Inside Hunter Boots’ 1st North American Flagship [Photos]

Date:

Share post:

UK-based fashion brand Hunter, known for its rubber wellington boots, has opened its first standalone North American location — and only its third globally. More locations could follow in Canada, according to Hunter CEO Vincent Wauters

The 2,800 square foot store is located in the Nordstrom-anchored expansion wing at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, in a retail space located between Samsung and a recently opened Roots flagship. 

The Toronto store was designed by Hunter’s in-house interior design team, led by Creative Director Alasdhair Willis, husband of fashion designer Stella McCartney. The store’s design is described as follows: “It reveals the sky and exposes the space to the elements, with the store’s internal envelope acting as a protective canvas to the external landscape lining the perimeter of the space. Visitors ‘look out’ from the contemporary barn architecture onto a backdrop of the Scottish Highlands – the birthplace of the Hunter brand.” Additionally, Hunter confirms that “in-store weather elements will be changed seasonally.”

Hunter Boots at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Hunter Boots)
Hunter Boots at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Hunter Boots)

The store’s flooring is fashioned from strips of rubber from the Original green boot, and the store also features mid floor tables that will double as seating, using natural oak and Douglas fir. 

Hunter’s 30-foot wide Yorkdale storefront is “reminiscent of a contemporary greenhouse giving the sense that the sky is surrounding customers upon entry where they are immediately immersed into the brand world of Hunter.” 

CEO Vincent Wauters explained that Hunter is seeking out store locations in a selection of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, where locals and tourists can converge to experience the Hunter brand in its entirety. Having a retail store allows Hunter to showcase its brand in a way that isn’t possible in a multi-brand retailer. 

Given the rainy climate on Canada’s West Coast, Vancouver could eventually see a Hunter Boots flagship store, explained Mr. Wauters. Nothing is confirmed at this time, however, and the company will expand methodically into markets that make sense for the brand. 

Hunter Boots at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Hunter Boots)
Hunter Boots at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Hunter Boots)
Hunter Boots at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Hunter Boots)

Hunter’s first freestanding retail store opened on Regent Street in London in the fall of 2014, measuring about 5,300 square feet. A second location opened in the spring of 2016 in Tokyo’s Ginza district, spanning about 3,100 square feet. In Taiwan, Hunter also has a partner store in Taipei. The interior design of the Yorkdale store is somewhat lighter and brighter than the London and Tokyo stores, explained Mr. Wauters. 

Hunter Boot Ltd. was originally established as North British Rubber Company in 1856 and it is headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland with offices in London, New York and Düsseldorf, Germany. In the past, the company was also involved in the manufacturing of rubber tires, conveyor belts, combs, golf balls, hot water bottles and rubber flooring. Being a heritage brand, Hunter holds several Royal Warrants by Appointment as suppliers of waterproof footwear. One of Hunter’s most recognizable products is its ‘Green Welly’ boot, which is now manufactured in China and is favoured by the hunting set. 

*Photos are courtesy of Hunter. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From Retail Insider

Holt Renfrew Bloor Street Flagship in Toronto Marks 45 Years [Feature]

When it opened in March of 1979, it was by far the largest Holt Renfrew store in the chain.

Galleria Supermarket Embarks on Strategic Store Expansion Across Ontario, Targeting Key Urban Areas [Interview]

The grocery retailer is seeking locations in a wide range of sizes, as part of its initiative to operate retail stores while also building awareness for its expansive wholesale division.

Expanding a Brand: Vancouver-Based Entrepreneur Kick-Starts Women’s ‘Wicked Rose’ Martial Arts Activewear Line [Video Interview]

Christina Morrow discusses her plans to rapidly expand her women's martial arts activewear brand, which features performance materials and designs inspired by tattoo art.

The Ballroom Bowl Unveils Bloor-Yorkville Location in Toronto with Additional Expansion Planned in Canada [Interview/Photos]

The upscale bowling and foodservice concept will open another location later this year as it eyes expanding into other parts of Canada, says its founder.

Early Easter Impacting Retail Sales in Canada; New Trends in Chocolates and Merchandising Innovation Showcased [Feature Interviews]

An early Easter, following Valentines, is impacting sales and merchandising in stores. At the same time, some retailers are innovating and looking to make things more experiential.

Canadian Businesses Grapple with Soaring Insolvencies as CEBA Loan Repayments Take Toll: Equifax Reports

It's a perfect storm for disaster with high interest rates, increasing costs and other financial obligations impacting retailers, with insolvencies surging 30% over 2019.

