Seattle-based heritage fashion brand Filson has opened its first Canadian store in Vancouver, and a second location will follow later this spring, in Toronto.
The 2,800 square foot Vancouver store, located at 47 Water Street in the city’s hip and historical Gastown area, features custom furniture built from local salvaged wood, iron beams, wooden floors and imagery of Filson dating back to the late 1800’s. Street level windows will showcase apparel, bags, and accessories for both men and women.
“Finally, after 120 years, we’re opening retail stores in Canada. We’re excited to share our love for the outdoors and Pacific Northwest roots with all Canadians who share the same values,” said Steve Bock, CEO of Filson. “The tactile experience is the best way for us to show the quality, craftsmanship and durability that’s sewn into every Filson item.”
Filson’s second Canadian store will open in June of this year in Toronto, at 694 Queen Street West.
Filson partnered with broker Tony Flanz of Think Retail for its initial Canadian expansion.
Filson operates street-front stores in American cities that include Seattle, New York City, Minneapolis, Portland OR, Dallas, San Francisco, Plano TX, Detroit, Austin and Washington DC, as well as two factory outlets. Canada is the second international market for Filson, which also operates a store in London, UK.
Filson (originally named ‘C.C. Filson’s Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers’) was founded in Seattle in 1897, and is known particularly for its clothing and luggage, as well as its guarantee. The company designs, manufactures and distributes its products, which feature rugged designs with prices in the mid to upper-end range. Quality is paramount to the brand, and it guarantees the lifetime of each item against failure or damage from its intended usage, according to Filson’s website. The company is owned by Bedrock Manufacturing which is led by Tom Kartsotis, who also owns Detroit-based fashion brand Shinola.
