Toronto-based Ahiri set to open first flagship on West Queen West

Canadian womenswear label Ahiri, announces the opening of its new flagship store at 797 Queen Street West on May 28. This is its first permanent store which houses its design studio on the retail floor along with its office and warehouse. Combining its studio and retail spaces means Ahiri customers can be part of the label’s design process and experience the world of designer Michael Jafine. This behind-the-scenes access offers a deeper connection, making it more than just a shopping trip. Toronto-based visual consultant Jairo Betancur, known for his work with renowned brands such as Gucci, Hudson’s Bay and Club Monaco, is overseeing the store’s visual presentation and merchandising. 

“Co-locating our retail, designer studio, office and warehouse will save time, resources and allow Ahiri to streamline its operations. Our customers can see what Michael is working on, give their feedback and be a meaningful part of Ahiri’s ecosystem. They will get a behind-the-scenes look at the design process, including mood boards, fabric swatches and other in-studio accoutrements,” says Sheetu Latif,  CEO and co-founder, Ahiri. 

“This is a huge moment for Ahiri and our team couldn’t be more excited to offer a fresh retail experience. Ahiri is all about timeless designer fashion and now our customers can get a behind-the-scenes look at our creative process and give their own input. The relationship with our customers will become more intimate, as they will now be reflected in our upcoming collections in a deeper way,” says Michael Jafine, head of design, Ahiri.

Launched in 2021 by co-founders Sheetu Latif, Naimul Chowdhury and Ahnaf Ali, Ahiri has since dropped four collections. The latest addition, the SS24 collection, which dropped on April 15, features chic day-to-night styles meticulously curated for the metropolitan muse. Ahiri became available for purchase on Amazon.ca in October of last year.