AS Cooper & Sons Ltd. has been bucking the trend of retailers during the recession with the expansion and opening of a new 7,000-square foot space at its Reid Street store.

The retailer will relocate its second floor 'studio' better ladieswear department to the third floor of its main store building which was occupied by HSBC's personal loan department for the past three years.

AS Cooper managing director Somers Cooper said: "This strategic move reinstates the synergies once enjoyed by the company some years ago in our old building at the same location. We had a very successful Reid Street fashion presence prior to 2005, before we started our new building project.

"Once again we will be able to offer first class street-to-street shopping within our main store just in time for the holiday season. We expect our entire business to benefit."

The new third floor 'studio' will offer an expanded selection of labels from designers such as Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Jones New York, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and DKNY, as well as an enhanced dress and suit department.

The space, which was designed by West 49th Parallel in Toronto and renovated by local builders BCM McAlpine, has a modern and airy feel and offers a panoramic view of Hamilton Harbour at the southern end.

A big accessory wall greets shoppers on the left as they enter from Reid Street and there are also spacious fitting rooms complete with custom lighted three-way mirrors.

"We expect to open our doors for a 'soft' opening for the public this coming Thursday, October 28 with a view to have our grand opening in mid-November once the space is complete with all the new fixtures, etc," said Mr. Cooper.

This year marks the company's 113th year in business. It was established by Mr. Cooper's great grandfather, Alexander Samuel Cooper, and was originally located on Front Street next to Butterfield Bank.