Canada Goose: The £1,000 coats that are everywhere in Islington - as robberies reported in the UK and US

Those not in the know when it comes to fashion brands may still have spotted the polar map adorning the sleeves of winter coats in upmarket parts of London. What some will not know is that the parkas can cost more than £1,000.

Canada Goose seems to be ubiquitous this year in parts of Islington and Hackney, with its “Canada Goose, Arctic Program” label in red, white and blue.

The Toronto-founded luxury outerwear label’s sales dropped in the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America) last quarter, but despite the cost-of-living crisis sales seem healthy in affluent parts of London. The brand has had a store in Regent Street for five years.

However, in the US and the UK the price tag on a Canada Goose parka - ranging from £750 to £1,595 - has made the coat a target for thieves.

Canada Goose

In 1957, Polish-Jewish immigrant Sam Tick founded Metro Sportswear in Canada. It would eventually become Canada Goose (via Snow Goose).

Son-in-law David Reiss took over as CEO in 1982 and later acquired a majority share. In 2001, his son, Dani, took over and, since then, Bain Capital gained a majority stake and shares have been sold on the Toronton and New York stock markets.

Geese and coyotes

The coats often contain goose down and the hoods of parkas have been lined with coyote fur. This led to protests from animal rights campaigners, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) even bought shares in a bid to end practices involving animal cruelty.

In 2021 the company announced it would cease the use of coyote fur.

Robberies

The BBC reports that, this month, police in Washington DC have warned people to be vigilant after armed robbers targeted people wearing Canada Goose coats.

At least seven robberies have been reported since December, some near George Washington University, which has also warned people to take care.

In the UK, occasional robberies have been reported in recent years.

West Yorkshire Police launched an appeal after a knifepoint robbery in Cleckheaton in January.

In 2017, thieves on mopeds carried out a smash-and-grab at the Regent Street store, just days after it opened.

The future of Canada Goose

Earlier this month Canada Goose holdings announced a new five-year growth plan which includes opening more stores. The company has not responded to a request for comment on whether this will include London.

AnnouDani Reiss, chairman and CEO, said: “Today, Canada Goose is recognized around the world as a performance luxury lifestyle brand, known as a global leader in warmth and protection.

“Our products are iconic, our style is enduring and our brand has never been stronger.

“Looking ahead, we see incredible opportunity to continue the revenue growth trajectory we have experienced since the time of our IPO and deliver increasing rates of profitability.”