4 New Stores to Love Across the West

What do a French legend, Quebec-based fashion retailer and Vancouver chef have in common? They’ve all got new shops for you to browse.

Ai and Om Knives, Vancouver

In a minimalist wood-on-wood space designed by Vancouver’s Scott and Scott Architects, chef Douglas Chang (formerly of Bambudda, Sai Woo) displays a curated knife selection on the walls like a high-end sneaker store. Located within a block of Chinatown’s restaurant nexus, Ai and Om Knives stocks blades crafted by Japanese blacksmiths—plus sharpening stones and cutting boards. 129 E Pender St., aiandomknives.ca —Daniela Rodríguez Chevalier

Moissonnier, Vancouver

Though the storied French brand may be 130-plus years old and one of the world’s most respected cabinetmakers, the new 3,000-square-foot Moissonnier Yaletown showroom (the first in North America) is delightfully un-stuffy. Wandering through the inspiringly eclectic room vignettes, you’ll find rococo chests finished in distressed candy hues, settees upholstered in bird prints and the Moissonnier family’s extensive art collection on the walls. 1028 Mainland St., moissonnier.com —Stacey McLachlan

Poppy Barley, Vancouver

Stepping into Vancouver for good, Edmonton-founded Poppy Barley sets up shop permanently at Nicole Bridger’s Gastown flagship location. The made-to-measure shoe company features their full seasonal collections along with new accessories (think cool leather backpacks, heeled loafers and chic handbags) in the shop-in-a-shop. 14 Water St., poppybarley.com —D.R.C.

Simons, Calgary

Quebec-based luxe fashion retailer Simons is opening a new 95,000-square-foot location in Calgary’s downtown Core Shopping Centre this month. A five-storey affair, its main floor takes up a full city block and will house its signature mix of high-to-low fashion for men and women, home decor and accessories—plus a new café with hot and cold savouries and sweets. Local architects McKinley Burkart were called in to carefully integrate Simons into the historic Lancaster Building that dates back to 1919. Along with the Calgary grand opening comes the release of Malorie Urbanovitch’s lavish new spring clothing collection, debuting at Simons stores across the country. 304 8 Ave. SW, simons.ca —Andrea Garza

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