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] to sell 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]
