The Japanese clothing giant UNIQLO has announced plans to open its first Downtown Vancouver flagship at CF Pacific Centre in spring 2027, taking over part of the former Nordstrom department store.
The announcement comes nearly a decade after UNIQLO first arrived in Metro Vancouver. More importantly, it adds another recognizable global brand for shoppers downtown.
UNIQLO Is Finally Coming Downtown
UNIQLO first entered the Canadian market in 2016 before opening its first Metro Vancouver store at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby in 2017. Since then, the brand has expanded throughout the region, but finding the right downtown Vancouver location was a challenge.
UNIQLO has not yet revealed the store’s exact size or confirmed an opening date beyond spring of 2027.
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Pacific Centre’s 230,000-Square-Foot Transformation
When Nordstrom closed its Vancouver flagship in June 2023, it left approximately 230,000 square feet of prime retail space empty in the heart of downtown. Many were signalling it as the end of downtown retail. Fast forward a few years and now three major retailers are preparing to bring that space back to life.
Vancouver-born Aritzia is opening a massive 40,000-square-foot flagship in 2027, complete with a planned dining concept. Quebec-based Simons is also arriving, occupying approximately 92,000 square feet across three floors, with an opening planned for fall 2027.
See Also: The Rise of Aritzia.
Vancouver has faced no shortage of downtown retail challenges, including the departures of Nordstrom and Hudson’s Bay. Yet international brands continue to see opportunity here.
See Also: Kith opened its second Canadian location at Oakridge Park
Of course, a few flagship openings won’t solve every challenge facing downtown. However, they can generate foot traffic, attract additional investment and give people more reasons to visit.
And after years of headlines about downtown stores closing, it’s refreshing to see some major names moving in.
When Will UNIQLO Downtown Vancouver Open?
UNIQLO’s new flagship is scheduled to open in spring 2027 at CF Pacific Centre, within the former Nordstrom building in Downtown Vancouver.
An exact opening date, store size and entrance location have not yet been confirmed.
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