Maguire, the independent Montreal-based footwear brand known for its stylish and accessible designs, is set to open its fourth location in early December.
The brand was founded in 2017 by sisters Myriam and Romy Belzile-Maguire.
Myriam shared details of the new store, which will be located in Brooklyn’s trendy Williamsburg neighbourhood. The expansion underscores the brand’s growing appeal in the U.S. and its strategic focus on key markets.
Why Brooklyn?
The decision to open in Williamsburg came after observing the area’s rise as a hotspot for major brands. “When we opened in New York, it didn’t take long to notice Williamsburg attracting big names like Reformation, Glossier, Chanel, and Hermès,” Myriam explained.
Securing a space in the highly sought-after neighbourhood was no small feat.
“For a year and a half, our real estate agent had an alert for anything under $10,000 per month, but nothing came up,” she said. In June, an opportunity arose: “When the space became available, there were already 15 offers on it. I didn’t think we’d get it, but being a footwear brand helped us stand out in an area dominated by clothing stores.”
Expansion Plans
The Brooklyn location joins Maguire’s other stores in Montreal, Toronto, and New York City. The company is also eyeing further U.S. expansion, driven by a significant portion of its online sales originating from Brooklyn and Los Angeles.
“We’re exploring additional locations on the East Coast, like Boston or Chicago, where the four-season market aligns with our product line,” Myriam said. “While LA is also on our radar, we’re focused on markets where weather patterns match our Canadian operations, making inventory management simpler.”
A Strategic U.S. Focus
Maguire is prioritizing U.S. growth over Canadian expansion, citing economic and logistical factors.
“The U.S. dollar is advantageous for us right now, and keeping our design studio and offices in Canada while expanding retail in the U.S. makes sense,” she noted.
Although Vancouver has shown promise through pop-up events, high shipping costs to the West Coast pose challenges.
“Shipping to the West Coast often costs twice as much as it does within the East Coast,” Myriam said, adding that the team is weighing these considerations for future store openings.
What’s Next for Maguire?
Maguire’s success lies in its unique model: a focus on direct-to-consumer sales with high-quality footwear at fair prices. As the brand continues its U.S. expansion, it remains committed to its Canadian roots, maintaining its design and operational base in Montreal.
With the Brooklyn store set to open in time for the holiday shopping season, Maguire is poised to solidify its presence in one of New York’s most vibrant retail hubs.
“This is an exciting step for us,” Myriam said. “Williamsburg feels like the perfect fit for our brand, and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Two years ago its first foray into the U.S. market was the Nolita neighbourhood. The opening of the new 500-square-foot boutique on Berry Street was designed by Perron Design.
The Québec-born sisters have no shortage of ambition, and see immense potential for their brand on the international stage, especially in the United States, where the company is experiencing faster, more robust growth—an average of 35% compared to 10% in Canada. In the past 12 months, 31,000 pairs of Maguire shoes have been sold, with 72% in Canada and 28% in the U.S.
“Brooklyn, currently one of the most coveted neighbourhoods for retailers, attracts not only top international luxury brands like Chanel, Hermès, and Diptyque, but also trendy names such as Ganni, Reformation, and A.P.C. This destination has quickly become the natural choice for Maguire’s new location, especially considering that this is the area where the brand is experiencing its highest online demand. More than just a retail space, this new boutique will continue to help foster a community around the brand, strengthen its presence in one of New York’s most desirable neighbourhoods, and support the brand’s expansion efforts in the U.S,” said the company.
Related Retail Insider articles:
- Canadian Footwear Brand Maguire Expands to NYC with 1st International Storefront: Interviews
- Canadian Footwear Brand Maguire Opens First Toronto Store
