: Stuart Isett

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Singapore-based TWG Tea Salon & Boutique is relocating its first North American retail presence which opened in Vancouver in December 2016. The former 3,000 square foot hybrid retail space and tea salon was located in the city’s ‘luxury zone’ at 1070 West Georgia Street. TWG Tea will relocate to a smaller retail space at 929 Robson Street in Vancouver which was occupied by a Tesla showroom until March 2021.

TWG relocation from Georgia Street to Robson Street in Vancouver
TWG relocation from Georgia Street to Robson Street in Vancouver. Map by Google Maps with insert /inlay by Retail Insider.

TWG’s Canadian operations are franchised under VanSing Distribution Group, operated by CEO Tom James and president and COO Karinna James — also the founders of the former Urban Tea Merchant which operated in the same location prior to becoming TWG Tea Salon & Boutique. 

TWG Tea was founded in Singapore in 2008, as a division of The Wellness Group (hence the ‘TWG’ name), and now operates locations globally, mostly in Asia. TWG offers more than 800 varieties of tea and single-origin harvests, at a variety of price points. While some varieties are affordably priced, some rare teas are priced into the thousands for as little as 50-100 grams. 

TWG Notice to Patrons for Relocating
TWG Notice to Patrons for Relocating. Photo: Lee Rivett.

The new location, noted in the relocation notice posted on the doors of the former location, will be 929 Robson Street in Vancouver in the former Tesla Motors retail space. Tesla Motors opened its second Canadian store location on Robson Street in spring 2014, replacing skincare retailer H2O Plus. The Tesla store on Robson Street closed its doors after seven years in March 2021.

Former Tesla Motors on Robson Street (June 2021)
Former Tesla Motors on Robson Street (June 2021). Photo: Lee Rivett.
Former H2O Plus (929 Robson Street) prior to becoming Tesla Motors in 2014. Photo: Colin Arber

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