Rendering of the Vancouver Rimowa retail store space. Tumi will occupy the right-hand side of this rendering. Photo Source: Brill Communications

***** Update: This store opened November 14th, 2013*****

A RIMOWA retail store space will open early next month on Vancouver's upscale Alberni Street. It will share space with Tumi, which we previously reported will replace the Betsey Johnson store at 1033 Alberni Street.

RIMOWA will occupy one-half of a new store to be called Artino, which will also include a Tumi retail store space. The Artino store will be about 1,550 square feet in total, according to its owner. It is being referred to as a 'collaborative retail space', alluding to the fact that it will be shared by two retailers.

Current Rimowa/Tumi space, finishing construction on Alberni Street. Photo: Colin Arber

This will be Canada's second RIMOWA retail store space, following the opening of a free-standing RIMOWA store location on Toronto's St. Thomas Street.

For those unfamiliar, RIMOWA originated in Germany and is considered to be a premium luggage brand. Products are lightweight and very durable. Both aluminium and high-tech polycarbonates are used for some of the products.

Interior design of the retail store space. Photo Source: Brill Communications

“This store marks a big step for the brand in the Canadian marketplace,” said Carsten Kulcke, Executive Vice President of RIMOWA North America Inc. “As a Canadian manufacturer, we see the importance of being present in upscale shopping destinations throughout the country. The new Artino store is a perfect fit for us.”

In Downtown Vancouver, RIMOWA products are also carried at stores MEGO and Charals.

Interior rendering. Photo Source: Brill Communications

Vancouver's Alberni Street and the immediate area continues to see the opening of new luxury retailers. Tory Burch and De Beers recently opened Alberni Street stores, while Mont Blanc recently opened on neighbouring Burrard Street. Christian Dior will also open at the neighbouring Hotel Vancouver. We'll update you on more luxury retailers opening in Vancouver's retail "luxury zone".

Article Source: Brill Communications

[Tumi website]

[RIMOWA website]