Photos: Holt Renfrew unveils renderings for upcoming Vancouver expansion

by Lucy Lau on March 22nd, 2016 at 4:45 PM

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Canada’s longest operating luxury retailer has released details surrounding the ongoing renovations and expansion plans for its Vancouver store.

The expansion will add 40,000 square-feet to Holt Renfrew Vancouver (737 Dunsmuir Street), bringing its total retail footprint to a whopping 190,000 square-feet. The upgraded space will feature more luxury brands; added amenities like a tailor, nail bar, and café; and an enhanced customer service experience.

Among the high-end names set to join Vancouver’s Holt Renfrew is Chanel; construction is currently underway for its new flagship house, which should be complete by summer. Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, David Yurman, Gucci, Prada, Dior, Tom Ford, and Fendi will be relocating into larger spaces at the store.

The square-footage of the women’s leather goods and footwear departments will be tripled, and the current jewellery area will be doubled in size.

The atrium of the new men's department, which was inspired by Toronto's standalone Holt Renfrew Men store.

Courtesy of Holt Renfrew

Meanwhile, Holt’s expanded men’s department will welcome 15 new menswear brands, including Rick Owens, Loewe, Off White, and Dries Van Noten. The department, slated to open this summer, will feature a new entrance on Howe Street.

Holts Café's restaurant, bar, and private dining room will serve up lunch, dinner, and cocktails.

Courtesy of Holt Renfrew

Holt estimates that apprixmately 40 new job positions will be added with the opening of the Holts Café.

Courtesy of Holt Renfrew

The highly anticipated Holts Café is also expected to open as early as June. Boasting 80 seats, the restaurant will offer guests a fine-dining experience with West Coast–inspired décor and fare.

Holt's new resident leather artisan will offer custom embossing services on leather goods.

Courtesy of Holt Renfrew

The new jewellery and watch section will house specialists offering full-service repairs.

Courtesy of Holt Renfrew

In terms of amenities, Holt is upping its customer service game with master tailoring, shoeshine, and sneaker cleaning facilities. An in-house leather artisan and watchmaker will provide full-service repairs, while the opening of a new beauty lab, nail bar, and style studio will offer customers the chance to sample new products.

Holt Renfrew's private suites in The Apartment will offer customers an enhanced personal shopping experience.

Courtesy of Holt Renfrew

A new personal shopping department called “The Apartment” will occupy 7000 square-feet of the store. The private suites will offer guests a custom shopping experience with access to a fourth floor patio.

Vancouverites can expect to see Holt’s new luxury shops and services rolled out over the next 12 months. The store will remain open throughout all renovations, which will occur in stages. In total, 80 percent of the store will be renovated, resulting in 80 new retail positions.