Kit and Ace is a Canadian clothing brand[2] founded in 2014 by Shannon Wilson, former lead designer of Lululemon Athletica, and her stepson J. J. Wilson.[3] Its focus is machine-washable cashmere wool clothing and accessories.[4] It is currently owned by Unity Brands Inc.
History
The first store opened in July 2014 in Vancouver's Gastown neighbourhood.[5]
In 2015, the brand opened retail stores in the US, the UK and Australia.[6]
In September 2015, the company installed shop-in-shop cafes from Toronto-based Sorry Coffee Co. in its London and Toronto stores.[7][8]
In April 2017, Kit and Ace closed all its international stores, focusing on e-commerce and its eight Canadian shops.[9] Hold It All Inc., a Vancouver-based company, owned the brand until the end of August 2018.[10]
In 2018, CEO George Tsogas acquired it from the company's founders and changed the brand direction creating apparel that is Smart, Easy to Love, and Made to Last on a mission to Amplify Optimism in the world.[11]
In 2018, the Navigator pant was selected as part of the "Ultimate Travel Gear" of 2018 by Air Canada's enRoute Magazine.[12]
In November 2019, Kit and Ace opens its first West Vancouver location in The Village, Park Royal.[13]
In December 2020, Kit and Ace returns to Edmonton opening a new location on Whyte Ave.[14]
In June 2022, Kit and Ace opened a new location on Queen Street in Toronto.[15]
In July 2023, Kit and Ace was acquired by Unity Brands Inc. under the ownership of veteran retail executives Joe Mimran, David Lui and Frank Rocchetti.[16]
External links
References
- Form 10-K – lululemon athletica inc. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, March 29, 2022^
- Our Story www.kitandace.com, retrieved 2019-02-13^
- Glen Korstrom. Kit and Ace co-founder JJ Wilson spins out new business ventures Business Vancouver, July 16, 2017, retrieved November 2, 2018^
- Jacob Brogan. "Technical Cashmere" Is a Hot Fashion Item. It's Not the Fancy Material You Think. Slate Magazine, 2015-12-17, retrieved 2019-02-13^
- How Kit and Ace plans to become the Lululemon of streetwear www.canadianbusiness.com, retrieved 2019-02-13^
- Kit and Ace steps up international growth with Lululemon founder... Reuters, 2015-03-05, retrieved 2019-02-13^
- Ashley Tomlinson. All Apologies: Toronto’s Sorry Coffee Company Inside Kit And Ace sprudge.com, February 28, 2017, retrieved November 28, 2023^
- Lauren LaRose. "Canadian retailer Kit and Ace expands The Star, 3 September 2015^
- Andrew Wills, Marina Strauss. Clothing chain Kit and Ace closes stores outside Canada The Globe and Mail, April 26, 2017^
- Kit and Ace lays off some head office staff, closes international stores The Canadian Press April 26, 2017^
- Kit and Ace mails a dose of optimism to shoppers Strategy News, 11 December 2020, retrieved 11 December 2020^
- L. M. Chabot. The Ultimate Travel Gear of 2018 enroute.aircanada.com, retrieved 2019-02-13^
- Park Royal www.kitandace.com, retrieved 2019-10-24^
- 7 pieces from Kit and Ace that will make for the coziest winter dailyhive.com, retrieved 2021-02-18^
- Queen Street West Kit and Ace kitandace.com, retrieved 2022-06-20^
- Vancouver clothing retailer Kit and Ace bought by company co-owned by Joe Mimran Vancouver Sun, July 5, 2023, retrieved November 28, 2023^