A splash of bright pink. That’s your introduction to the Umbra store on John Street. Umbra is a Toronto-based home accessories design and manufacturing company. It stands out amidst the monotone brick buildings.
Let’s step inside Umbra. The story of Umbra began with a simple need. Paul Rowan couldn’t find a window shade he liked. He designed one himself. His friend Les Mandelbaum saw its potential. In 1979, they founded Umbra. Umbra means “shade” in Latin. The name is a nod to their first product.
Umbra’s concept store is more than just a shop. It’s an experience. The building itself was designed for Umbra by Kohn Shnier Architects in 2007. The bright pink bands are hard to miss.
Umbra now sells over 2000 home products. These are available in 25000 retail stores. These stores are spread across 120 countries. Umbra’s designs are modern and functional. They are also surprisingly affordable.
What makes Umbra special? They have an in-house design team. Matt Carr leads over 30 designers both in Canada and abroad. They also collaborate with independent designers. Karim Rashid, Hlynur Atlason and Harry Allen are some notable names.
One of Umbra’s most famous products is the GARBO trash can. Karim Rashid designed it in 1996. It was named after Greta Garbo. Its shape mimics her body. Within two years, it sold over two million units. It even earned a place in the Museum of Modern Art.
Umbra also created the OH Chair. It is a “scoop” of plastic. It makes use of negative space. It is still sold today.
Umbra Shift is a brand extension. It uses higher-end materials. It employs different production techniques.
Umbra continues to innovate. They release 30 to 60 new products every year. They focus on major markets. Here, designs are most in need of protection.
Umbra’s success comes from its original designs. Protecting those designs is crucial. They invest in patents and industrial designs. They also defend their IP rights.
Umbra’s co-founders Les Mandelbaum and Paul Rowan were inducted into the Canadian Marketing Hall of Legends as Visionaries in 2010.
So next time you’re looking for something to spice up your home think of Umbra. Think about its history and its commitment to good design. Remember that pink building on John Street. It is a symbol of Toronto innovation.