This spring, the fourth-generation, family-owned flooring company Burritt Bros will move into the largest unit at Marine Landing. The 6,159-square-foot space spans two levels, with 4,652 square feet on the ground floor and a 1,507-square-foot mezzanine above.
For Burritt Bros, the move represents more than a relocation — it’s a strategic evolution shaped by history, experience, and a clear understanding of how their industry is changing.
Founded nearly 120 years ago, Burritt Bros is one of Vancouver’s longest-standing family businesses. “I’m fourth generation,” said Keith Donegani, CEO of Burritt Bros, who has led the company for the past decade and marks more than 20 years with the business this March. “There aren’t many companies like that left in Vancouver.”
Evolving beyond retail roots
Over the years, Burritt Bros has expanded well beyond its retail origins. Alongside its residential business serving homeowners, the company operates Colin Campbell and Sons, which caters to designers, architects, and builders, as well as Nature’s Carpet — a proprietary brand distributed to retailers across North America.
What began as separate, competing businesses ultimately became unified under one roof through acquisition and consolidation.
Adaptability has been key. In recent years, the flooring industry — like many others — has undergone a significant shift. In the post-pandemic landscape, customers increasingly begin their search online, narrowing their choices before ever stepping into a showroom.
As a result, large traditional retail spaces have become less effective, while distribution, logistics, and curated, appointment-based experiences have grown in importance.
A strategic shift toward ownership
When the company faced a lease renewal with a proposed rent increase of more than 100 percent, it prompted a critical reassessment of its future.
“The rules had changed,” said Donegani. “But we saw it as an opportunity.”
For much of its history, Burritt Bros owned its real estate. That changed in 2016, when the company sold its long-standing Main Street location and moved into a leased space on Fraser Street.
Faced with rising lease costs, the team began searching for a space to purchase — one that could support a smaller, more intentional showroom, administrative offices, proximity to transit, and separate warehouse and distribution operations.
Marine Landing quickly stood out.
“We knew we needed to be creative and rebuild somewhere else. As soon as we walked into Marine Landing, we knew it was the one,” Donegani said.
High ceilings, natural light, a flexible layout, and a built-in mezzanine made the space an ideal fit. The development’s amenities — including rooftop patio space, fitness facilities, and a dog run — were added benefits.
Equally important was the location: close to SkyTrain, near its west-side customer base, and situated within a growing mixed-use neighbourhood.
A modern showroom model
At Marine Landing, Burritt Bros and Colin Campbell will operate a trade-focused showroom by appointment — designed to support informed, face-to-face conversations following an online-first customer journey.
The new space will further position the company as a trusted resource, offering deep expertise in flooring, sustainability, and material sourcing.
With a continued focus on natural materials, ethical procurement, and wool carpet at its core, Burritt Bros anticipates yet another evolution in its industry.
“This business has reinvented itself many times over the last century,” Donegani said. “Marine Landing gives us the foundation to do it again — this time with a space that truly reflects where we’re going.”
Built for long-term growth
With construction of the space now underway and a planned move-in this June, Burritt Bros’ presence at Marine Landing reflects exactly what the development was designed for: established businesses embracing modern space to support long-term growth, resilience, and continued evolution.