The renowned family-owned retailer Simons has finally made its way to Vancouver—opening its first store in the west coast at Park Royal Mall on Oct. 15.
Simons was founded in 1840, in Quebec City. The company started out as a small dry goods store, and has now evolved into being a major fashion retailer with locations across the country.
It is one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Canada and the company is planning on going head to head with the giant U.S. retailers.
The newly opened Nordstrom in downtown Vancouver will pose some competition for Simons, but they’re hoping customers will want to support a Canadian brand.
Led by brothers Peter and Richard Simons, the stores are original and compelling. Each location strives to inspire customers through fashion, art and architecture. The new store spans 100,000 square feet over two storeys.
A few months ago, Simons announced a partnership with prominent Vancouver-based visual artist Douglas Coupland.
The dynamic duo launched 3DCanada; a unique, crowd-sourced art project that will scan Canadians in order to create a group portrait of the 21st century. Between 2015 and 2017, Coupland will travel to six Simons locations across the country to scan participants; who will then be able to take home their individual 3D printed busts. In 2019, Coupland plans to unveil a sculpture made of hundreds of these busts, at the Yorkdale Simons location.
They hope the group portrait will help mirror Simons tremendous growth, by showcasing their unique clientele from Quebec to B.C.
To find out more about Simons, check out their new store in West Vancouver and visit their website.
Written by: Meagan Gill
Image via shopparkroyal
