Outerwear brand Arc'teryx opens 'Alpha Store' concept in Montreal
High-performance outdoor apparel and equipment brand Arc'teryx Equipment has brought its elevated store concept to the city where it first entered physical retail over 20 year ago.
The Canadian brand has relocated its longstanding Sainte-Catherine Street store in Montreal to an expanded site developed around its "Alpha Store" format. Spanning three levels and nearly 10,000 square feet, the outpost represents Arc'teryx's largest investment in its Montréal retail presence to date, building on the legacy of the city where the brand opened its first physical store.
The format is designed as a “haven” for Montreal's outdoor community. It features a dedicated community space for locals to gather, relax and host events such as run clubs and climbing groups.
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At the heart of the concept is ReBird, the brand's in-store center for Arc'teryx's initiatives in care and repair, resale and upcycling. The expanded service center includes a dedicated repair operator space, offering full repair services to help customers extend the life of their Arc'teryx products. The space also includes a ReBird Resale area, where customers can purchase refurbished Arc'teryx products.
The new Montreal store also features more space for customers to experience the breadth of the Arc'teryx brand. Multiple fitting rooms across the ground floor, mezzanine and ReBird level support product try-on throughout the store while back-lit Jacket Bays celebrate the brand's most iconic products.
"Montreal is an incredibly important market for Arc'teryx and has been part of our retail story from the very beginning," said Megan Cheesbrough, VP of North America Retail at Arc'teryx. "This new Alpha Store reflects our continued commitment to the city and gives us the opportunity to evolve how we show up for our guests, creating a more immersive environment that brings together the very best of Arc'teryx under one roof."
Designed by MGB Architecture and Joseph Tontodonat, Arc'teryx says the store draws inspiration from the mountains through a palette of authentic natural materials, tactile textures and moody, atmospheric finishes.
The store's design is also deeply rooted in Arc'teryx's Montreal heritage and the city's local identity. A custom vintage Montreal map and a sculptural art piece made from climbing holds salvaged from the original Sainte-Catherine Street store pay homage to the brand's history in the city, while a custom Guide Table on the sales floor features an interactive 3D map of local mountains and trails. The Veilance area further draws inspiration from Montreal's urban environment, bridging the city and the outdoors.
"As we continue to grow, it's important that our stores are a reflection of the places and communities they serve," said Stuart Haselden, CEO of Arc'teryx. "Montreal has its own distinct character and a longstanding connection to Arc'teryx, and we wanted that to come through in how we approached this store."
Founded in British Columbia, Arc'teryx’s products are found in more than 2,400 retail locations worldwide, including at more than 260 branded stores.
