Bohemian lifestyle brand Free People is coming to Vancouver.
The American retailer sells women’s clothing, accessories, shoes, intimates, and swimwear inspired by world-travel and vintage styles, and is a part of Urban Outfitters, Inc.
The boutique at Park Royal will open this month, with a Granville Street location to open six weeks later in October, marking the brand’s first forays into British Columbia. The stores will be Free People's 98th and 99th North American locations.
“We are thrilled about our arrival in British Columbia,” says Free People director of retail, Beth Wehagen. “Nature’s presence in Vancouver, and the local free-spirited culture is a big inspiration to us. We know the women here will love our brand!”
According to the press release, the 3,400-sq.ft. Granville Street store concept is inspired by Free People’s globe-travelling girl, while the 2,600-sq.ft. Park Royal space mirrors the brand’s more rustic side, with a workshop feel.
At Park Royal, shoppers will find rugged elements such as reclaimed wood and blackened steel, whereas Granville will feature two skylights flooding the space with natural light and hand-carved elements that play up Free People’s feminine side.
Both openings will have the brand’s latest collection of fall merchandise, including a wide array of denim, easy pullovers, socks, and a special collection of white woven tops. The Park Royal location will also offer a full assortment of Intimately Free People, the brand’s line of bras, undies, slips, seamless layering pieces, and loungewear.
The Park Royal grand opening will take place Aug. 29 from 6-8pm, and Granville Street will open its doors on Oct. 10 from 5-9pm. The first 50 guests to arrive at each event will receive complimentary organic-themed gift bags.
To celebrate Free People’s Vancouver launch, the brand is also running "Vantown Sweeps" from Aug. 25-Sept. 21.
Prizes will include four giveaway packages, each centered on a theme: The Makeover, The Night Out, The Escape, and The Taste of the Town, and will include $100 Free People gift cards along with contributions from local partners: Bioéthique Spa (The Makeover), Amore Natural Products (The Makeover), The Juice Truck (The Makeover), Mellifera Bees (Taste of the Town), Rogue Kitchen & Wet Bar (The Taste of the Town), Food.ee (The Taste of the Town), Steamworks Brewery (The Night Out), Guilt & Co. (The Night Out), and Rockwater Secret Cove Resort (The Getaway).
Fans can enter to win the gift package of their choice and find more details at FreePeople.com/FPVantownSweeps beginning Aug. 25.
Free People Park Royal will be located at Park Royal Shopping Centre, C780 Main Street, West Vancouver. Store hours will run Monday-Tuesday 10am-7pm, Wednesday-Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 9:30am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm.
The Granville Street boutique will be located at 2624 Granville Street. Store hours will run Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm.
