Ermenegildo Zegna Launches Canadian Store Expansion in Unique Partnership

Date:

Share post:

Iconic Italian luxury brand Ermenegildo Zegna is expanding its Canadian operations this year with a new standalone flagship in Toronto, as well as a renovation to its Vancouver store. More standalone stores could be on the way in a unique partnership with menswear retailer Harry Rosen

Construction signage is now up on the one-level space that will feature a two-level branded Zegna facade.

Harry Rosen has had a partnership with Zegna brand for decades and the boutique expansion is a natural progression, according to Harry Rosen CEO Larry Rosen. “My father was the first retailer to introduce Ermenegildo Zegna to North America in the early 1970s,” said Larry Rosen. “He recognized the inherent quality and craftsmanship that the Zegna family offered. Our families have been in business ever since. We’re so honoured that the world’s most prestigious menswear brand has the confidence in our organization to execute their vision for global retail in Canada on their behalf.”

The 3,000 square foot Toronto flagship will be located at 100 Bloor Street West, in a retail space next to the Hermès flagship which opened in November of 2017. Zegna’s retail space will occupy an eastern portion of a retail space formerly occupied by Pottery Barn, which occupied a landmark site featuring a reproduction of the former University Theatre facade characterized by an undulating cut-marble base, cantilevered canopies, and two-story granite framed windows. CBRE Toronto negotiated the Toronto Zegna deal under the direction of Arlin Markowitz

Zegna, at the left in this photo circled in red, is only about 180 feet west of Harry Rosen’s Blooor Street West flagship.

Harry Rosen’s 55,000 square foot multi-level flagship, located at the northeast corner of Bloor Street West and Bellair Street, is about 180 feet east of the new Zegna boutique. Harry Rosen’s second-level includes a recently renovated roster of some of the world’s top luxury brands for men, including an impressive Zegna boutique that will continue to operate after the standalone store opens. The shop-in-store was the first in the world to feature Zegna’s updated design and according to Larry Rosen, the new Bloor Street Zegna flagship will take the design “to the next level”. 

Part of the strategy is to attract shoppers seeking the “pure” Zegna experience and the company is seeking to operate standalone stores in the world’s major cities — there are plenty of fans for Zegna, which is considered to be one of the world’s leading luxury brands for men. Rosen’s shop-in-stores offer “the Harry Rosen experience” which includes its exceptional customer service and Mr. Rosen says that in the case of Zegna, which is one of the world’s most popular men’s luxury brands, there’s room for both on the Mink Mile. Not to mention, Zegna is also the top selling brand in the Harry Rosen chain, which boasts seven Zegna shop-in-shops across the country. 

Harry Rosen also operates a standalone Zegna boutique at Vancouver’s CF Pacific Centre. The 4,500 square foot store, which is located across the hall from Harry Rosen’s CF Pacific Centre flagship, will see an overhaul that will bring it in line with Zegna’s newest global flagships. Interiors of both the Vancouver and Toronto Zegna boutiques will be designed by Zegna, based on a design concept by internationally-acclaimed architect Peter Marino, who has designed some of the world’s most spectacular stores and is considered by many to be a genius. 

The Bloor Street Zegna is now under construction, with completion expected late summer/early fall. The Vancouver renovation will be completed some time in the fall of 2018.  

The partnership makes sense, according to Mr. Rosen. Harry Rosen has sold Zegna for years and given its knowledge of the brand as well as its established distribution channels makes the arrangement strategic. 

More standalone Zegna boutiques could open in Canada, according to Mr. Rosen, though nothing is confirmed as of yet. Harry Rosen is also considering opening standalone boutiques for some of its other leading brands (including Dutch custom menswear brand Atelier Munro). Harry Rosen is considered to be one of the world’s top multi-brand menswear stores and some of its brands do very well — the Tom Ford boutique at its Bloor Street store competes for top sales globally with shop-in-stores at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City and at Harrod’s in London, according to Mr. Rosen. 

We’ll update this article with new ones when both Zegna stores are completed, including showcasing photos of the new Peter Marino-designed retail spaces. 

5 COMMENTS

  1. I hope Ermenegildo Zegna’ stand alone boutique on Bloor West will be caring it’s runaway (triple XXX stitches) not just standard Ermenegildo Zegna clothing, accessories and footwear.

    Larry Rosen should have open stand-alone Tom Ford boutique since Harry Rosen Company holds exclusive license to Tom Ford’ men’s ready to wear in Canada so far.

    Harry Rosen should invest in made to order footwear.

  2. TF has an agreement with Holts for its Vancouver shop in shop not an exclusivity contract! There for Holts has no equal access to TOM FORD products except TOM FORD beauty and fragrance which is in partnership with Estée Lauder Inc. ✅ Harry Rosen is far worst performer for TOM FORD fragrance and men’s skincare in whole Canada!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From Retail Insider

What’s Canada’s Food Supply Looking Like These Days? Interview with Sylvain Charlebois

The 'Food Professor' discusses grocery retail in Canada including the state of food production and availability in Canada as well as issues the industry is facing when it comes to supply chains, shipping, labour and prices.

