In a nutshell
A refined sanctuary on Mercer Street, Monos’ SoHo flagship translates its minimalist, design-led philosophy into physical form - offering an oasis for discerning travellers and establishing luggage not just as a practical necessity, but an expression of intentional living. Part spa, part retreat, part brand temple and part retail store.
In their words
Brand Background
Monos was founded in Vancouver, Canada, in 2018 by Victor Tam, Hubert Chan and Daniel Shin, with a mission to blend thoughtful design with sustainability, drawing influence from the Japanese philosophy of mono no aware - appreciation of the beauty in transience and imperfection. From the outset, the brand set itself apart by focusing on uncluttered aesthetics, quality materials and ethical manufacturing, using vegan and recycled components wherever possible. In early 2025, Monos became the first North American luggage brand to achieve B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment to social and environmental best practice - the company scored 84.5 in the rigorous assessment and has publicly stated its goal to ‘tread lightly’ and champion mindful travel .
Monos has expanded in North America and globally, with its products now sold in 56 countries and available through a growing network of flagship and concept stores in cities such as Boston, Los Angeles and Toronto . The 2025 launch of its new SoHo flagship at 120 Mercer Street marks the brand’s most ambitious bet on physical retail to date - and its first permanent location in New York. Designed by Belgian architect Bernard Dubois, the store is conceived as a gallery-like space with sculptural forms, natural stone and brushed plaster, and calming, tonal palettes. Press reports and event listings highlight the tranquil, ‘unearthed’ atmosphere and focus on ‘intentional simplicity’ as the core experience, with the aim to slow down the pace of retail and turn a visit into a mindful ritual rather than a rushed transaction .
The SoHo flagship offers the full Monos range of luggage, bags, and travel accessories, alongside in-store customer services such as luggage personalisation and a repair bar. The space debuts the Postcard concept - a hospitality and social zone inspired by the intersection of travel, music, and hospitality - with coffee, local snacks, and rotating DJs or cultural events. This model, first trialled in Chicago, is described by Monos as a ‘third space’ for modern travellers, aiming to be as much a community hub as a store. The launch follows a year of further innovation for the brand, including its first aluminium luggage collections and a global campaign starring actor Adrien Brody, intended to reset expectations of sustainable, design-driven travel gear  .
Visit Field notes
The first impact is of the store's architecture and design - the earth-toned bricks and expansive space evoke a spa or north African influences of dustry travel. The architect (Bernard Dubois) is responsible for the brick/earth design of Aesop stores, and it also evokes the marble cathedral to sneakers that is ACP.
Product is celebtrated as in a gallery in the main area - we could call it an atrium it's so grand. Warm spotlighting further celebrates individual products.
Meanwhile, alleys and nooks have higher product density, along with explanatory materials emphasising the build, quality and sustainability of the products.
Checkout
Design, visual merchandising, any colaborations (eg as with Landrover where there was a vehicle in the store).
Other Reading
- Opening covered in Haute Living
- The architect's project page - https://www.bernarddubois.com/projects/monos/
- Store page - https://monos.uk/pages/store-new-york-mercer-soho









