Several retailers at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, BC are under renovation, including GEOX, Champs Sports and A|X Armani Exchange.
1Italian GEOX Closes for Renovations
Moderately-priced ‘breathable’ Italian footwear brand is giving its Metropolis at Metrotown store a makeover. As of July 2021, there is no other GEOX location operating out of the shopping centre so it has not been relocated temporarily to accommodate the renovation.
Photos on Google Maps as recent as June 2021 noted the store being open.
Founded in Montebelluna, Italy in 1995, GEOX is known for its breathable footwear. It has stores around the world. In Canada, it wholesales at retailers nationwide and also operates free-standing boutiques in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, London, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City.
2American Champs Sports Relocates for Renovations
The American sports retailer, a subsidiary of Foot Locker, has relocated to expand on the upper level of Metropolis at Metrotown.
As early as June 2018, Champs Sports had occupied the left half of the construction site while Indochino was ‘coming soon’. At this point, Champs Sports appears to be taking over both retail stores as part of the renovation.
The Champs Sports is currently operating on the lower level near the Hudson’s Bay as well as a second location on the upper level across from the GEOX construction site.
3Armani Exchange Relocates for Renovations
Giorgio Armani’s sub-brand Armani Exchange (also known as A|X) has relocated to expand on the upper level of Metropolis at Metrotown.
The store is currently operating out of the lower level near the large Indigo location.
Armani Exchange is aimed more towards street style lovers, teenagers and the mass market. It is also the most accessible and affordable of the Armani brands.
Why So Many Renovations?
In addition to these retailers, Zara also just completed a renovation opening a larger flagship this month. Retail Insider noted an update from Metropolis at Metrotown Facebook account where similar renovations were underway exactly 10 years ago.
Let us know why you think the same retailers are renovating 10 years later in the comments below!
Some mall require tenants to refresh their storefronts on a regular basis.
Doing so at the time of the lease renewal makes sense if the landlord wants to move the tenant to a different location and the landlord is willing to pitch in for the cost of some of the leasehold inprovements.