The retail landscape of downtown Vancouver is about to undergo a dramatic transformation, and Aritzia is at the heart of it! Aritzia's ambitious plans to replace a portion of the iconic former Nordstrom store with a flagship store and restaurant are now taking shape, and it's a bold move that will reshape the city's shopping experience. But this isn't just a change of tenants; it's a complete reimagining of the space.
Back in November 2025, Aritzia revealed its intention to become one of four new retail tenants in the former Nordstrom department store space, a massive 230,000 sq. ft. area. This announcement sparked curiosity, but the real excitement lies in the details that have recently come to light. Aritzia has submitted a development permit application, offering a glimpse into their grand vision. The new store will replace the existing Aritzia location in the mall and the current Robson Street flagship, creating a new destination for shoppers.
Here's where it gets intriguing: the new store will occupy a four-storey section of the former Nordstrom building's southwest corner, a prime location at the intersection of Robson and Howe Streets, directly across from Robson Square. This space will include a basement level, providing a direct entrance from the mall corridor, in addition to the street-level access. And this is the part most people miss—the basement entrance will be where Hugo Boss once stood, a strategic move to create a seamless shopping experience.
But wait, there's more! The development permit application confirms the inclusion of a restaurant on the third level, replacing the former Nordstrom's Bistro Verde. This aligns with Aritzia's existing in-store cafe concepts, but on a grander scale. And the controversy? The third level's exterior facade will be a giant video screen, a bold statement that aligns with the City of Vancouver's vision for a vibrant entertainment district, reminiscent of New York's Times Square.
The design of the store is a masterpiece in itself. The facade will feature tall, double-arched, chamfered window bays, adding a touch of elegance and drawing the eye upward. Aritzia's use of textured brick materials will create a warm and inviting atmosphere at street level. The main entrance will be a focal point, with a new exterior rotunda and improved pedestrian flow along the bustling Robson Street.
With Aritzia taking up approximately 41,800 sq. ft., there's still a significant amount of space left for three other retailers, totaling around 188,000 sq. ft. The subdivision of the former Nordstrom space is well underway, and the anticipation is building for the announcement of the remaining tenants. Above the retail space, the building's office levels are set to be occupied by Lululemon, adding to the buzz.
The transformation doesn't stop there. The careful demolition of the mall's former Four Seasons Hotel tower is progressing, making way for a new mixed-use tower. And this is just the beginning of the story. As Aritzia prepares to open its doors in 2027, the former Nordstrom space will become a vibrant hub, sparking conversations about the future of downtown Vancouver's retail scene. What do you think about this ambitious project? Is it a welcome change or a controversial move? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
