Japanese lifestyle clothing and accessories brand Muji Canada is expected to expand to Vancouver next year.
Known for its minimalist approach, Muji already has three stores in Toronto. It has about 300 stores outside Japan.
Vancouver’s retail sector continues to outperform other Canadian markets with annual sales-per-square-foot at more than C$1000 (US$762). Toronto is second at about C$860.
“Vancouver is a very young retail market and many brands have not yet opened street stores,” says real-estate group CBRE executive VP for retail in Vancouver Mario Negris. “We anticipate a vast number of new entrants into the downtown retail landscape.”
Most brands entering Canada have their first outlets at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Eaton Centre, says the Vancouver Sun. This is because of Vancouver’s relative lack of space.
Brands such as Forever 21 and Victoria’s Secret actually made their Canadian debut in Alberta, while Vancouver is the preferred entry point for luxury brands such as Berluti, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Rolex and St Laurent.
Other brands reportedly lining up to open in Vancouver next year include coffee boutique Nespresso and H&M’s Cos brand.