Quebec City-based Simons has leased 92,000 square feet at CF Pacific Centre and plans to open a store there by fall 2027.
Downtown Vancouver is set for a significant retail boost as Simons prepares to open a large new location at Pacific Centre, filling part of the high-profile space left vacant by Nordstrom. The move signals renewed momentum for the city’s shopping core and adds another major brand to one of Canada’s busiest retail destinations.
The Quebec-based department store confirmed that the upcoming location will become its 20th store in Canada and its second in British Columbia. The announcement marks one of the most notable retail developments in Vancouver since Nordstrom’s departure created a major vacancy in the downtown mall.
Simons Pacific Centre Investment Creates Jobs
The Simons Pacific Centre project represents a substantial investment aimed at strengthening the company’s national footprint while contributing to the local economy. According to the retailer, more than $55 million will be invested in the new store.
That expansion is also expected to generate around 150 new jobs, offering employment opportunities across retail operations, customer service, and management roles. With this addition, Simons says its workforce across Canada will exceed 4,000 employees.
The investment reflects growing confidence in Vancouver’s long-term retail potential, especially in the downtown core where high-traffic shopping destinations remain attractive to national brands.
Pacific Centre Space Finds New Life
The Simons Pacific Centre opening comes as the former Nordstrom location gradually gains new tenants. Aritzia has already announced plans to occupy 40,000 square feet within the same building, adding another major Canadian retailer to the redevelopment effort.
Together, the planned spaces for Simons and Aritzia will account for more than half of the retail area once occupied by Nordstrom. Their combined presence is expected to help restore activity and foot traffic to a prominent section of Pacific Centre.
The transition also highlights how large urban retail spaces are being reimagined as department store closures reshape shopping districts across North America.
Simons Pacific Centre Strengthens Brand Growth
For Simons, the Vancouver expansion represents another milestone in its broader growth strategy. The company has steadily increased its presence beyond Quebec, building stores in key markets across Canada while maintaining a mix of fashion, home, and lifestyle offerings.
Entering such a prominent downtown location gives the brand access to local shoppers, commuters, office workers, and tourists in one of the country’s most visible commercial areas. It also strengthens Simons’ reach in Western Canada, where it continues to build brand recognition.
Downtown Vancouver Retail Sees Fresh Momentum
The Simons Pacific Centre announcement arrives at a time when downtown Vancouver continues to adapt to changing consumer habits and post-pandemic recovery trends. Securing major tenants for a landmark retail site sends a positive signal for surrounding businesses and property owners.
New store openings often drive additional restaurant visits, transit activity, and neighboring retail sales, making them important anchors for urban commercial districts. As more of the former Nordstrom site is repurposed, Pacific Centre is likely to regain momentum as a central shopping hub.
Simons Pacific Centre Marks a New Chapter
The arrival of Simons at Pacific Centre represents more than a new store opening. It reflects confidence in downtown Vancouver, creates jobs, and helps transform a once-empty flagship retail space into a renewed commercial destination.
With Simons and Aritzia leading the next phase of occupancy, Pacific Centre appears ready to begin a new chapter in the city’s retail landscape.
