HARRY ROSEN TO EXPAND ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA’S RETAIL FOOTPRINT IN CANADA

Canadian menswear retailer Harry Rosen has entered into a long-term agreement with Italian luxury menswear brand Ermenegildo Zegna Group to open additional flagship stores under the Ermenegildo Zegna brand. The Canadian retailer has recently secured prominent space along Toronto’s Bloor Street West, steps away from its 55,000 square-foot flagship store.

Harry Rosen currently operates the Ermenegildo Zegna shop in Vancouver’s Pacific Centre, as well as shop-in-shops within several of its stores, including the Toronto flagship where the iconic brand anchors a newly revitalized designer floor on Level 2. As part of the agreement, the 4,500 square-foot Pacific Centre shop will undergo a complete overhaul and reopen with a new look and feel in Fall 2018.

“My father was the first retailer to introduce Ermenegildo Zegna to North America in the early 1970s,” said Larry Rosen, CEO of Harry Rosen Inc. “He recognized the inherent quality and craftsmanship that the Zegna family offered. Our families have been in business ever since. We’re so honoured that the world’s most prestigious menswear brand has the confidence in our organization to execute their vision for global retail in Canada on their behalf.”

The 3,000 square-foot Toronto Zegna flagship will open August 2018 and be located at 100 Bloor Street West, next to Hermès, in a heritage space recently vacated by Pottery Barn. The landmark site houses local historical significance. Formerly the University Theatre, preserved features include an undulating cut-marble base, cantilevered canopies, and two-story granite framed windows.

Interiors of both the Toronto and Vancouver stores will be designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Peter Marino. The two cities will join others such as Milan, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beverly Hills to feature Marino’s cutting-edge retail designs that echo Ermenegildo Zegna’s use of quality materials, integrity, and modern style throughout the sophisticated spaces.

“Our collaboration with Harry Rosen began almost 50 years ago, and it is a matter of great pride to continue in such a worthwhile way a relationship that was first endorsed by the previous generation,” added Gildo Zegna, CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna Group. “Our new shops in Canada reflect the most modern thinking in terms of retail store design and I am delighted that the team at Harry Rosen has demonstrated a thorough understanding of our brand and our culture. They continue to be the ideal partners to help us expand our presence in Canada.”

“This joint venture brings together Zegna’s passion for luxury and vision for a full retail experience with our long history of menswear expertise and superior customer service in Canada,” continued Rosen. “We understand that some clients prefer the multi-brand experience that Harry Rosen offers, while others want to immerse themselves in a pure-Zegna environment. This partnership allows us to service both.”