Canada’s Duer opens storefront in Calgary

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Jun 23, 2020

Canadian performance denim company Duer is one of the few retailers opening new locations amid the Covid-19 pandemic, as it bets on the growing demand of its versatile and functional clothing offerings. 

Duer said on Monday it will open a retail location in Calgary on July 2, marking the company’s third store location. 

The Vancouver-based retailer, who also operates stores in its hometown and Toronto, said that the choice to open a Calgary location was driven by an already-established customer base in the market.

"Expanding into Calgary has been on our radar for a couple of years," said founder Gary Lenett, in a news statement. 

"Prior to the pandemic, our focus was on growing our retail business and we had a few markets in mind. We’re optimistic that after our Calgary store opens its doors, we'll resume discussions of plans to expand South of the border.”

The company equally said it is interested in growing its wholesale business, which currently comprises a network of 600 retailers worldwide.

The 2,000-square-foot store - formerly a Lululemon space - is well-situated in Calgary's retail and entertainment district at 1708 4th St SW. 

In store, customers will be able to find Duer's famous indoor playground complete with monkey bars, swings and soft rubber flooring. The experiential approach, which originated at the company’s Vancouver flagship store, was launched to allow customers to experience the stretch, durability and comfort, characteristic of all Duer products. 

The store will first open by-appointment only due to Covid-19, and will launch with safety precautions including masks and sanitizer on-site.

Last month, the company also announced a new low-waste production model, dubbed 'Next by Duer'. The pre-sale method lines up demand with supply to cut waste and will ultimately allow Duer to deliver products much faster than a traditional clothing supply chain which would typically take 6-18 months. 

Duer launched just five years ago as a Kickstarter campaign. Customers can now make an appointment to visit Calgary’s newest location through Duer’s website.