The buzz around Oakridge Park continues to grow as Chanel officially opened its doors on Tuesday, drawing a lineup of shoppers eager to explore the new boutique. Located at the sprawling 28-acre development at Cambie Street and West 41st Avenue, the store is the second Chanel boutique in Vancouver and one of the largest in Canada.
A Full Chanel Experience
Measuring 750 square metres, the new boutique is the first in Canada to offer the complete Chanel universe, including fragrance and beauty, watches and fine jewelry, and fashion. Designed by renowned architect Peter Marino, the space features exclusive design elements unique to the Oakridge Park location, such as a striking crystal Goossens chandelier.
Shoppers Line Up Early
Some shoppers began queuing as early as 7:30 a.m. for the noon opening, hoping to snag specific pieces. One shopper mentioned searching for a green Chanel 25 shoulder bag, while others aimed to purchase items from the highly anticipated Metiers d'Art collection by artistic director Matthieu Blazy.
Part of a Growing Luxury Destination
The Chanel boutique is among a second wave of luxury retailers opening at Oakridge Park following its grand reveal on May 28. Acne Studios and Alexander Wang have also opened in recent weeks. The shopping centre component of Oakridge Park is planned to include over 650,000 square feet of retail and dining space, with approximately 100 boutiques. Currently, about 500,000 square feet of retail is open to shoppers.
Steady Traffic and Weekend Crowds
Since the debut, traffic at the mall has been steady, with weekends particularly busy. Security and concierge staff noted that curious shoppers continue to flock to Oakridge Park on Saturdays and Sundays. Before the mall's 10 a.m. opening, people gathered near Time Out Market, grabbing coffee or pastries at Beaucoup Bakery, one of the few food vendors open early.
The full development, which includes residential towers, office space, and a public park, is expected to be completed by fall.
