Roots Canada Opens Los Angeles Store

Roots Canada, the Toronto-based retailer known for its sports-related apparel, has opened a new Los Angeles store.

The 700-square-foot boutique in the Venice neighborhood is the fifth U.S. unit for the retailer, but Women’s Wear Daily reports that the small-store concept is likely to show up around the country in the future. Roots has 115 stores in Canada.

Co-founder Michael Budman told WWD, “We’ve got some very large flagships. We are reevaluating what really makes sense. I think there’s a movement afoot where people feel better in smaller, but well-designed great spaces like this with a more boutique look.”

The store was designed by Roots design director Diane Bald and artist Jim Budman (Budman’s wife and brother). WWD says “It resembles a house, which was what it was built to be in 1921. The lighting fixtures and furnishings are a combination of vintage midcentury pieces and pieces from Roots’ home assortment. An old ceiling was removed to reveal the beams underneath and give the store an airy feel, and a large folding door that serves as the entrance provides natural air-conditioning for the store.”

Roots is hoping that the intimate, upscale environment will change the perception of American shoppers that Roots is largely known for its association with Canadian Olympic teams and professional hockey.