Roots, a staple of Vancouver’s Robson Street since 1996, is set to open a new flagship store at the corner of Robson and Hornby Streets early next year. The new location will replace the nearby Roots store that has operated for nearly 30 years at 1001 Robson Street, at the corner of Burrard Street.
Scheduled to open in early 2025, the new flagship promises to offer an enhanced, immersive shopping experience. Roots’ new flagship was made possible by securing a lease at 919 Robson Street, the former site of Peloton. Peloton opened there in late 2020 and shut earlier this week.
Roots’ Two-Phase Flagship Refresh
The transformation began in September 2024 when Roots launched the first phase of its flagship refresh with a soft opening at its smaller 929 Robson Street location, in a retail space formerly occupied by TWG Tea (which never opened). Roots recently secured the lease for an adjacent retail space occupied by Peloton, allowing for the creation of the flagship.
The move allows Roots to showcase a forward-looking store design emphasizing connection to nature and community engagement.
“The expansion into the Peloton space is part of our broader vision to modernize our brand presence on Robson Street while staying true to our heritage,” said Meghan Roach, CEO of Roots. “We’re excited to provide an elevated experience that enhances accessibility and creates deeper connections with our customers.”
The upcoming expansion will bring Roots into a 4,000-square-foot space with storefront windows on both Robson and Hornby Streets, enhancing the flagship’s visibility and accessibility. The prime corner placement is expected to capture significant pedestrian traffic and create an inviting atmosphere for both new and loyal customers.
Modern Design Meets Nature-Inspired Elements
The new flagship will blend modern technology with Roots’ connection to nature, a cornerstone of the brand’s identity. The space will feature transparent digital screens capable of switching from opaque to clear, offering a unique way to engage customers with campaigns and promotions. Additionally, moss walls, extensive greenery, and other nature-inspired elements will provide a calming, immersive shopping experience.
“We want customers to feel connected with nature while experiencing our brand,” Roach explained. “The use of digital technology, combined with greenery and natural elements, creates a space that feels authentic to Roots’ heritage. It’s a balance of modernity and tradition.”
The flagship’s open layout will stand in contrast to the compartmentalized design of Roots’ 1001 Robson flagship. “Our existing location has served us well, but it’s time to evolve,” Roach noted. “The new space offers a more open, welcoming feel, which we believe aligns with our brand’s direction and customer needs.”
Exclusive Vancouver Collection and Unique Offerings
Roots will continue to offer its signature apparel lines, and the new flagship will also feature a dedicated space for the Vancouver Collection. The exclusive collection showcases products designed specifically for the Vancouver market, resonating with both locals and tourists. “Robson Street is one of our largest tourist destinations, so it makes sense to offer products unique to this city,” Roach said. “The Vancouver Collection allows visitors to take home a piece of Roots and a piece of Vancouver.”
The flagship will also receive special and limited-edition collections, often available only in a select number of stores. “Being a flagship location means we can provide our customers with unique merchandise that they won’t find elsewhere,” said Roach. “From collaborations to seasonal collections, our Robson Street store will always have something special.”
Strategic Real Estate Move Strengthens Roots’ Presence
The expansion into 919 Robson Street reflects a broader strategic move to strengthen Roots’ position within Vancouver’s competitive retail landscape. The transition will see Roots vacate its long-standing flagship at 1001 Robson Street, which has been a fixture for over two decades. Arc’teryx leased the space and will be opening a store there.
“Leaving our original flagship is bittersweet, but this new location gives us a chance to create something even more meaningful,” Roach said. “With high visibility and the opportunity to engage customers on multiple fronts, we’re excited about what the future holds.”
Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants represented Roots in the lease transaction, while Mario Negris and Martin Moriarty of Marcus & Millichap represented the landlord, QuadReal. “We feel confident that this location offers an unparalleled opportunity for us to connect with our customers and continue our legacy on Robson Street,” Roach added.
Commitment to Vancouver and Community Engagement
Roots’ expansion highlights its commitment to Vancouver, a key market for the brand. The flagship store will be designed to host community events and initiatives, further strengthening its ties to the city. “Vancouver has always been an important market for Roots,” Roach said. “We see this flagship as a place to engage with the community and deepen our relationships.”
In addition to the new flagship, Roots will maintain its children’s store on Robson Street and its CF Pacific Centre location. “Each of our stores serves different consumer needs, and we’re committed to maintaining a strong presence across the city,” Roach noted.
Enhanced Visibility and Vibrant Surroundings
The flagship’s prominent location near Art Gallery Square ensures high pedestrian traffic, adding to its visibility. “We’re thrilled about the exposure this new location offers,” Roach said. “The design of the store allows us to create impactful brand impressions from multiple angles, making it a true 360-degree experience.”
On the 900 block of Robson Street, Roots joins flagship locations for Lululemon and Adidas, which will be opening a 35,000 square foot flagship store nearby this month.
Roots remains committed to creating an inviting space that blends modernity, tradition, and community engagement. “Our new flagship is a reflection of who we are as a brand and where we’re going,” Roach concluded. “It’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, connected, and inspired.”
