Pricey Swiss cellular skincare brand Valmont has opened its fourth La Maison Valmont in the world, at Vancouver’s upscale Oakridge Centre. More Canadian locations could follow, though growth will be slow as the company tests out the new format in various global markets.
Valmont was founded in Switzerland in 1985 by husband-wife team Didier and Sophie Guillon, and the brand is known for its high-performing anti-aging product range, with substantial price tags. Some creams cost in excess of $600 each. The brand is distributed globally in upscale retailers, including at Holt Renfrew and Saks Fifth Avenue in Canada.
The new Oakridge Centre La Maison Valmont retail space spans 1145 square feet on one level, and is located between Montecristo Jewellers and Shoppers Drug Mart beauty concept Murale. La Maison Valmont features two treatment rooms, a lounge area, and a retail space selling the brand’s skincare along with products by brand By Terry, as well as a selection of jewellery made in Murano, Italy.
Oakridge’s La Maison Valmont’s spa services will actually be a first for the Vancouver mall, which currently lacks a professional spa treatment provider.
Valmont has been a success in Canada, according to a representative, prompting the company to launch its La Maison Valmont concept in Vancouver. It could be the first of several locations in Canada for La Maison Valmont. Toronto and Montreal could eventually see locations, though likely not for at least three more years — Valmont is working on a five year plan and will test and perfect the concept and in the mean time, growth will be focused.
Valmont’s first two La Maison Valmont locations opened in early 2016 — in Berlin, Germany and in Hong Kong. A Tokyo boutique opened in a new retail plaza in the city’s popular Ginza district last month, on April 20.
Valmont negotiated the Vancouver Oakridge deal directly with the mall’s previous landlord, Ivanhoé Cambridge. In January of this year, Ivanhoé Cambridge sold Oakridge Centre to QuadReal Property Group for an undisclosed sum. The mall was recently ranked the second most productive in Canada in terms of sales per square foot by Retail Council of Canada’s Shopping Centre Study. Oakridge boasts several other luxury retailers, including Max Mara, Hugo Boss, Tiffany & Co. and Harry Rosen.
*Photos: PATRYK WIDEJKO
