The time is right for Fossil’s newly designed retail concept store, which is now open at CF Toronto Eaton Centre.
Replacing the former Fossil store, this new 1,458-sq.-ft. ‘Makers’ concept is the first of its kind in the world and celebrates the unique craftsmanship and services on which the brand has built its reputation.
Located on Level 2, amid a number of high-end retailers, the fresh, well-designed, space highlights the spirit of Makers and focuses on product-related services, continuing the brand’s ever-present goal to enhance and improve the overall brand experience.
New materials and color palettes, including tonal gray, brass finishes, brick floor and pops of black, give the store a soft modern feel: Everything is modular, adding a unique flexibility for both selling and storytelling. The design elements were chosen specifically to lean into the concept of celebrating craftsmanship, which has been one of the founding principles of Fossil brand since its inception more than 30 years ago.
“Customers are shopping in a different way—largely in part to the ease of online and mobile shopping—and we recognize that and want to be part of a convenient, enhanced shopping experience,‘‘ says Steve Evans, Executive Vice President for Fossil. “Retail stores have become more about creating experiences and sharing meaningful in-person relationships with consumers. This store gives us an opportunity to bring to life what we do best: hands on customization, convenience, and a celebration of the Fossil lifestyle.’’
The front of the store will highlight Fossil’s unique services, including building your own watch, engraving and embossing stations, as well as a mix-and-match strap bar. The Custom Shop and Service Station will also feature engraving/embossing icons designed specifically for the local market, including the Toronto skyline and a maple leaf.  The Service Centre will be open for appointments and walk-in customers, offering specialty support for smartwatches and staff on hand to replace batteries, remove links and more.
Founded in 1984, the Texas-based, watch and fashion accessories brand has built a strong following for its vintage-modern styling and a unique collections of bags and accessories, as well as signature durable watches. Today, Fossil has more than 350 stand-alone stores around the globe, including about 30 in Canada, and its collections are sold via numerous quality retailers.
The publically-trade company continues to beat market forecast and expectations, reporting two consecutive quarters of comparable store increases and a stock price that is at or near its 52-week high.
It’s an exciting time for this much-admired brand and Think Retail is thrilled to share that Fossil is now considering opening a new location in Canada in 2019. In the meantime, the company will continue building its Maker concept and more are expected to open on the global stage, with the next rollout likely in Asia.
For more, visit www.fossil.com or contact the Think Retail team.