Beginning in Quebec City in 1837 as a humble hat store, the retail chain now operates nine extravagant stores all across the country. In Montreal, Holt Renfrew has been operating since 1889 and is located along the prestigious Golden Square Mile (since the late 1930’s) on Sherbrooke Street West. The store’s neighbors include the elegant Ritz Carlton hotel one side, and Montreal’s Museum of Fine Art (Musée des beaux arts) on the other; not bad company to keep.
Since the first iteration of the store almost two centuries ago, the ownership has changed hands several times, with the name come from two men who at one point held the control of the company. George Renfrew and John Holt named the store Holt Renfrew and Co. Ltd. in 1908.
The front runner in bringing international fashion to many cities in Canada, the Holts in Montreal operates a Gucci boutique, neighbored by Christian Dior and Hermès at street level. The main floor also features make up, jewelry, bags and an expansive men’s suit department. Many other world class brands include Chanel, Prada, Burberry, Versace, Tom Ford, Varvatos Star, Coach, Kate Spade, and the list goes on, and on. Shopping events at the store, here in the city and across the country, burst past epic and even the store window unveiling has become an attraction to many fans. What better place to get that special something for a perfect night on the town?
The Montreal store also features Holt’s Café, where busy shoppers can relax and enjoy a quick lunch. During the Christmas season, an expanded gift section is laid out featuring Fauchon, Fortnum & Masson and Mariage Frères to name a few.
So, hat’s off to a wonderful 175 years of Holts!
Fashion comes and goes, but iconic style is now, and forever.