Gotstyle, one of Canada’s most innovative fashion retailers, opens a 6,700 square foot store in Toronto’s Distillery District on Friday, November 30th. We previously reported the store’s opening including it’s naked man video, and now womenswear will be included in the retail mix.
We are posting Gotstyle’s description of their store and its opening, as was provided to Retail Insider by manager Charlotte Jenkins:
GOTSTYLE GOES EAST
With a fashion foothold firmly established in the west at Wellington and Bathurst, Gotstyle, Toronto’s top destination for menswear, is set to reveal its second location in the heart of the historic Distillery District. The new 6,700 square foot will cater to both men and women with a stylish mix of merchandise housed in the original stable building built in the 1800s.
“I’m a big believer in neighborhoods,” says Gotstyle owner Melissa Austria of her decision to open in The Distillery District. “It’s a magical piece of the city. It’s evolving into even more of lifestyle district with an abundance of shopping and dining options that will continue to draw even more people to the area.”
The stunning new retail space will open in two phases.
PHASE 1
Savvy shoppers will get their first look at the new Gotstyle store on Friday, November 30 when it opens just in time for the popular Lowes Toronto Christmas Market – an annual event that is estimated to draw 200,000 visitors to The Distillery District.
Austria predicts that construction will be nearing 60% complete by the time the doors open but that the opportunity to welcome the parade of shoppers expected to pass by was to great to pass up.
“The Christmas Market is such an important part of The Distillery District that opening the doors early was really a no-brainer for us. We can’t wait to kick-off the holiday season in such a vibrant setting,” she says. In place of final fixtures, shoppers will be treated to a holiday spectacular. The centerpiece of which will be a stunning series of six foot tall angels. Each angel will represent a charity the retailer has generously partnered with. “This holiday season we’re introducing Gotstyle Gives – a charity program designed to support important humanitarian initiatives around the world,” explains Austria. In addition to being stocked with the finest looks for the holiday season, the store will also feature an abundance of gifts for just about everyone on your list.
PHASE 2
After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the talented team at The Design Agency – the creative visionaries behind the store’s striking look – will be back at work finalizing key design elements that promise to make this one of Canada’s most exciting fashion destinations. Stylish features include: herringbone wood floors, a vintage looking barbershop, a spacious groom room for wedding consultations, even a spectacular pool table outfitted with a rich merlot-coloured felt for guests to unwind and enjoy.
The store will officially open early in the Spring, when all of the finishing touches will be in place.
ABOUT GOTSTYLE
Founded in 2005, Gotstyle Menswear has quickly become Toronto’s leading men’s lifestyle boutique specializing in high-end men’s fashion. Offering apparel, bags and accessories for casual, social and business dressing, the store features premium international and local bands, from opening to designer price points, in a full range of sizes. In addition to fashion Gotstyle offers services for men in the in-store barbershop and tailor shop. Over the past five years, the retailer has been recognized by the fashion industry with much acclaim including:
+#1 Menswear Store in Canada, Sharp Magazine (2012)
+Best Menswear Store, NOW Magazine (2006-2011)
+Best Place to Buy a Suit, blogTO (2009)
+Top 20 Menswear Stores in North America, MR Magazine (2009)
Location: The heart of the historic Distillery District Size: 6,700 square feet on two levels
Opening: 2 phase openingDoors open on Friday, November 30 with construction wrapping up in time for a Spring Grand Opening.Store hours and info: Monday – Friday 12pm to 9pm
Saturday 11am to 9pm
Sunday 12pm to 6pm
416-260-9696
Among some of the notable design features guests will enjoy include:
+Fashion and accessories for both men and women – a Gotstyle first.
+Every step will be sartorial thanks to the solid wood flooring in a traditional herringbone pattern.
+A classic tribute to barbershops of the past but with modern updates.
+In-house experts will consult both men and women on the latest cuts and colours.
+In-house tailor shop.
+With men’s and women’s fashion needs covered, even the littlest ones will
find some fun in the Gotstyle Kids Corner. Parents are encouraged to ‘shop and drop’ allowing the young style set to enjoy an interactive play area while parents browse the latest looks.
+A massive Groom Room designed to accommodate wedding parties of any size.
+A merlot-coloured pool table on the Mezzanine level.
Summer patio.
+DJ Booth.
+Full kitchen for events and more.
Featured brands for women include:
Malene Birger, Tiger Of Sweden, Ted Baker, Rachel Roy, Parker, Designer Remix Collection, Style Stalker, Jenny Bird, Leigh and Luca, J Brand, Paige, Ella, Cuchara, Sashin & Babi, and Rebecca Minkoff.
Featured brand for men include:
Sand, Ted Baker, Tiger Of Sweden, John Varvatos, Moods Of Norway, Circle Of Gentlemen, Pyscho Bunny, Strellson, Neuw, Zanerobe, Lab by Pal Zileri, Tombolini, and Moose Knuckles.
STYLE NOTES FROM THE DESIGN AGENCY
GROUND FLOOR
Building on the history and industrial nature of the existing building, the first floor aims to blend together vintage and reclaimed elements with contemporary details. Small vignettes create a sense of wonder as your move through the space and bold architectural moves add a dynamic flow.
Vintage birch and reclaimed wood are mixed with marble accents and contemporary lighting to give a sense of familiarity and comfort. Hard materials and architectural details provide a neutral backdrop for soft materials and merchandise to take center stage.
MEZZANINE LEVEL
Upstairs at Gotstyle, one is transferred to a lux 19th Century parlour setting where lacquered woods mingle with plus fabrics and age-old patterns.
Paneled wardrobes and vintage furniture items add familiarity while bold pops of colour and sleek materials add a contemporary spin.
Gotstyle website: http://gotstylemenswear.com
