North Vancouver–founded outerwear and sporting goods company Arc’teryx is opening its largest Canadian shop to date in downtown Vancouver.

Situated in the area formerly occupied by Le Château at 813 Burrard Street, the 3,200-square-foot shop will feature elements that are unavailable at Arc’teryx’s two other B.C. stores. These include a dedicated community space, where customers and various sporting clubs and outdoor organizations will be invited to engage with the brand, and a warranty-and-repairs bar, where clients can ask questions or resolve issues surrounding Arc’terx products.

“We just want to create a really unique and memorable experience,” Stephanie Jamieson, Arc’teryx’s global retail marketing manager, tells the Straight by phone.

The downtown Vancouver outpost will carry Arc’teryx’s full line of gear, which includes its Essentials hardware, Whiteline ski and snowboard wear, Traverse hiking threads, Endorphin trail-running attire, Ascent climbing garb, and the 24 and Veilance technical apparel.

Due to its considerable size, the store will also have a greater stock of items with larger runs of styles, colours, and sizes available. Jamieson notes that the selection will be comparable to what Arc’teryx currently offers online.

In terms of the interior, Arc’teryx will be taking inspiration from the North Shore mountains—a nod to the brand’s birthplace—and the Stawamus Chief, which will be represented through zinc and granite details. (Both elements can be found in the rocks that make up the Squamish mountain.)

A “simple, modern design approach” will complement Arc’teryx’s streamlined products.

Jamieson notes that the opening of the shop in one of the city's premier shopping districts is very special for the company, given its clientele and roots. “We have a very loyal brand following in Vancouver, this being the birthplace of the brand as well as an area in which the products can be used to their full potential in many different disciplines,” she says.

The new Arc’teryx store is slated to open in May 2017. The brand currently operates six stores in Canada, including one in North Vancouver, one in Kitsilano, and one in Whistler.