Arc’teryx has unveiled its groundbreaking Alpha store format at 50 Bloor Street West in Toronto.
This new location, the brand’s largest store in North America, spans 9,274 square feet and marks a significant milestone in Arc’teryx’s retail evolution – specifically in the Canadian market. The store aims to put a focus on product care, extensive product assortment, and an enhanced ReBIRD brand presence, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
“We’re proud to introduce our first Alpha Store at home in Canada,” said Delaney Schweitzer, Chief Commercial Officer at Arc’teryx. “Named after our innovative hardshell jacket that started it all, this store represents a commitment to durability, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that the Alpha SV jacket has come to symbolize. Bloor Street will showcase our largest product assortment and unparalleled product care services through the ReBIRD™ Service Centre.
“This store will provide the opportunity to connect with guests in person, supporting their mountain pursuits with high-performance, beautiful, and highly functional products alongside exceptional product knowledge and a deep love for the outdoors.”
Retail Insider was the first to report on this location back in June 2023.
The new 50 Bloor store was created by combining the former Zara and Fossil units on the street level, marking a notable redevelopment of the Holt Renfrew Centre. This new Arc’teryx location spans a 53-foot stretch of Bloor Street, strategically situated between the Holt Renfrew flagship store and Aritzia.
Of note, the Arc’teryx store did not take the lower-level PATH retail space that was vacated by Zara in its February 2022 closure, leaving an abundance of space in the concourse available for future opportunities.
Arlin Markowitz of CBRE and Jessica Connolly of Vela Retail Advisors facilitated the lease deal for Arc’teryx, with the Holt Renfrew Centre being owned and managed by Morguard. The new store represents Arc’teryx’s continued investment in the downtown Toronto market, following the introduction of a store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and a renovation at the Queen Street West location. This expansion follows the brand’s recent opening of a 4,504-square-foot hybrid retail and ReBIRD Service Centre in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood in November 2022.
The brand is also set to open a number of new stores across Canada, including Banff and Robson Street in Vancouver.
The Alpha store concept is highlighted by the largest ReBIRD Service Centre to date, which is designed to streamline the repair services with two full-time technicians. The brand shared that there is a 65% increase in repair capacity and a 95% resolution rate, allowing customers to expect quicker turnaround times and adding advanced repair capabilities, including sewing, lamination repair and zipper replacements.
“The opening of Bloor Street marks a new chapter in our journey towards sustainability and circularity,” said Dominique Showers, VP of ReBIRD™ at Arc’teryx. “Our expanded ReBIRD™ Service Centre at this flagship location is a testament to our commitment to prolonging product life cycles and minimizing environmental impact. By offering enhanced repair capabilities, significantly decreased repair turnaround time, and empowering our guests with the knowledge and tools to care for their gear, we are taking meaningful steps towards creating a more sustainable future for outdoor enthusiasts and our planet.”
Looking ahead, Arc’teryx plans to roll out additional store locations starting in late 2024, further cementing its dedication to community connection, sustainability, and exceptional product care and repair services.
“As we embark on this new chapter in Arc’teryx’s retail journey with the launch of our new Alpha store format, we are dedicated to investing in the Toronto community and creating a hub for immersive storytelling and engagement,” said Megan Cheesbrough, VP of North America Retail at Arc’teryx.
“Our growth globally is rooted in community connection, and as a brand born and raised in the BC Coast Mountains, we are committed to meeting our guests where they are while maintaining a true connection to our Canadian roots. This thoughtful store design, featuring dedicated community zones, represents our investment in building community through an elevated retail experience. Our retail spaces go beyond traditional shopping; they are spaces for learning, engagement in local events, and outdoor education facilitated by our expert product guides. Toronto’s outdoor community is continually growing, and we are thrilled to connect with them and offer tailored experiences that celebrate our shared passion for the outdoors.”
Located at 50 Bloor Street West, the new Alpha store offers the deepest selection of Arc’teryx apparel and equipment globally. Beyond shopping, the store serves as a hub for learning, local events, and outdoor education. This strategic shift to steer into experiential design and community building will elevate the expectations for upcoming competition in the neighbourhood, including the soon-to-open lululemon flagship at 2 Bloor.
