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FALL TRAVELS Part 2

I really hope you enjoyed Part 1 of my Fall trip to Edmonton. In this post I’ll focus on two stores in West Edmonton Mall and the Van Gogh experience at the Edmonton Expo Centre.

WEST EDMONTON MALL

West Edmonton Mall, built in 1981 was built while I lived just outside Edmonton, in Sherwood Park. It was really exciting to be able to take our three kids there. The slides at the Water Park, skating at the Ice Palace and of course so many great places to eat, including Fuddruckers which isn’t there any more, but they thought they’d gone to heaven when they got to make their own sundaes! I have been back numerous times to the Mall during trade show season, but this time I got the chance to be a ‘shopper’ and an ‘observer’.

Canada Goose

Canada Goose was founded in a small warehouse in Toronto almost sixty years ago and has grown into one of the world’s leading makers of luxury apparel. To say that the store is spectacular would be an understatement. See for yourself!

Below on the left is their Cold Room which you can test the warmth of a garment in temperatures that dip to minus 25 Celsius. Imagine being able to try out a new down jacket or a new parka in real life situations? This is it!

On the right image you are seeing a beautiful yet simple height-adjustable bust form. So easy to dress, classic in nature, and… you can order the exact same ones through me. Here’s the link…

This stunning service desk in their 5500 square foot space is made of marble sourced in British Columbia. There is artwork created by Canadian sculptors and painters throughout the space and everything to me ‘says’ High End… It is thoughtful, functional and beautiful.

Moose Knuckles

Another great Canadian Company… And here’s what they tell us on their website. “Since 1921, our family has been protecting Canadians from the cold – a relentless quest that founded Moose Knuckles Canada in 2009. The brand was built on the belief that we could make the leanest, toughest and most luxurious sportswear in the world. We engineer Canadian know-how, grit and heritage into every fiber, stitch and zipper. We stand by our impeccable tailoring, ethically sourced materials and premium hardware. Coupled with proven performance and a unique perspective, Moose Knuckles is an exceptional outerwear brand available across the globe.
We are a family, a community, a tribe, and we wear it on our sleeves.” or… as you can see below…on their ball caps, and… on their sleeves.

Whenever you see one level of merchandising, you should automatically think ‘high end’ The copper fixtures here are adjustable, and remind me of scaffolding. The multi screens in the entrance showcase images of their garments. Movement always!!! catches the eye, so if you’re walking by this store from the mall - you’ll definitely notice it!

Both of these luxury brands are in the same price ranges starting around 400.00 - 1000.00 and up for a jacket, yet both stores have a different visual vibe. I love them both…but I’m more attracted to the earthier Moose Knuckles store with the cowhide poufs, the worn rustic flooring and the copper fixtures. Both perfectly done!

TUMI & MICHAEL KORS

Both Tumi and Michael Kors stores were eye-catching! The presentation of product at Tumi for their high end luggage and hand-bags and then seeing the brightly coloured MK walls and stools was notable. I loved them both!

Imagine Van Gogh immersive Exhibition

My last stop in Edmonton was amazing in so many ways. To be able to see the work of Vincent Van Gogh in this format was so rewarding. As an artist myself, to be able to see the ‘brush strokes’, to see that he sketched out his scenes before he painted them, to read about his life on large panels before we entered the theatre, was all perfection!

“Original canvasses are expanded and fragmented, then projected into unusual shapes to emphasize the mesmerizing exaggerations and distortions of Van Gogh’s work.”

Below are some of my favourite images. I hope you get to see this type of presentation in your travels.

NEXT STOP….. MAUI! Who knew I’d be travelling so much right now. I have lots to show you from that trip…and I’ll certainly share all my concerns with international travel. Forms, tests and more tests… but before that I’m headed to Duncan next week for a retail consultation. Am so excited about that!

If that’s something you’re contemplating, and need some help…then call me at 778 340 8585 or send me an email to heddy@urbanspaces.ca

We can work together virtually or on site.

Until next time….thank you all so much for reading and commenting on my posts. You are simply the best!