Japan-Based Marugame Udon Enters Canada with 1st Location, Authentic Sanuki-Style Concept to Expand Nationally [Interview]

The world-renowned Japanese noodle hotspot, with over 1,000 locations worldwide, prepares dishes in a theatre-style kitchen. Plans are in place for locations across Canada.

How Canada’s Retail Sector Can Better Serve Families with Children [Interview]

Retailers are missing an opportunity to target parents with children says an expert, while the need to understand Generation Alpha will critical as they become consumers in the years to come.

North America’s First Formula 1 Exhibition Set to Open in Toronto, Showcasing Unique Immersive Experiences for Visitors [Interview]

The highly experiential multi-media exhibit has been designed to engage with visitors while showcasing the sport.

La Maison Simons CEO Discusses New Halifax Store and Retailer’s Ongoing Expansion [Video Interview]

Bernard Leblanc discusses the company's newest store, as well as updates on the company's retail mix, e-commerce strategy, and a future with likely more stores in Vancouver and Toronto.

Australian Haircare Giant ‘Just Cuts’ Announces Canadian Expansion, Eyes Alberta and Ontario for Initial Salons [Interview]

The company has 235 hair cutting salons globally, and is now targeting Canada by seeking shopping centre locations. Its value proposition in this economy could see it expand rapidly.

Rodd & Gunn Opens 1st Standalone Canadian Storefront on Hazelton Ave in Toronto, More Locations Planned [Photos]

Bloor-Yorkville was chosen for the New Zealand-based menswear brand’s first Canadian store, after entering the country through a network of concessions at Hudson’s Bay.

JLL Grocery Report Highlights Contrasting Strategies Among Canadian Grocers to Tackle Inflation and Shifting Shopper Preferences [Interview]

Despite challenges in deal making and urban development, the grocery industry sees potential in discount stores but also emphasizes the importance of grocers as essential amenities within mixed-use projects, says one expert.

Canadian Retail Sales Promising for Some and Ominous for Others in January [J.C. Williams Group Analysis]

The consultancy analyses StatCan numbers for January, noting spending increases in some areas and decreases in other, setting the tone for 2024.

La Maison Simons Opens Store in Halifax, Marking Milestone in Coast-to-Coast Canadian Store Expansion [Photos]

The Quebec City-based retailer opened its first store outside of Quebec 12 years ago, and now has a network of 17 locations from BC to the Maritimes. 

Anatomy of a Leader: Stewart Schaefer, President and CEO of Sleep Country Canada

Schaefer discusses his career over the years, from the financial world to three decades in the sleep industry.

Fitness and Wellness Concept Sweat and Tonic to Open 18,000 Sq Ft. Location on Yorkville Avenue in Toronto

It will be the third location for the company, and joins other boutique fitness concepts opening near the Yonge and Bloor intersection. 

First-Ever Health-Focused ‘KaleMart24’ Opens in Montreal with Plans for Major North American Store Expansion [Interview/Photos]

Described as the "Whole Foods Market" of convenience stores, the new KaleMart 24 is being rolled out in Montreal this year with plans to aggressively move into new markets including Toronto.

Swimco Opens New Stores in Canada, Bounces Back from COVID Hardships [Interview]

The Calgary-based swim retailer, which went bankrupt during the pandemic, has returned and is opening stores as it connects with consumers in new markets.

Changes in Toronto’s Yorkville with Pusateri’s and Flo’s Diner Closing [Podcast]

Craig and Lee discuss the significant closures of Pusateri's grocery and Flo's Diner in Yorkville, Toronto, reflecting on the neighborhood's evolution and future luxury developments.

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Holt Renfrew Bloor Street Flagship in Toronto Marks 45 Years [Feature]

When it opened in March of 1979, it was by far the largest Holt Renfrew store in the chain.

Galleria Supermarket Embarks on Strategic Store Expansion Across Ontario, Targeting Key Urban Areas [Interview]

The grocery retailer is seeking locations in a wide range of sizes, as part of its initiative to operate retail stores while also building awareness for its expansive wholesale division.

Expanding a Brand: Vancouver-Based Entrepreneur Kick-Starts Women’s ‘Wicked Rose’ Martial Arts Activewear Line [Video Interview]

Christina Morrow discusses her plans to rapidly expand her women's martial arts activewear brand, which features performance materials and designs inspired by tattoo art.

