Aritzia, a Vancouver-based clothing retailer, has announced plans to open a new flagship store in its hometown. The 40,000-square-foot store will be located at CF Pacific Centre and is expected to open in 2027. This four-floor boutique will occupy the space previously held by Nordstrom, which closed its Canadian operations in June 2023. The new store will be situated at the corner of Robson and Howe streets. The size of the planned retail space is significant; for context, an acre is about 43,560 square feet. Aritzia's new flagship will represent a substantial retail presence, especially considering the company was founded in Vancouver in 1984. In a news release, Aritzia described the upcoming flagship as “one of Aritzia’s most expansive and immersive retail destinations to date.” This announcement follows the opening of other large flagship stores in New York and Chicago. Jennifer Wong, CEO of Aritzia, expressed excitement about the new location. "Vancouver is where our story began, and we’re thrilled to bring an even more impactful Aritzia experience to the heart of the city with our new Pacific Centre Flagship," she said. Wong added that this boutique is a key part of the company’s growth strategy as it expands its presence in North America and beyond. The Vancouver flagship will enhance Aritzia's retail footprint in Metro Vancouver, where the company currently operates around 20 stores under the Aritzia, Babaton, and Wilfred brands. Earlier this year, Aritzia opened two major boutiques on the same day in Surrey’s Guildford Town Centre and in Kitsilano. Renderings of the new flagship store reveal a striking facade featuring large arched windows, branded flags, and greenery above the entrance. Aritzia has also hinted at introducing a “casual-yet-elevated dining concept” within the store, likely expanding on the existing A-OK Cafe found in some of its locations. While this dining option is a new venture for Aritzia, it aligns with the previous use of the space, as Nordstrom had both a bar and a restaurant in the same location. Sal Iacono, President and CEO of Cadillac Fairview, commented on the significance of the new store. "The new flagship boutique at Pacific Centre will be a true testament to our shared commitment to creating unparalleled retail destinations," he said. Details regarding the future of Aritzia's existing stores within the shopping center have not yet been disclosed. The company has indicated that plans are underway and more information will be shared in the future.