Gant brings its sportswear to Canada

American-swedish clothing brand Gant recently expanded its operations in Canada.

Offering a selection of chic sportswear styles for adults and kids, the brand merges its unique heritage — the house was built on a steady foundation of stylish shirts — with modern appeal. We caught up with Stockholm-based Eleonore Säll, the executive vice-president of Gant.

Q What is Gant?

A Gant is a premium, preppy American sportswear brand for men, women, teens and kids. The brand was founded by Bernard Gantmacher in the college town of New Haven, Conn., in 1949. The brand was founded on one simple goal: To make the best shirts in the world. At a time when most shirts were white, Gant pioneered colour and pattern and invented features such as the back-collar button, the box pleat and the locker loop. We have grown to be a big brand with large collections, but the shirt remains one of our icons today.

Q What makes it unique?

A On the one hand, we have our rich heritage based on timeless classic pieces and craftsmanship. On the other hand, we are a very curious, contemporary brand, which challenges itself daily. We have a motto of Never Stop Learning that runs like a red thread through everything we do.

Q Who is the target customer?

A We identify our target customer as the Curious Professional. This is a modern, ambitious person who values knowledge currency. They consider the conversation and topics someone brings to the dinner table the most important thing, not what car they drive. Someone who wants to feel comfortable in what they're wearing, yet stylish. Someone who values garments of quality that will last a long time.

Q The brand recently launched in Canada. What made this the right time to do so?

A We are a global brand with presence in 81 countries so it was a natural step for us to look into Canada. Canada is a dynamic market with interesting opportunities and we were excited to be able to bring Gant to customers there as we feel there is a strong alignment with the style. On a personal note I am very happy about this, as Canada and Vancouver in particular is one of my favourite places in the world!

Q What is the price range for Gant pieces and where can people check them out?

A In Canada, Gant pieces range in price anywhere from $18 for socks and other smaller apparel items, to $1,200-plus for leathers and outerwear. You can shop Gant at gantcanada.ca, as well as our retailers, Hudson's Bay, Simons, Nordstrom, Browns and Sporting Life. aharris@postmedia.com