From plastic waste to wearable design: Vancouver bag brand ATACZ opens its first retail store in Richmond

ATACZ didn’t start with a business plan. It started with a question: What if waste could be turned into something both beautiful and functional?

The Vancouver-based accessory brand—known for transforming recycled plastic bottles into sleek, minimalist bags—is now taking its mission offline with the opening of its first brick-and-mortar store at CF Richmond Centre on July 19. For Gigi Wong, co-founder and head of product design, this moment feels like a full-circle reflection of what ATACZ was always meant to be—a physical space that invites people not just to shop, but to connect with the bigger story behind the brand.

That story began in 2022, when a passion for art, knitwear, and sustainability came together in a single, disruptive idea: turn plastic waste into something functional, stylish and lasting. ATACZ launched online with a line of bags that felt both utilitarian and elevated—lightweight, body-conforming pieces that move with people through their day. From work commutes and grocery runs to gym sessions and weekend getaways, the bags are designed for the rhythm of real life.

But what really set ATACZ apart is what their bags are made of: recycled PET plastic, the same material found in single-use water bottles. By developing a custom knitting technique, the brand found a way to upcycle that waste into soft, durable fabric—diverting more than 100,000 bottles from landfills and oceans so far.

The new 1,800-square-foot store brings this ethos into a tangible setting. Inside, the design is crisp and clean, with bold orange accents pulled from the brand’s signature palette. Fixtures made from repurposed wood and recycled plastic create a seamless thread between product and place.

The brand’s unisex, seasonless aesthetic plays into that philosophy. The bags are made to last—not just physically, but stylistically. “We avoid trends and instead prioritize clean lines, neutral colors and practical features that cater to various needs,” says Wong.

ATACZ’s growth has been steady but intentional. From Granville Island pop-ups to e-commerce to this new permanent location, each step has brought the brand closer to its community. Looking ahead, expansion is on the horizon—a greater e-commerce presence, more pop-ups across Canada and more collaborations—even international.

But the founder remains clear-eyed in her commitment to sustainability: “We plan to scale responsibly by maintaining transparency, sourcing eco-friendly materials and adhering to sustainable practices in every aspect of our operations,” she says. “Whether through stores or collaborations, our growth will be guided by our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and empowering conscious consumers.”