Retailers Brace for Impact: Navigating the Rise of Remote Work in Canadian Downtown Cores [Expert Interviews]

Experts have concerns over the health of downtown retail in various cities in Canada as the downtown workforce dynamic changes following the pandemic.

CBRE’s Urban Retail Team Joins Forces with Joey Restaurants to Expand Presence in Downtown Toronto and Ottawa [Interview]

The popular Vancouver-based restaurant chain is growing its presence in Canada with a search for first-class locations.

The New Grocery Code of Conduct Should Benefit Both Canadians and the Food Industry [Op-Ed]

An industry expert provides an overview of what the new code should improve and supply chain management practices as consumers grapple with rapid food inflation.

Columbus Café Expands Rapidly in Canada, Opening 10th Location in Montreal and Announcing First Toronto Location [Interview]

The Parisian chain is looking to grow its presence in Canada significantly with a goal for a significant number of locations, according to its broker.

Swarovski Opens Unique One-of-a-Kind Canadian Concept Store on Bloor Street in Toronto [Photos]

Toronto is one of only a handful of cities globally to feature Swarovski’s new Instant Wonder concept store design. 

Healthy Planet Expands in Southern Ontario with 4 New Locations and Innovative Healthy Planet Kitchen [Interview]

One of Canada's fastest growing health and wellness retail chains is growing its brick-and-mortar presence while launching a new concept, says its GM.

Canadian Restaurants Facing Impending Bankruptcies as CEBA Loan Repayment Deadline Looms [Survey]

Research is showing an increase in bankruptcies with a loan repayment deadline at the end of the year potentially throwing the industry into chaos.

Louis Vuitton Opens Canada’s 2nd Men’s Ready-to-Wear Concession at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy in Montreal [Photos]

The luxury superbrand is growing its ready-to-wear presence in Canada in the country’s second-largest city, which will see even more clothing when a flagship Vuitton opens at Royalmount next year.

The Body Shop North America Appoints New General Manager to Expand Business: Interview with Jordan Searle

Searle discusses plans to upgrade stores with The Body Shop's new Workshop concept as the brand continues to see consumer growth amid competition.

Canadian Consumers will Abandon Checkouts if Preferred Payment Methods Unavailable [Study/Interview]

A new report examines consumer behaviour in Canada, indicating that retailers need to invest in tech to gain shopper loyalty.

Rack Attack Continues Expansion in Canada, Adding Three New Stores and Acquiring Calgary Locations [Interview]

The retailer of car racks, bike racks, rooftop tents, overlanding, and other outdoor gear is growing its operations in Canada with plans for more locations amid consumer demand.

Pilgrim CEO Robert Hayes Discusses the Jeweller’s Expansion Plans in Canada: Video Interview

The discussion includes how Hayes brought the brand into the market, what makes it so popular, wholesale expansion, and what's in store for new locations in Canada including one at CF Toronto Eaton Centre opening in late June.

Fitness Concept elleTO Growing Business with Female-Focus [Interview]

Founder Michelle Epstein discusses the rebrand and location moves which are proving successful for the 12-year old women's gym.

Montreal-Based Gourmet Salad Brand Mandy’s Sets Ambitious Expansion Plans, Eyeing National and International Growth [Interview]

The popular salad restaurant chain is looking at opening a substantial number of locations, given success after a recent expansion.

Sheridan Nurseries Marks 110 Years with Grand Opening of Innovative Garden Centre Concept in Aurora [Interviews]

The Ontario-based garden retailer has a unique history of land acquisition while retailing a variety of plants and items for the home.

Jeweller Alan Anderson Discusses His Line, Atelier and Future Plans: Video Interview

Craig interviews Toronto-based jeweller Alan Anderson, who discuses how he got started in the jewellery industry, his new atelier on Jarvis Street, and future plans which will include the launch of a handbag line. They also discuss the recent Royal Coronation and jewellery seen on various attendees. 

Canadians Are Now Buying Less Food. Now What for Grocery Retailers? [Op-Ed]

Sylvain Charlebois says a variety of factors could be at play to explain an interesting phenomenon among Canadian consumers.

Fashion Brand ‘Kotn’ Continues Canadian Retail Expansion with 5th Store in Toronto’s Leslieville [Interview]

The retailer's co-founder discusses Kotn's brand and retail strategy, including plans for future expansion.

Innovative Beauty Hall and Wellness Retail Concept to Open at Royalmount in Montreal [Interview/Rendering]

The opening of the 36,000 square foot space is set to for August 2024 as part of a highly anticipated new retail centre with numerous luxury tenants.

