L’Occitane has redesigned its Canadian flagship boutique into an immersive digital experience and connected shopping model.

“Upon entering, guests will feel a sense of wonderment – they will be transported to the lavender fields of Provence, learn about L’Occitane’s expertise in the art of extraction, and visit the land of Corsica, home of the powerful Immortelle flower,” said Paul Blackburn, North American Vice President of Concept Design, Construction & Merchandising.

L’Occitane commissioned School House, the brand creative and experience agency, as lead designers for the new store, which is located in Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre on 3401 Dufferin Street.

“We approached [this store] as an artistic expression of Provence through a distillation of the elements, both tactile and digital, that spark a sense of wonderment,” said Christopher Skinner, Founder and Principal of School House. The store aims to transport customers with suspended “sensorial capsule pods.”

One of the largest L’Occitane boutiques in the world, it measures approximately 1,600 square feet. The exterior’s 22-foot high glass façade hosts a curved video wall that is six feet high and 18 feet wide, drawing guests in. Upon entering, guests are greeted by yellow glass archways, inspired by Provençal architecture. Key features include an interactive skin care bistro, and a large hand cream column wrapped with communal seating.

The redesign is part of a larger expansion of store concept innovation from the brand. In December 2017, L’Occitane will open major stores in two other iconic locations: Regent Street in London and 86 Champs (Champs Elysée) in Paris.