Luxury Retailer Simons Set to Open March 16
The Simons name has long been popular in Quebec, synonymous with quality, fashion, design and art. Now as part of an aggressive nation-wide expansion, the retailer is set to open downtown on Stephen Avenue on March 16. Simons only other western locations are in West Vancouver and West Edmonton Mall.
The store will be housed in Calgary’s venerable Lancaster Building which has been completely renovated by McKinley Burkart, an architectural firm based here in Calgary. The building has been marvelously transformed to contain 95,000 square feet of shopping area, part of The Core Shopping Centre in the heart of downtown. Simons, aka La Maison Simons, is noted for contemporary style but McKinley Burkart has ensured that the south façade of the Lancaster, facing Stephen Avenue, has been preserved. The north end of the building opens into the mall. When you enter into the building off Stephen Avenue, the street entrance has been revitalized and is very inviting. The firm employed the talents of local Calgary artists, such as Maya Gohill who has a reputation of creating vibrant portraits and abstract figures. She created large murals on three levels of the building. Megan Jentsch and Chris Cran have also been commissioned to create art works for Simons, as one of the company’s tenants to promote Canadian arts & culture.
The Simons Story
The origins of this famously-Canadian retailer go back to 1812 when Peter Simons arrived in Quebec from Scotland. One of his sons moved into the city in 1840 where he opened a dry goods store and imported goods from Europe. He was fastidious and legend has it that he made at least 70 steam ship crossings to Europe to source out the best of the best. Quality goods and exceptional service were the basis of his success. In 1870 John Simons moved the store to it’s present location in Quebec City where Simons head office remains to this day. Expansion in Quebec, then into Ontario was slow and careful. Two stores will open this year and online shopping has been added as a way to serve Canadian customers without retail options.
Simons offerings in home fashion reflect the retailer’s emphasis on quality. Bedroom, kitchen and bath are all covered with selected furnishings and accessories available online only. Le Germaine Hotels is a line of bed linen that is very popular with Simons customers.
Inside Simons
Hard to find designer labels for clothing and shoes is the hallmark of Simons. Buyers source coveted designs from around the globe for men and women. That includes home fashion as well. Labels include DJAB, Le 31, and Twik. Canadian designers play a vital role in all Simons stores.
Luxury Lines
Simons buyers are always scouting out new labels and are eager to add them to each season’s line up. They are promising new additions to the store and new labels that have never before been offered in Calgary. Where you like sophisticated looks, minimalist lines or are into punk and edgy fashion from the U.K. you’ll find fresh new finds at Simons. Vivienne Westwood plus Canadians designers like Elisa C-Rossow of Montreal – even Malorie Urbanovitch who hails from Edmonton.
Refreshments While You Shop
Simons “Eve Café” may not be ready for March 16 but is scheduled to open sometime this year. It’s where Simons’ customers are invited to break for lunch or to enjoy a quick coffee or something as simple as a bottle of water. The café will be on the second floor and true to the retailer’s Quebecois roots it promises to offer French Canadian treats such as almond croissants and of course, cappuccino.
The Core Shopping Centre
This indoor shopping mall in the heart of downtown Calgary takes up several city blocks. It is comprised of TD Square and encompasses the former Eaton Centre where another luxury Canadian retailer, Holt Renfrew. The mall has about 160 stores spread out over four shopping levels. There are four large office buildings contained within the complex as well. The Lancaster Building has been assimilated into The Core, and was built in 1919 as an office building. One of the loveliest features about this indoor mall is the wonderful suspended skylight which brings natural light into the shopping area. Another highlight is The Devonian Gardens. There is free underground parking after 6 pm on weeknights and on weekends. It is also accessible by the LRT which stops along the north side of the mall along 7 Ave SW.