Roots has officially opened its new flagship store on the corner of Robson and Hornby Streets in downtown Vancouver, marking a renewed commitment to the city where the brand has maintained a retail presence for three decades. The new store at 929 Robson Street replaces Roots’ long-standing location at Robson and Burrard, a corner now occupied by Arc’teryx.
The move represents both continuity and evolution. While Roots has been part of the Robson Street retail landscape since the early 1990s, the new flagship introduces a bold, modern retail environment designed to resonate with both local shoppers and international visitors.
The new Roots Robson Street flagship blends contemporary retail design with nods to Vancouver’s natural surroundings. Inside, shoppers are greeted by layered textures, premium materials, and signature Roots design elements. A preserved moss wall and a moss beaver sculpture serve as focal points, paying tribute to the brand’s iconic logo and Canada’s natural environment.
One of the store’s most striking features is a lightbox ceiling installation showcasing a commissioned image of Stanley Park. The installation underscores the connection between Roots and Vancouver’s outdoor culture, while also serving as an immersive design element.
Digital technology plays a central role in the store. Holographic screens and large-format displays highlight current campaigns and storytelling elements, integrating the brand’s heritage with modern retail innovation.
Exclusive Vancouver Collection
Unique to the new flagship is The Vancouver Collection, a curated assortment available only in this store. “We dedicated an entire wall to Vancouver product because we know this store attracts a mix of locals and visitors,” said Meghan Roach, President and CEO of Roots. “Tourists want something that feels distinct to the city, while Vancouverites appreciate the nod to their community.”
The store’s exclusivity aims to reinforce its role as a destination. Visitors seeking a keepsake tied to Vancouver will find products that reflect the city’s natural beauty and urban lifestyle.
Expansive Corner Presence
The new store occupies a significant corner footprint at Robson and Hornby, with large street-facing windows and multiple digital screens showcasing Roots’ seasonal campaigns. The location was formerly occupied by Peloton and an adjacent space previously leased to TWG Tea.
Roach noted that the new flagship is considerably larger than the old Robson and Burrard store. “It’s a huge space, almost half a block long, and we’ve been able to design it to feel open, light, and inviting,” she said. “The natural light from the corner windows makes a real difference.”
For Roots, the opening signals a broader commitment to reconnecting with its West Coast customer base. While the brand has hosted numerous activations in Ontario and Quebec, Vancouver remains a vital part of its national retail network.
“Roots has always had deep roots in Vancouver,” Roach explained. “This flagship is about reinvesting in the community, bringing in local partners, and celebrating the city’s unique culture.”
The store launch coincided with a community-focused opening event featuring Vancouver restaurants, cafés, and cultural partners. “We wanted this to feel like more than a store opening,” Roach added. “It was about building connections and celebrating what makes Vancouver special.”
Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants represents Roots as broker in Canada, and negotiated the lease deal for the Robson Street store.
Inside the Store Experience
Walking through the flagship, shoppers encounter a series of curated spaces designed to reflect different aspects of the Roots brand. The men’s section is divided from the rest of the store by the moss wall, while gender-free apparel is interwoven throughout. A wallpaper motif inspired by the outdoors adds texture, while light wood tones create a warm and inviting environment.
The fitting room area is enhanced by a digital wall projecting nature scenes, offering a calming and Instagram-friendly backdrop. “It’s about creating moments where customers feel immersed in the brand,” said Roach. “We want the store to feel both experiential and comfortable.”
Outside, the store frontage extends along both Robson and Hornby Streets, creating a dramatic presence in one of Vancouver’s busiest shopping districts. Large digital screens highlight the brand’s storytelling, while the moss wall continues outdoors, blurring the line between the city and the wilderness aesthetic that defines Roots.
Roots’ Legacy on Robson Street
The relocation ends an era for Roots on Robson and Burrard, where the brand maintained a store for more than 30 years. That location became synonymous with Roots’ West Coast identity, attracting both loyal local shoppers and tourists from around the world.
The decision to move was prompted by the opportunity to secure a more expansive and high-profile corner. Arc’teryx now occupies the former Roots space, reinforcing Robson Street’s role as a hub for Canadian and international lifestyle brands.
“This move was about positioning Roots for the next 30 years in Vancouver,” said Roach. “Robson Street is one of Canada’s most important retail corridors, and we wanted a space that truly reflected the brand today.”
The Broader Roots Story
Founded in 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green, Roots began as a maker of negative-heel footwear before expanding into apparel and leather goods. Its first store opened on Toronto’s Yonge Street, and the brand quickly grew into one of Canada’s most recognized lifestyle retailers.
The company’s beaver logo, introduced in 1985, remains a hallmark of Canadian design. Roots has since expanded to more than 100 company-operated stores across Canada. Its eCommerce platform ships to over 60 countries.
Today, Roots is known for its premium sweats, leather bags, and outerwear, with a reputation for quality and comfort. Its stores often feature customization workshops and localized design elements, reflecting the company’s dedication to storytelling and community engagement.
Looking Ahead
Roots’ Vancouver flagship is part of a larger strategy to refresh and modernize its retail presence. The company has recently invested in enhanced store experiences in Toronto, including its Yorkdale and CF Toronto Eaton Centre flagships.
“Our goal is to create spaces where people want to spend time,” Roach said. “Whether that’s in Vancouver, Toronto, or internationally, Roots stores should reflect the spirit of the community while celebrating the brand’s heritage.”
The Vancouver flagship encapsulates this vision, bridging Roots’ 30-year legacy on Robson Street with a forward-looking design that speaks to both local culture and global retail trends.
“Roots is more than a retailer,” Roach concluded. “It’s part of Canada’s cultural fabric, and this store reaffirms our commitment to being a place where people feel connected—to nature, to the community, and to each other.”
