First Look: Monos opens Toronto store; teases entrance into U.S.
A Canadian travel and lifestyle brand is expanding its retail footprint, and has plans to expand into the United States.
Monos has officially opened its second retail location in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighborhood, arriving after the brand opened its flagship store in Vancouver last year. At the company’s first retail stores, visitors can find high-end suitcases, bags and travel accessories.
Designed in collaboration with interior and concept design studio Ste Marie, Monos said the store’s interior is influenced by a “gentle surrealist interpretation of Portugal’s pousadas (historic buildings), evoking a dreamlike quality through its soft, sweeping forms and carefully curated material palette.”
In announcing the new store, Monos also teased expanding into the U.S. next year with several retail stores, starting with two of the nation’s three biggest markets.
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Image courtesy of Monos. -
Image courtesy of Monos. -
Image courtesy of Monos. -
Image courtesy of Monos. -
Image courtesy of Monos.
“We are excited to weave ourselves into the dynamic tapestry of the Little Portugal community through our Toronto store," said Victor Tam, co-founder and CEO of Monos. “With our roots firmly planted in Canada, we are thrilled to share that this is just the beginning. Come next year, we are set to take our immersive retail experiences to the global stage with eight new stores across the U.S., kick-starting with none other than New York City and Chicago.”
For the Toronto store’s opening weekend, guests will be treated to special refreshments in collaboration with its neighbors at Nutbar and an exclusive in-store limited edition gift with purchase for early customers. The store will also feature a custom art installation created in partnership with local artists.
“At Monos, we see retail as an opportunity to create artful and interesting experiences, and to let our brand manifest itself in physical space," said Hubert Chan, chief creative officer and co-founder at Monos. "Our collaboration with Ste Marie to transform the Ossington store into an immersive space is truly special.”