Aesop has opened a new store on Robson Street in downtown Vancouver, further strengthening its presence in one of Canada’s most competitive urban retail corridors. Located at the prominent corner of Robson and Thurlow streets, the Aesop Robson Street store becomes the brand’s second downtown Vancouver location, joining its existing Gastown boutique, and its fifth location overall in the city.
The Robson Street opening places Aesop within one of Vancouver’s most visible and heavily trafficked shopping districts, surrounded by international fashion brands, luxury retailers, and a constant flow of locals and tourists. The site was previously occupied by Spanish footwear retailer Camper, and its corner positioning offers strong visibility from multiple directions, a factor that aligns with Aesop’s emphasis on embedding stores into the everyday rhythm of city life.
Architecture and Design Rooted in Place
The Aesop Robson Street store features wide, unobstructed windows that open the interior to the street, reinforcing a sense of transparency and connection with the surrounding neighborhood. According to the brand, this familiar imagery of the street corner is echoed through the generous use of glass and a long bench positioned behind the façade, allowing visitors to observe the movement and character of Robson Street itself.
The interior was designed by Aesop’s in-house design team and reflects what the company describes as the humility of a neighborhood shop. The space incorporates movable, readymade shelves clad in aluminum, paired with smooth resin flooring that grounds the environment while maintaining a refined, minimalist aesthetic.
One of the most distinctive architectural elements is a sculptural lampshade created by Vancouver-based artist Alan Storey. Crafted from fibreglass and resin, the piece serves as an anchoring feature within the store, lighting the space while subtly referencing the intersection of Robson and Thurlow streets that it overlooks.
Trevor Thomas of JLL represented Aesop in the lease deal. Mario Negris and Martin Moriarty of Marcus & Millichap represented the landlord.
Fifth Vancouver Store Marks Continued Local Investment
With the opening of the Aesop Robson Street store, Vancouver now hosts five Aesop locations, including Gastown, Kitsilano on West 4th Avenue, Main Street, and the downtown Robson Street site. The new opening underscores the brand’s strategy of layering multiple locations within established urban markets, rather than pursuing rapid expansion into secondary cities.
This approach mirrors Aesop’s broader Canadian footprint, which now totals 16 stores nationwide. The brand operates six locations across the Greater Toronto Area, five in the Greater Vancouver area, four in Montréal, and one in Calgary, with additional distribution through select prestige retailers.
A Decade of Growth in Canada
Aesop entered the Canadian market in 2015, opening its first Vancouver store in Gastown, followed shortly by a Queen Street West location in Toronto. By 2016, the brand had expanded into Montréal, establishing an early three-city footprint that would later evolve into a dense national network.
Over the past decade, Aesop has steadily deepened its presence in major urban centers through a mix of streetfront boutiques and select mall-based locations, including CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, CF Rideau Centre in Ottawa, and CF Chinook Centre in Calgary. Toronto has emerged as the brand’s densest Canadian market, while Vancouver remains a key West Coast stronghold.
Founded in Melbourne in 1987, Aesop is best known for its range of skin, hair, and body care products formulated with a blend of plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients selected for safety and efficacy. The brand’s assortment spans facial cleansers, moisturizers, serums, hand and body care, fragrances, and grooming products, all presented in Aesop’s signature amber packaging.
In Canada, Aesop has positioned itself within the premium beauty and personal care segment, appealing to consumers drawn to understated design, functional formulations, and immersive retail environments. Beyond its standalone stores, Aesop products are also sold through select prestige retailers, including Holt Renfrew, extending the brand’s reach while maintaining a tightly curated distribution strategy.
