A Store Experience Like No Other

When Arc’teryx reopened its flagship store in downtown Vancouver, the brand was determined to create something that redefined the way people experience retail. For decades, flagship stores have aimed to be more than simple places to shop; they’ve sought to be cultural touchstones, brand beacons, and immersive experiences. But Arc’teryx set out to take things further by weaving its unique connection to nature directly into the fabric of the store. The result was a breathtaking installation: an 11-foot by 9-foot illuminated 3D hiking trail map of Southwestern British Columbia. More than an eye-catching display, this topo wall transformed the store into a living, interactive tribute to the landscapes and athletes that define the Arc’teryx spirit. For shoppers and adventurers alike, it is a centerpiece that brings the mountains into the city, turning a flagship store into a gateway to the outdoors.

From Vision to Reality: Designing the Epic Topo Wall

The idea behind the topo wall was born from a simple but powerful question: how could the flagship store embody the brand’s deep connection to place? Vancouver sits at the meeting point of skyscrapers and summits, of ocean and alpine. The wilderness is never far away, and Arc’teryx wanted to capture that energy. A traditional map might have communicated this connection, but it wouldn’t have had the impact the brand was aiming for. Instead, the design team imagined something tactile and immersive—a three-dimensional topography wall that showcased mountains, valleys, and coastlines with stunning realism. By scaling up to 11 feet wide and 9 feet tall, the map would dominate the space, demanding attention while inviting exploration.

It was no small challenge. Every detail had to be perfect, from the precision of the terrain contours to the integration of interactive lighting. A powder-coated aluminum frame was engineered to anchor securely into the wall, ensuring durability for years of engagement. The framing and sidewalls of the topo layers were finished in white, a crisp and deliberate choice that kept the attention on the terrain while matching the modern, minimal aesthetic of the store.

This was not just a design project but a feat of fabrication. Translating the raw beauty of Southwestern British Columbia into a physical wall demanded a marriage of advanced technology, skilled craftsmanship, and storytelling.

The Magic of Light: Illuminating Trailheads

While the physical scale of the topo wall is undeniably impressive, its real magic lies in its illumination system. This is not simply a decorative feature; it is an interactive map that allows customers to explore real-world trails at the press of a button. Arc’teryx worked with a cartographer to carefully plot the exact trailhead locations across Southwestern British Columbia. Each of these trailheads is identified by a single LED light embedded within the contours of the map. Through a control panel positioned in front of the installation, visitors can activate switches that bring these lights to life. Four different switches allow for the identification of specific trail systems, each corresponding to hikes that hold significance in the region’s outdoor culture.

The effect is electrifying. As a customer pushes a button, a trailhead begins to glow, connecting the store environment to the landscapes beyond. A legend incorporated into the design ensures clarity, with labels that correspond to each switch. This small act of interactivity turns the shopping experience into something memorable and emotional. It invites customers to recall their own adventures, recognize familiar paths, or spark curiosity about new trails waiting to be explored. This illumination system also reflects Arc’teryx’s philosophy as a brand. Just as their gear is designed to perform in the wild, this installation is designed to inspire action. It doesn’t just tell customers about the outdoors—it points them directly to it.

A Tribute to Southwestern British Columbia

At its heart, this topo wall is more than a store installation—it’s a tribute to the region that gave birth to Arc’teryx. Southwestern British Columbia is a landscape defined by extremes: rugged peaks rising from the sea, deep valleys carved by glaciers, and dense forests that stretch for miles. For decades, these landscapes have been the testing grounds for Arc’teryx athletes and the inspiration behind their most innovative products.

Every layer of the 3D map is a love letter to this geography. The ridgelines, valleys, and coastlines etched into the wall remind visitors that Vancouver is not just another city—it is a place where wilderness begins just beyond the skyline. The trails highlighted in LED are not abstract features but real journeys that hikers, climbers, and skiers take every day.

For local customers, the map is deeply personal. They recognize places they’ve been and dream of returning. For travelers visiting the flagship, it serves as a window into the wildness that makes Vancouver unique. In both cases, it reinforces Arc’teryx’s identity as a brand rooted in authenticity, adventure, and respect for nature.

The Engineering Behind the Experience

Behind the artistry of the topo wall lies a remarkable amount of engineering. An installation of this size and complexity had to be built with the same principles that guide outdoor equipment: strength, precision, and durability.

The powder-coated aluminum frame was custom fabricated not only to bear the weight of the layered topography but also to ensure it would remain secure against the wall. Anchored with precision, the frame provides stability in a high-traffic retail environment where customers interact daily with the display. The choice of aluminum offered the right balance of strength and weight, while powder coating added protection against wear.

Every contour layer was meticulously cut, stacked, and aligned to recreate the terrain with accuracy. Wiring for the LED system was seamlessly integrated, hidden from sight but easily accessible for maintenance. The push-button control panel, along with the legend, was engineered for ease of use, ensuring the interactive elements were intuitive and inviting. The end result is a structure that feels organic in its beauty but is grounded in technical excellence. Just as Arc’teryx products are built to withstand harsh alpine environments, this topo wall was built to endure the demands of a bustling flagship store.

Elevating Retail Through Immersion

The illuminated topo wall does more than showcase geography; it redefines what a store experience can be. In an era when retail faces pressure from digital shopping, physical spaces must offer something more than transactions—they must create memories. Arc’teryx has achieved this by making their flagship a place of exploration.

When customers step into the Vancouver store, they don’t just see jackets, climbing gear, or packs. They encounter a towering wall that celebrates the mountains they aspire to climb and the trails they dream of hiking. The interactive lights draw them into the experience, giving them a sense of participation. This kind of immersion fosters a deeper emotional connection to the brand, one that goes far beyond the purchase of a product.

The wall also serves as a storytelling tool for staff. Sales associates can walk customers through the geography, pointing out specific trailheads and sharing stories about the landscapes. This turns each shopping interaction into a narrative experience, rooted in the brand’s culture of adventure. In this way, the topo wall is not just décor but a powerful element of retail strategy. It inspires, educates, and connects, all while strengthening the bond between Arc’teryx and its customers.

A Lasting Symbol of Adventure

For Arc’teryx, the illuminated 3D hiking trail map is more than an installation. It is a lasting symbol of the brand’s mission and identity. It stands as a tribute to athletes who push boundaries, to landscapes that inspire innovation, and to the community of explorers who define the Arc’teryx spirit.

By combining art, engineering, and interactivity, the wall bridges the gap between the city and the wild. It transforms a flagship store into a cultural landmark where visitors are reminded of the mountains just beyond the skyline. It elevates the shopping experience into something memorable and emotional, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a piece of that wilderness spirit.

The topo wall also sets a new precedent for what flagship retail experiences can be. In blending technology, craftsmanship, and geography, Arc’teryx has created an installation that is both practical and poetic. It proves that the best retail design is not just about aesthetics but about meaning—about telling a story that customers want to be part of.

Where the City Meets the Mountains

In the end, this 11×9 foot illuminated topo wall is not just a centerpiece of Arc’teryx’s Vancouver flagship—it is a bridge between worlds. It connects the bustling urban heart of downtown with the untamed wilderness of Southwestern British Columbia. It invites customers to explore, remember, and dream, all while standing inside a store. For Arc’teryx, it is a proud symbol of their roots and their future. For visitors, it is a powerful reminder that the call of the mountains is always close at hand. This installation doesn’t just change a store—it transforms it into an experience, a destination, and a celebration of the enduring bond between people and place.