Mondetta Clothing Launches First Storefront in Winnipeg

After nearly 40 years in the apparel industry, Mondetta Clothing Inc. is set to open its first retail storefront, signaling a significant shift for the company. The new store, named Modern Ambition, will open in late September 2023 in downtown Winnipeg, specifically at the corner of Carlton Street and Graham Avenue in True North Square. This 1,200-square-foot location will feature clothing from Mondetta’s luxury brand of the same name.

Mondetta co-founder and CEO Ash Modha emphasized the company’s commitment to its Manitoba roots. “We believe that we all have to do our part for the city to actually build commerce downtown,” Modha stated. He expressed a desire for Winnipeg to be the first city to receive the brand’s offerings, rather than larger markets like Toronto or New York.

Modern Ambition: A New Retail Experience

The Modern Ambition store aims to create an intimate shopping atmosphere, resembling a cozy living room equipped with comfortable couches and chairs. This design choice is part of a broader strategy to enhance customer experience through concierge-level service, including personal styling, private shopping, and on-the-spot tailoring. “The idea of this is to keep it intimate,” Modha explained. “You can come in and you’re known. Your information is all on file, including your sizing, so they can show you the new products that come in.”

Mondetta, which was founded in 1986 by Ash Modha, his brother Prashant Modha, and friend Raj Bahl, has evolved from its early days of selling signature flag sweatshirts to now encompassing four distinct brands. These include Mondetta, Mondetta Originals, MPG activewear, and the newly launched Modern Ambition, which combines elements of activewear with luxury menswear.

The Modern Ambition line offers tailored clothing made from moisture-wicking fabrics, with prices positioned competitively against high-end brands. While many luxury suits can retail for upwards of $3,000, Modern Ambition’s offerings are priced around $900.

Future Growth and Investment Plans

Mondetta is investing $1 million into the Winnipeg store as part of a larger strategy to expand its retail footprint. The company plans to open a total of 24 new stores over the next five years, with half of these dedicated to the Modern Ambition brand and the other half to the Mondetta name. To further promote its offerings, Mondetta is retrofitting a motorhome into a mobile showroom that will travel across Canada.

Georgi Gvakharia has been appointed as the vice-president and global head of retail to oversee the growth of the Modern Ambition brand. Gvakharia brings valuable experience from his previous roles at Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren, and Modha expressed confidence in his ability to scale the division quickly.

As Mondetta prepares for its grand opening in October 2023, it aims to create a significant impact not just in the local market but across Canada. The company currently employs around 150 people, with 110 of them based in Manitoba. The first Modern Ambition store will initially hire four staff members, with plans for substantial recruitment as more locations open.

Looking ahead, Mondetta will celebrate its 40th anniversary on January 16, 2026, marking four decades of innovation and commitment to the fashion industry. “It’s pretty wild,” Modha noted, reflecting on the company’s journey from its inception to its current retail ambitions.