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

RECENT articles

What’s Canada’s Food Supply Looking Like These Days? Interview with Sylvain Charlebois

The 'Food Professor' discusses grocery retail in Canada including the state of food production and availability in Canada as well as issues the industry is facing when it comes to supply chains, shipping, labour and prices.

Retailers Brace for Impact: Navigating the Rise of Remote Work in Canadian Downtown Cores [Expert Interviews]

Experts have concerns over the health of downtown retail in various cities in Canada as the downtown workforce dynamic changes following the pandemic.

CBRE’s Urban Retail Team Joins Forces with Joey Restaurants to Expand Presence in Downtown Toronto and Ottawa [Interview]

The popular Vancouver-based restaurant chain is growing its presence in Canada with a search for first-class locations.

The New Grocery Code of Conduct Should Benefit Both Canadians and the Food Industry [Op-Ed]

An industry expert provides an overview of what the new code should improve and supply chain management practices as consumers grapple with rapid food inflation.

Columbus Café Expands Rapidly in Canada, Opening 10th Location in Montreal and Announcing First Toronto Location [Interview]

The Parisian chain is looking to grow its presence in Canada significantly with a goal for a significant number of locations, according to its broker.

Swarovski Opens Unique One-of-a-Kind Canadian Concept Store on Bloor Street in Toronto [Photos]

Toronto is one of only a handful of cities globally to feature Swarovski’s new Instant Wonder concept store design. 

Healthy Planet Expands in Southern Ontario with 4 New Locations and Innovative Healthy Planet Kitchen [Interview]

One of Canada's fastest growing health and wellness retail chains is growing its brick-and-mortar presence while launching a new concept, says its GM.

Canadian Restaurants Facing Impending Bankruptcies as CEBA Loan Repayment Deadline Looms [Survey]

Research is showing an increase in bankruptcies with a loan repayment deadline at the end of the year potentially throwing the industry into chaos.

Louis Vuitton Opens Canada’s 2nd Men’s Ready-to-Wear Concession at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy in Montreal [Photos]

The luxury superbrand is growing its ready-to-wear presence in Canada in the country’s second-largest city, which will see even more clothing when a flagship Vuitton opens at Royalmount next year.

The Body Shop North America Appoints New General Manager to Expand Business: Interview with Jordan Searle

Searle discusses plans to upgrade stores with The Body Shop's new Workshop concept as the brand continues to see consumer growth amid competition.

Canadian Consumers will Abandon Checkouts if Preferred Payment Methods Unavailable [Study/Interview]

A new report examines consumer behaviour in Canada, indicating that retailers need to invest in tech to gain shopper loyalty.

Rack Attack Continues Expansion in Canada, Adding Three New Stores and Acquiring Calgary Locations [Interview]

The retailer of car racks, bike racks, rooftop tents, overlanding, and other outdoor gear is growing its operations in Canada with plans for more locations amid consumer demand.

Pilgrim CEO Robert Hayes Discusses the Jeweller’s Expansion Plans in Canada: Video Interview

The discussion includes how Hayes brought the brand into the market, what makes it so popular, wholesale expansion, and what's in store for new locations in Canada including one at CF Toronto Eaton Centre opening in late June.

Fitness Concept elleTO Growing Business with Female-Focus [Interview]

Founder Michelle Epstein discusses the rebrand and location moves which are proving successful for the 12-year old women's gym.

Montreal-Based Gourmet Salad Brand Mandy’s Sets Ambitious Expansion Plans, Eyeing National and International Growth [Interview]

The popular salad restaurant chain is looking at opening a substantial number of locations, given success after a recent expansion.

Sheridan Nurseries Marks 110 Years with Grand Opening of Innovative Garden Centre Concept in Aurora [Interviews]

The Ontario-based garden retailer has a unique history of land acquisition while retailing a variety of plants and items for the home.

Jeweller Alan Anderson Discusses His Line, Atelier and Future Plans: Video Interview

Craig interviews Toronto-based jeweller Alan Anderson, who discuses how he got started in the jewellery industry, his new atelier on Jarvis Street, and future plans which will include the launch of a handbag line. They also discuss the recent Royal Coronation and jewellery seen on various attendees. 

Canadians Are Now Buying Less Food. Now What for Grocery Retailers? [Op-Ed]

Sylvain Charlebois says a variety of factors could be at play to explain an interesting phenomenon among Canadian consumers.

Fashion Brand ‘Kotn’ Continues Canadian Retail Expansion with 5th Store in Toronto’s Leslieville [Interview]

The retailer's co-founder discusses Kotn's brand and retail strategy, including plans for future expansion.

Innovative Beauty Hall and Wellness Retail Concept to Open at Royalmount in Montreal [Interview/Rendering]

The opening of the 36,000 square foot space is set to for August 2024 as part of a highly anticipated new retail centre with numerous luxury tenants.