The bustling streets of Kitsilano are set for a new chapter as Urban Outfitters bids adieu to its long-standing location at 2199 W. 4th Ave, marking the end of an era on Jan. 23, 2024. However, the iconic storefront won’t remain vacant for long, as signs of change emerge just a month later.
Aritzia, the beloved Vancouver-based retailer renowned for its “everyday luxury” clothing and items, is poised to take over the heritage building at the prominent intersection with Yew Street. While the new store isn’t yet listed on the Aritzia website, anticipation builds for the brand’s return to its hometown roots.
The location holds significant historical charm, boasting a blend of architectural styles dating back to 1912 when it was first built for the Canadian Bank of Commerce, coinciding with the arrival of streetcars in the area. Previously housing Le Chateau before its transformation into Urban Outfitters, the building underwent notable enhancements in 2001, including a sleek glass addition that harmoniously blends modernity with the neighborhood’s rich heritage.
As Aritzia steps into this iconic space, the community eagerly awaits the next chapter of retail elegance and urban sophistication in Kitsilano.
Photo by Amy Vosters on Unsplash