In the summer of 2004, Bibelot Inc. of Toronto obtained the Canadian franchise rights to develop the successful Accessorize Retail Store chain found throughout Great Britain and Europe. Canada’s first two stores were slated for opening prior to the Christmas shopping season at two prime retail locations: Robson Street in Vancouver and north Yonge Street in Toronto.

Street front locations range in size from 750 – 1,000 sq. ft. of retail area with prominent street display windows, conventional in-store storage and staff washroom facilities. Mall locations will be slightly smaller. Originally conceived of by Monsoon, U.K., the design concept relies on lively signage, neutral background colours and finishes, rich wood veneers and a high level of display lighting to feature the wide range of women’s accessories, many of them from third world countries.

Future stores are planned across Canada. The Colborne Architectural Group was asked to coordinate design and construction throughout Vancouver’s Lower Mainland and B.C. with up to 12 stores planned for 2005-06, mostly in established shopping centres. Average construction cost, including millwork and FF&E, $225 -250 / sf.