Winnipeg-based modern furniture company EQ3 is thrilled to announce the opening of its new flagship store in Toronto’s thriving Liberty Village. The doors of the nearly 9,000-square-foot space officially open Sept. 1, unveiling Fall 2012 designs, its inaugural BASICS collection, and its collaboration with Finnish design house, Marimekko. The location will also house its signature custom-made upholstered designs and home furnishings, along with its iconic EQ3+ line, a hand-picked selection of internationally renowned products from brands like Herman Miller, Alessi, and Vitra.
“We are ecstatic to be joining the burgeoning Liberty Village neighbourhood – it’s a dynamic area of the city and is increasingly known as a furniture shopping destination,” says Peter Tielmann, president of EQ3. “As a brand with strong Canadian roots, this heritage space is the perfect fit for EQ3’s Toronto expansion.”
LIBERTY VILLAGE FLAGSHIP
The new, two-storey showroom transforms the Hanna Avenue building, originating back to 1910, into a space that balances EQ3’s modern aesthetic with the industrial nature of the historic structure. An intriguing duality is brought forward – juxtaposing rustic Canadian construction influences like concrete flooring, 8″ wide planks of solid wood, and ash shelving with sleek, modern furniture designs.
Designed by EQ3 creative director Thom Fougere, the flagship features two distinct areas: the first level showcasing smaller items and accessories, along with a statement, custom-made 40′ x 35′ lighting installation that will illuminate the entire space; the second floor hosting EQ3’s expansive product line, including fully customizable and Canadian-made upholstery available in over 100 fabric and leather options, as well as bedroom, office, dining and entertainment collections.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
Exclusive to the new Liberty Village location, EQ3 will also launch a shop-in-shop experience with Marimekko, the textile and clothing design company internationally renowned for its original prints and vibrant colours. This space will offer a curated selection of the Finnish company’s products, including bedding, shower curtains, tableware, kitchen linens, and pillows. Most notably, Markimekko graphic textiles will be available for purchase and application on EQ3’s upholstery collections.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our presence in Canada, and this partnership with EQ3 is a perfect match to do so,” says Lynn Shanahan, president, Marimekko North America. “The addition of a Marimekko shop-in-shop at the new Liberty Village EQ3 location will add to the beautiful, affordable interiors being offered at this Toronto flagship location and we could not be more pleased to be a part of it.”