Vancouver-based furniture and home décor retailer Urban Barn will be opening its 55th store in spring 2025. Located in Halifax, the expansion will officially make Urban Barn a cross-Canada brand. The retailer also recently relocated its store at Park Royal in West Vancouver.
The new Park Royal location is in ‘Park Royal South’ at 723 Main Street at Taylor Way. The store offers a refreshed and elevated shopping experience, according to the company. With over 4,000 square feet of retail space, the new store features expansive windows, warm hardwood-like flooring, new lighting, and custom cabinetry, all designed to create an inviting atmosphere.
“We are thrilled to share our new design concept with the North Shore and Lower Mainland. Come visit our new location and get ready to be inspired by timeless collections of furniture and décor that are designed for real life,” said Ainslie Fincham, Director of Marketing at Urban Barn.
The relocation reinforces Urban Barn’s longstanding presence in Park Royal, having served customers there for over a decade. According to Fincham, the move reflects the retailer’s commitment to brand elevation, with a store design that captures both modern aesthetics and functional appeal.
Catering to a Diverse Customer Base in West Vancouver
The Park Royal store draws a wide range of customers, including those from West Vancouver, North Vancouver, downtown Vancouver, and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. The region’s affluent demographic, along with a growing population in areas like Squamish and Whistler, makes it a strategic location for Urban Barn. Fincham noted that the new Park Royal store aims to meet the needs of both primary residents and second-home owners in the area.
“Our customer base spans beyond West Vancouver and the North Shore to include customers from downtown and even up the corridor to Squamish and Whistler,” said Fincham. “There’s strong demand for quality home furnishings, and we’re proud to be a go-to source.”
Halifax Expansion: Urban Barn’s Path to National Growth
Urban Barn’s expansion into Halifax, set for spring 2025, will further solidify its status as a national brand. The Halifax store will offer a large-format retail experience, enhancing Urban Barn’s capacity to serve the local market. The new location will also facilitate greater e-commerce capabilities, as the retailer will now have a regional presence to support logistics and delivery for larger furniture pieces.
Fincham highlighted that opening in Halifax is part of a broader strategy to expand in Eastern Canada. “We won’t make a market entry with just one location. We’re exploring additional opportunities in the East and Ontario as we continue to grow.”
Aurora Realty Consultants has handled lease negotiations for Urban Barn for years. The Halifax lease deal was negotiated by Aurora EVP Don Gregor and Aurora’s Director for Atlantic Canada, Peter Constable.
Omni-Channel Excellence: Blending In-Store and Online Experiences
Urban Barn’s approach to retail combines a seamless omnichannel experience, ensuring customers can shop both online and in-store. Fincham emphasized that many customers begin their journey online before visiting a store to experience the products in person.
“We strive to create an omnichannel experience that supports customers wherever they prefer to shop. People often want to see and sit on furniture before making a purchase, which is where our in-store experience really stands out,” explained Fincham.
New Store Design and Visual Merchandising Innovations
Urban Barn’s new store design, first introduced at its flagship location on South Granville in Vancouver, reflects a warm and inviting aesthetic with elements like hardwood-like flooring, custom cash desks, and branded cabinetry. The Park Royal store is the third to feature these updates, aimed at creating a cohesive and elevated shopping experience.
“Our visual merchandising team works hard to create beautifully curated displays that inspire customers to envision their own homes,” said Fincham. “We want customers to walk in, see something they love, and feel like they can take it all home.”
A History of Market Expansion and Commitment to Local Communities
Urban Barn entered the Quebec market in 2015 and now operates five stores in the province. The retailer’s success in Quebec is supported by a commitment to respecting local culture and providing French-language services. This thoughtful approach to market integration demonstrates Urban Barn’s dedication to community engagement across Canada.
“Our French translation team and community support efforts show that we’re dedicated to immersing ourselves in each market we enter,” said Fincham. “Being part of the local community is essential to us.”
Building on Pandemic-Driven Success
Like other home furnishings retailers, Urban Barn saw unprecedented demand during the COVID-19 pandemic as consumers focused on upgrading their living spaces. The company’s best years were recorded during this period, with heightened interest in key categories such as sofas and bedroom furniture. Fincham noted that this trend has continued, with strong performance in various product lines.
Background on Urban Barn
Urban Barn, a Canadian furniture and home décor retailer, was founded in 1990 by childhood friends Rick Bohonis and Craig Stewart. They opened their first store at 12th Avenue and Cambie Street in Vancouver, featuring rustic wooden floors and a barn-style door, which inspired the company’s name.
Throughout the 1990s, Urban Barn expanded across Western Canada, establishing nine stores from British Columbia to Manitoba. In 2001, the company entered Ontario with a store on Queen Street West in Toronto, signaling its intent to reach a broader Canadian market.
The Stern Group became the majority owner in 2007, providing resources for further growth. And in 2010, retail veteran Linda Letts joined as President, leading to accelerated expansion and a focus on enhancing the customer experience. During this period, the original founders retired.
Urban Barn entered the Quebec market in 2015, opening two stores and launching its online store to reach a broader audience. A major brand refresh in 2020 introduced an updated logo, redesigned website, and modernized in-store experiences, all aimed at elevating the customer journey.
As of 2024, Urban Barn operates 54 stores from British Columbia to Quebec, employing more than 650 team members. The retailer says it remains committed to offering thoughtfully designed furniture and home décor that resonate with Canadians’ diverse lifestyles and tastes.