The Ballroom Bowl Unveils Bloor-Yorkville Location in Toronto with Additional Expansion Planned in Canada [Interview/Photos]

The upscale bowling and foodservice concept will open another location later this year as it eyes expanding into other parts of Canada, says its founder.

Early Easter Impacting Retail Sales in Canada; New Trends in Chocolates and Merchandising Innovation Showcased [Feature Interviews]

An early Easter, following Valentines, is impacting sales and merchandising in stores. At the same time, some retailers are innovating and looking to make things more experiential.

Canadian Businesses Grapple with Soaring Insolvencies as CEBA Loan Repayments Take Toll: Equifax Reports

It's a perfect storm for disaster with high interest rates, increasing costs and other financial obligations impacting retailers, with insolvencies surging 30% over 2019.

Japan-Based Marugame Udon Enters Canada with 1st Location, Authentic Sanuki-Style Concept to Expand Nationally [Interview]

The world-renowned Japanese noodle hotspot, with over 1,000 locations worldwide, prepares dishes in a theatre-style kitchen. Plans are in place for locations across Canada.

How Canada’s Retail Sector Can Better Serve Families with Children [Interview]

Retailers are missing an opportunity to target parents with children says an expert, while the need to understand Generation Alpha will critical as they become consumers in the years to come.

North America’s First Formula 1 Exhibition Set to Open in Toronto, Showcasing Unique Immersive Experiences for Visitors [Interview]

The highly experiential multi-media exhibit has been designed to engage with visitors while showcasing the sport.

La Maison Simons CEO Discusses New Halifax Store and Retailer’s Ongoing Expansion [Video Interview]

Bernard Leblanc discusses the company's newest store, as well as updates on the company's retail mix, e-commerce strategy, and a future with likely more stores in Vancouver and Toronto.

Australian Haircare Giant ‘Just Cuts’ Announces Canadian Expansion, Eyes Alberta and Ontario for Initial Salons [Interview]

The company has 235 hair cutting salons globally, and is now targeting Canada by seeking shopping centre locations. Its value proposition in this economy could see it expand rapidly.

Rodd & Gunn Opens 1st Standalone Canadian Storefront on Hazelton Ave in Toronto, More Locations Planned [Photos]

Bloor-Yorkville was chosen for the New Zealand-based menswear brand’s first Canadian store, after entering the country through a network of concessions at Hudson’s Bay.

JLL Grocery Report Highlights Contrasting Strategies Among Canadian Grocers to Tackle Inflation and Shifting Shopper Preferences [Interview]

Despite challenges in deal making and urban development, the grocery industry sees potential in discount stores but also emphasizes the importance of grocers as essential amenities within mixed-use projects, says one expert.

Canadian Retail Sales Promising for Some and Ominous for Others in January [J.C. Williams Group Analysis]

The consultancy analyses StatCan numbers for January, noting spending increases in some areas and decreases in other, setting the tone for 2024.

La Maison Simons Opens Store in Halifax, Marking Milestone in Coast-to-Coast Canadian Store Expansion [Photos]

The Quebec City-based retailer opened its first store outside of Quebec 12 years ago, and now has a network of 17 locations from BC to the Maritimes. 

Anatomy of a Leader: Stewart Schaefer, President and CEO of Sleep Country Canada

Schaefer discusses his career over the years, from the financial world to three decades in the sleep industry.

Fitness and Wellness Concept Sweat and Tonic to Open 18,000 Sq Ft. Location on Yorkville Avenue in Toronto

It will be the third location for the company, and joins other boutique fitness concepts opening near the Yonge and Bloor intersection. 

First-Ever Health-Focused ‘KaleMart24’ Opens in Montreal with Plans for Major North American Store Expansion [Interview/Photos]

Described as the "Whole Foods Market" of convenience stores, the new KaleMart 24 is being rolled out in Montreal this year with plans to aggressively move into new markets including Toronto.

Swimco Opens New Stores in Canada, Bounces Back from COVID Hardships [Interview]

The Calgary-based swim retailer, which went bankrupt during the pandemic, has returned and is opening stores as it connects with consumers in new markets.

Changes in Toronto’s Yorkville with Pusateri’s and Flo’s Diner Closing [Podcast]

Craig and Lee discuss the significant closures of Pusateri's grocery and Flo's Diner in Yorkville, Toronto, reflecting on the neighborhood's evolution and future luxury developments.