Mejuri Shines As It Expands Into Holt Renfrew With A First-of-Its-Kind Retail Experience

In an exciting new chapter for the fine jewelry brand, Mejuri has announced its expansion into Holt Renfrew, marking its first-ever retail presence in Canada outside of standalone boutiques. Launching on October 4 at Holt Renfrew’s Toronto Bloor Street location, and on October 18 in Vancouver, this partnership highlights Mejuri’s continued growth in the luxury retail space. Known for its minimalist, everyday fine jewelry, Mejuri will bring its signature Ring Bar and piercing studio to these iconic locations, blending craftsmanship with a refined, interactive shopping experience for new and loyal customers alike. We spoke with Noura Sakkijha, co-founder and CEO of Mejuri, to learn more. She also gives us her top fall styling and holiday gift tips! —Noa Nichol

What inspired Mejuri to partner with Holt Renfrew for this first-of-its-kind retail expansion, and how does this collaboration align with Mejuri’s core values and growth strategy?

We recently rolled out a similar but more temporary retail model at Selfridges in London and INCU in Australia, and we were thrilled with the results. It really helped us attract new customers and connect with them in meaningful ways. When the opportunity to partner with Holts came about, we recognized a great opportunity to continue our retail expansion in Canada with a renowned retailer who shares our commitment to offering elevated products in addition to personalized and meaningful shopping experiences.

We’re excited about the potential to keep experimenting with different retail models as we grow our presence. It’s all about finding the right approach that resonates with our audience.

The Bloor Street and Vancouver locations have unique design elements, such as the Ring Bar and textured plaster walls. Can you tell us more about how these features reflect Mejuri’s brand identity and customer experience philosophy?

I like to envision Mejuri as our customer’s best friend with impeccable taste and knowledge in jewelry. When you walk into our store, it should feel like stepping into their closet, filled with carefully curated pieces. Every element of the space was thoughtfully designed in-house to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You’ll find that the ring bar is a cornerstone of all our stores. It provides a space where customers can touch and feel the jewelry, allowing them to engage with and style their selections. We felt it was essential to remove barriers and enable our community to interact directly with the pieces, creating a joyful and fun experience.

How does the on-site piercing studio at the Bloor Street location enhance the customer journey, and are there plans to incorporate similar experiences in future store openings?

We’ve now opened piercing studios in most of our store locations, which I am really excited about. We’re doubling down on this because it offers a fun, memorable and elevated experience. Our community truly loves the art of styling and stacking, whether it’s earrings, necklaces, rings, or bracelets. This passion for personalized expression is something we cherish, and we believe that offering piercing services enhances that experience. By curating their own unique looks through multiple piercings, customers can create combinations that reflect their individual style and personality. This not only deepens their connection to our jewelry but also fosters a sense of creativity and joy in self-expression.

Sustainability is a key focus for both Mejuri and Holt Renfrew. How do the two brands complement each other in promoting sustainability within the luxury retail space, particularly through this new venture?

I have always admired Holt Renfrew’s approach to sustainability, which has been integral to their identity since their inception. Their philosophy emphasizes progress over perfection, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement. We both envision a more responsible and inclusive future in retail, and making an impact where we can. I also appreciate Holt Renfrew’s H Project, which curates products from across the globe that are not only beautiful but also tell compelling stories. These selections support local cultures and communities, minimize environmental impact, and contribute positively to the world. In the same spirit, we launched our Salmon Gold collection, a new initiative to sourcing gold from abandoned legacy mines that is fully traceable from its origins and contributes to habitat restoration. Our partnership with Regeneration by the NGO RESOLVE will help reverse the effects of past industrial demands on mines, which disrupted natural habitats that were vital for the fish populations, while simultaneously integrating this gold from the remaining mine tailings into our jewelry product. 

What can customers look forward to during the opening weekends, and how does the collaboration with Kov Essentials add to the celebration of Mejuri’s introduction at Holt Renfrew?

We have some exciting surprises in store for our community, one of which is our gift with purchase: a Kov Essentials Soul Clip. We specifically chose to partner with a Canadian, female-founded small business because there are so many incredible brands in Canada that deserve to be highlighted. I’m a big fan of Kov; their clips offer a premium feel and stand out from typical claw clips, as they are made entirely plastic-free. We are thrilled to support such innovative brands in our community.

While we have you, what’s trending/bestselling in the collection for fall/winter/holiday? Styling tips as the weather cools down and our outfits bulk up?

There’s always room for a beautifully sculptural hoop earring, no matter the season. These versatile pieces, like our Dome Figure Hoops, add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or it’s for an everyday look, sculptural hoops can elevate your style effortlessly.