December 4, 2009

Holt Renfrew and pop-up store - two words I never thought I would hear together!


I was reading the newspaper this morning (what can I say? I'm old school, I still like reading news off of paper) and an article caught my eye that both intrigued me and then made me laugh.  First the intrigued part - that would be Holt Renfrew's foray into new style merchandising in the form of a pop-up shop.  For those of you not familiar with the concept, it's basically a store in a temporary location.  It's usually a merchandising method used by young designers and retailers who don't have the funds for a permanent store.  It's certainly not something I ever would have imagined for such a luxe retailer as Holts, but I think it's refreshing that they are trying something innovative and totally different from what is normally thought of when you hear the name Holt Renfrew.  Keep in mind, this is not your mother's HR, this is a shop for the young and trendy who want the cool and hip labels.  I'm sorry to bring you this news so late as the store is only open for another 2 days.  But if you are in Toronto you should definitely check it out at 560 King Street W.

As for the laughing part - in this article by David Graham there are some quotes from Barbara Atkin, VP Fashion Direction at Holt Renfrew.  One the the things she discusses is androgynous merchandising being the perfect theme for the shop as closet space is at a premium in a lot of downtown condos.  Atkin suggests having one wardrobe that services two people could become a trend.  This is the part that made me laugh (it was early okay)  I had visions of me trying to squeeze my womanly hips into a pair of my (much less hippy then me) husband's jeans.  Or him putting on his cashmere sweater one day and finding the chest of it all stretched out or better yet, hubby prancing out of the house in a pair of my pumps with an adorable matching bag (dammit, I told you it was early!!!).  I know this isn't what Holts has in mind with this concept, they are talking about the cool hipster kids that live downtown in their lofts, who all share narrow hips, a tiny closet and an edgy style. Needless to say, my husband and his wardrobe are relieved.

- Lisamarie -

1 comment:

  1. I was there on Thursday and I have an exclusive interview/photos with Barbara Atkin, come check it out!
    http://shopsterium.blogspot.com

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