A new retail store called MINT Interiors caught my attention with their press release over the weekend. The new store at 1805 Fir Street (at West 2nd) claims to be in “Vancouver’s newest shopping area”, the Armoury District.
MINT Interiors at West 2nd and Fir Street
Rien Sharma, Coâ€owner of MINT Interiors with Michael McNamara, states, “The Armoury District emerged as a cutting edge design area after the recession in 2009, when several vacant storefronts opened up beside East India Carpets on 2nd Avenue between Fir and Pine. Now there are over 10 shops in the district offering a fantastic array of items for the home. When we were searching for a location for MINT Interiors, this district was the first to come to mind. With our truly unique product line, we wanted to be located in the center of this up and coming area for innovative interior design and home furnishings.”
This historic area has housed creative individuals for many years, from the studios at Armoury Recording Studios and Nettwerk Music Group to wellâ€known architects. The next home furnishings company to move into the Armoury District will be Living Space Interiors, relocating from the Main St area in 2011.
MINT Interiors retail outlet is open to the public and caters to designers and shoppers who are seeking to create homes that reflect their individuality. Hours are Monday to Friday 10:00am †6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am †5:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm †5:00pm.
While the Burrard Flats are east of Burrard and not actually part of Kitsilano, locals spend a lot of time making their way by foot, bike and car to Granville Island making this area prime for development (and of interest to our readers). So it’s good to see designers carve out their niche with The Armoury District.
Last modified: November 16, 2010
“While the Burrard Flats are east of Alma and not actually part of Kitsilano…….”
I think you used the wrong Kitsilano boundary road to descibe the Burrard Flats. I’m thinking you meant Burrard instead of Alma since all of Kitsilano extends east of Alma?
Yes, I’m pretty sure they meant Burrard instead of Alma. I was confused there for a sec too. Nevertheless, I drive through this area regularly and over the last couple years I’ve seen a transition from virtually nothing to a sprouting commercial neighbourhood. Sure sounds like a marketing campaign though!
Thanks for catching that Cathy – that’s what I meant to type!
Actually, the guys at Mint are not the first to coin the term “Armory District’ as it has been used for awhile now by other design businesses in the area. It is, however, a great term for the neighborhood so the more publicity it gets, the better.
The new retail/design stores that are popping up in the Armoury will definitely enhance the identity of the area. Mint Interiors has some amazing and unique items which Vancouver is in real need of. Opening up behind Mint Interiors http://www.mintinteriors.ca is Brougham Interiors http://www.broughaminteriors.com. They are closing the North Van location and opening at the corner of Fir & 3rd early 2011. The other big change for the area is that Living Space http://www.livingspace.com will be relocating to Pine & 1st. All very exciting for those of us that live near by!
There are some really cool design stores opening up in the Armoury District, and LivingSpace and Brougham Interiors are both pumping huge investments into their new locations set to open there really soon.
It’s really exciting…
The guys from MINT are opening a new store across the road called ‘Armoury Interiors’. The location is 3rd and Fir in the old East India Carpets warehouse. Word on the street it will be along the lines of French Industrial Modern interiors. The area just gets better and better!
Armoury Interiors will be opening in July 2012.
Watch this space! http://www.armouryinteriors.com
‘furniture & all things home’