Monos just opened its first flagship store in Vancouver (PHOTOS)

Monos has brought its approach to mindful and sustainable travel to its first-ever brick-and-mortar store.

The Vancouver-based company — which became a global success thanks to social media — has opened a flagship retail space on the city’s trendy 4th Avenue in Kitsilano.

The brands’ sleekly designed suitcases are front and center at the stunning location, which reflects Monos’ signature neutral palette throughout the space. Shoppers will also be delighted to find the brand’s newly launched apparel line, among other chic travel accessories, all aimed at making your next trip a breeze — including the ever-popular Carry On Pro with a hardshell laptop compartment.

Monos has opened its first-ever store in Vancouver. (Santiago de Hoyos)

“Beyond being a place to touch and feel our products in person, we designed the store to be a multi-sensory, experiential extension of our brand in physical space,” co-founder and CEO Victor Tam said to Daily Hive about the store.

“When we travel mindfully and we’re tuned into the present, our senses become heightened in a way, and the moment we’re in becomes infinitely richer. That’s the magic we feel when we travel and connect to the present moment, and we hope to evoke a bit of that feeling of wonder when people walk through our doors.”

The Monos logo is seen on 4th Avenue. (Santiago de Hoyos)

The store experience is evidently the embodiment of the Japanese concept mono no aware — which is where the company gained its name — translating to “the profound appreciation of the beauty in fleeting moments.”

A dramatic arch is the focal point of the 1,900-square-foot location, acting as a nod to the old world — and the adventure of travel — within the otherwise modern space. A gorgeous brick feature wall adds texture to the store, which welcomes plenty of natural light with floor-to-ceiling front windows.

An arch is a focal point of the store along with a hand-laid brick wall. (Santiago de Hoyos)

A limited-edition sage green shade of luggage and related accessories are currently only available at the new store as an exclusive for the “in real life” shoppers (but will find its way to the website by mid-August).

“We hope to be a serene little oasis away from the bustle of the city, where people can experience travel through a Monos lens,” he said of the retail experience, which has also incorporated some tech-driven design elements for a more immersive experience.

The store reflects Monos’ signature neutral colour palette. (Santiago de Hoyos)

The store emulates a panoramic experience through 180-degree screens, capturing the spirit of travel with an array of different featured locations — and perhaps inspiring visitors to take their next adventure.

Light projections and a curated soundscape work together to create a calming, zen vibe with meditation sounds and other music to promote a stress-free visit — even if just for a short time.

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Tam also highlighted the center packing table as a unique feature within the store.

“This gives guests an opportunity to learn more about what sets Monos apart in the market and/or inspire our guests through storytelling of a packing journey,” he said of the interactive element.

Monos is known for its popular carry-on suitcases, a category in which it offers several options. (Santiago de Hoyos)

Tam created Monos with his two childhood friends, Hubert Chan and Daniel Shin. The trio had a vision to bring accessibly priced, quality luggage to the market. Design was also important to the group, who aim for Monos to look as timeless as possible, along with sustainability.

“We are Climate Neutral Certified, use 100% vegan finishes, and employ eco-friendly materials. As a member of 1% for the Planet, we are committed to giving back to our planet and taking care of it for future generation,” Victor noted.

Vancouver has a special place in the hearts of Tam, Chan and Shin, who are all born and raised in the Lower Mainland. They have also kept Monos’ head office based in the city, which factored into choosing Kits for the first-ever store as opposed to another city in Canada or the US.

Monos co-founders Hubert Chan, Victor Tam and Daniel Shin.

“The Vancouver market is one that’s really close to our hearts. Given that this is the next step in the next big evolution of the brand, we wanted to make sure that we were anchoring it in our hometown,” Tam said to DH.

“Vancouver also has a thriving retail scene and W 4th Avenue specifically is home to several iconic Canadian West Coast brands that we’re honoured to be in good company with.”

Monos’ first store comes after the growing company raised $10 million in Series A and $30 million in Series B funding last year. The company also intends to open additional stores outside of the Vancouver market as they work towards their eventual goal of a $1 billion valuation.

Monos is located at 2131 W 4th Avenue in Vancouver.