Popular Swiss timepiece brand Swatch continues to open freestanding Canadian locations. Last week, the brand opened a corporately-owned location at West Edmonton Mall. Early next year, Swatch will open a new Montreal location, as well as a replacement store at Burnaby’s Metropolis at Metrotown.

The new Edmonton store measures 825 square feet, and is located on the mall’s second level near the World Waterpark. It neighbours the mall’s UGG store and is up the hall from popular brands Tiffany & Co., Coach and Michael Kors. Swatch’s interiors feature fabric walls that allow for easy interior modification, and will be customized on a seasonal basis. ‘Touch and feel’ tester panels contribute to an interactive customer experience. The store features about 600 waches, including Swatch’s new kids brand, Flik Flak.

*Click for interactive West Edmonton Mall floor plan*

Swatch currently operates seven Canadian stores, including locations in Burlington ON (Mapleview Shopping Centre), Burnaby BC (Metropolis at Metrotown), Calgary (CF Chinook Centre), Mississauga (Square One), Montreal (two locations – downtown and CF Carrefour Laval) and West Edmonton Mall. The brand is also featured in shops-in-stores across Canada, as well as kiosks at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Swatch says it could eventually operate as many as 15 to 20 freestanding Canadian stores, depending on real estate opportunities.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: October 8, 2015