Article by: Tripsavvy
Featured image by: Holt Renfrew in Vancouver, BC. Photo © George Pimentel / Getty Images
Many travelers, especially if it’s their first time in Canada, don’t know the name Holt Renfrew. But it’s a very famous name in Vancouver: it’s Canada’s most famous luxury department store, with a similar reputation to Harrod’s in England or Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States. It’s one of the Top 10 Places to Shop in Vancouver and a personal favorite.
The only Holt Renfrew in British Columbia is in Downtown Vancouver, part of the downtown shopping district that includes The Hudson Bay Company (The Bay), Pacific Centre Mall, Robson Street, and Alberni Street’s “Luxury Row.”
Unlike general department stores (like The Bay or Sears), Holt Renfrew only carries fashion, accessories and beauty and grooming products; there’s no home store or other, non-fashion related departments.
At Holt Renfrew, it’s all about the designers: fashion ranges from the truly high-end–Prada, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, etc.–to the more accessible (but still somewhat expensive) labels like Diesel and Hugo Boss.
I strongly recommend Holt Renfrew to visitors who are looking for designer fashion that they won’t find in major U.S. cities. In addition to well-known luxury brands, Holt Renfrew carries high-end Canadian designers and labels, as well as European labels that are rare in the U.S.
Even if most of the fashion is out of your regular budget, a trip to Holt Renfrew is well worth it for any fashion lover: The bright white store is a haven of fashionista glam and modern elegance.
And if they’re having a sale? Run, don’t walk: Prices can be up to half off!
Getting to Holt Renfrew in Downtown Vancouver
Holt Renfrew is located at 737 Dunsmuir Street, and has entrances on Granville, between Dunsmuir and W Georgia.
For drivers, there are several parkades within easy walking distance, including the Pacific Centre Mall parkade and the Robson Square Complex parkade.
Street parking is very difficult to find.
By transit, you can take the Canada Line (Vancouver’s metro) to Vancouver City Centre Station, which is within walking distance of Holt Renfrew, or almost any downtown bus.
Map to Holt Renfrew – Downtown Vancouver
Holt Renfrew Products & Services
- Women’s fashion
- Men’s fashion
- Beauty / skin care for women and men
- Accessories–including jewelry, bags, sunglasses, and watches–for women and men
- Women’s shoes
- Men’s shoes
- Women’s tailoring
- Men’s tailoring
Official website: Holt Renfrew Canada
