Seattle-based heritage fashion brand Filson will officially launch its Canadian store expansion in March of this year, beginning with a location in Vancouver’s Gastown. Filson has partnered with brokerage Think Retail for its Canadian expansion, which is expected to include multiple Filson store locations.

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 of its intended usage, according to Filson’s website. The company is owned by Fossil Group founder Tom Kartsotis, who also owns Detroit-based fashion brand Shinola (which opened its first Canadian store in Toronto over the summer, and was also represented by Think Retail).

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*(Click above for interactive Google Street View)*

Filson’s first Canadian store will be located at 47 Water Street in Vancouver’s historical and trendy Gastown area. The store will measure 1,545 square feet, and replaces an art gallery. Filson is seeking retail space on commercial high streets, according to Think Retail, with Vancouver and Toronto being targeted cities. Think Retail’s website also states that Filson is interested in space providing "an ancillary café provided as an amenity to its customers, to allow local artisans to display & sell items (complimentary to the Filson brand), as well as the ability to hold marketing, community, and social events within the Premises”.

Canada will mark the second international market for Filson, which also operates a store in London, UK. 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.

*All photos are courtesy of Filson

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: January 4, 2017