Iconic Calgary retailer Lammle’s Western Wear recently opened its new flagship concept store in the city, just across the street from CF Chinook Centre where it had been in business for 40 years.
The new location includes a shop-in-shop with about 1,800 square feet catering to high fashion western wear in a different part of the store with walls around it.
Jeff Lammle, son and successor to founder Barry Lammle, said the new location, which is at the corner of Glenmore Trail and Macleod Trail in a space occupied by a former auto dealer, is a fantastic one “at one of the busiest intersections in the city.”
“So our exposure is really strong. And being part of the Calgary Stampede and tapping into urban customers that would shop at Chinook Centre that live in that area, that we’re going after, it made sense to do a store right there and then to add a concept that really speaks to that particular customer as a section within the store.”
The entire store is 8,600 square feet which is almost three times bigger than its former footprint at Chinook and it’s one of the biggest stores in the company.
Lammle said the shop-in-shop can be used for private functions or corporate functions where the big barn doors can close, separating it from the rest of the Lammle’s store which can stay open.
“The corporate high fashion area would be potentially rented out for a couple of hours to a corporate client or anyone interested in having a shopping experience different from what you find anywhere else,” he said. “So we had to go a little bit bigger to accommodate that and that’s the direction we’re headed with this new leg of Lammle’s being higher end fashions that you can find starting with this Macleod and Glenmore location.
“This will be the first one and then load up hopefully and see where it goes.”
The retailer is celebrating its grand opening on November 18.
The CF Chinook Centre location was the retailer’s first 40 years ago. Today, Lammle’s has 24 locations in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
As for new stores in the future, Jeff Lammle said there is nothing scheduled at the moment but the company is always looking for opportunities.
When customers first walk into the new store, it looks like a traditional Lammle’s location with a massive boot wall and a beautiful hat wall. It’s what customers have known for 40 years. As customers walk to the back, they are greeted by this new space with an elevated and unique feel to it. It feels like two stores in one.
Lammle said the brand wanted customers to experience a boutique feel within the store where very select items are easily displayed. There’s a fireplace in the shop-in-shop location. There’s a seating area. A very comfortable, cozy atmosphere.
“We had to change the feel to set us apart from a typical Lammle’s store,” he said. “When you walk into this, it is completely like nothing you’ve ever seen. It just makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a different era, a completely different vibe. The energy, I love it. You look around and say this is so amazing.
“There’s some antique pieces in there. There’s decorative pieces that subtly hint at Lammle’s as far as licence plates and speed limit signs being 1983. Things like that. If you’re a really strong customer, you’ll recognize it. If not, it’s just a great decorative piece.
“But the whole store is just to feel cozy, to feel boutique, and completely set apart your expectation of Lammle’s to going into something that is worthy to tell people about and even changing the way you might dress on different occasions throughout the year.”
Lammle’s began in 1983 when Barry Lammle saw an opportunity in the retail market for a company to carry the top brands in western wear all under one roof.
“A rancher first, the mission was clear: Address the needs of everyday Albertans looking for a western retailer that provides the best service, selection, and quality. This led to the opening of the first Lammle’s Western Wear store in our hometown of Calgary, Alberta,” says the company.
“Today, we continue to build our legacy of being family owned and operated by focusing on the needs of our customers. As the leading western lifestyle retailer in Canada, we’re proud to offer an authentic lifestyle experience that welcomes everyone. Whether it’s days on the ranch, enjoying a rodeo, concert or a night out on the town – we’ve got you covered. No matter what your vision is, we’ll help you define your look so you can Live your own west.”
