Rendering: Norm Li Architectural Graphics + Illustrations — Rendering: Norm Li Architectural Graphics + Illustrations

Above is an updated rendering of Roots' expanded and renovated Downtown Vancouver flagship store. Its exterior will be transformed, becoming more modern and attractive. In February, we interviewed Roots Canada co-founder Michael Budman, about his company's proposed renovation and expansion to Root's Vancouver flagship. Roots recently re-signed a long-term lease for the Vancouver retail space as part of its renovation and expansion plans.

Vancouver's Roots flagship is the chain's second highest-selling store. Mr. Budman noted that the store has seen double-digit growth yearly, declining to provide exact sales figures. 2013 marked Root's 40th anniversary and overall sales were the highest in the company's history. Increased sales were fuelled by domestic growth, online sales, and an expansion of Roots stores in Asia. Roots has over 120 stores in Asia, speaking to its popularity. As Vancouver is Canada's 'gateway to the Pacific', Roots has decided to enlarge the store's interior and upgrade its appearance.

Besides new interiors and exteriors, Roots' Vancouver store will annex the adjacent retail space at 789 Burrard Street, formerly occupied by a currency exchange business. Budman estimates the current Roots store to be about 4,000 square feet in size, and the expansion will enlarge the store slightly, though not nearly to the size of its largest store, known as 'Roots Central' at the Toronto Eaton Centre. Roots Central measures 7,665 square feet according to lease plans provided by landlord Cadillac Fairview.

Roots will remove its awnings, according to the rendering at the top of this article. Photo: Colin Arber

We'd heard from sources that Roots wanted to add a second level to its current one-level Vancouver Roots flagship. Mr. Budman confirmed that to be only a "pipe dream" for the company at the moment.

Vancouver's Roots flagship store sits prominently at the north-west corner of Robson and Burrard Streets. The same intersection boasts the world's second-largest Victoria's Secret store, as well as a Lululemon flagship store that is currently under construction. The last of the intersection's four corners sits empty, recently vacated by a 5,000 square foot Bebe store. Half of it, occupying the corner, will soon be home to a flagship L'Occitane.

Construction within the store's northward expansion is already underway. Renovations to Roots' main store begin this fall, following the summer tourist season.

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