Our Story

More than just a shop.

Considered one of the top five design shops in the world, Inform features the best in contemporary furniture, lighting, and accessories. Located in the heart of Vancouver's historic Gastown neighbourhood, Inform is known for its top-notch service delivered by a highly trained team and its quality selection, offering everything from design classics to current favourites.

Yet, Inform is more than just a shop. It is a hub that fosters a vibrant community for Design, Architecture, and Art enthusiasts. Inform supports local and international talent by making a space where creativity thrives through engaging events such as lectures, book launches, and exhibitions.

Founder, Niels Bendtsen

Born to a cabinet maker in Denmark, Inform founder Niels Bendtsen has worked with contemporary furniture all his life. In 1963, at 19, he opened Danet Interiors in the Park Royal shopping mall in West Vancouver. The shop focused on well-designed and well-crafted Danish Modern furniture from companies like Fritz Hansen, which the store still represents today. Seven years later, the store moved to 97 Water Street in Vancouver's Gastown neighbourhood, where it still stands. 

In 1972, Niels returned to Denmark to gain more design experience by working as a designer for various manufacturers. While there, he designed the Ribbon Chair, now part of the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) permanent collection. Upon returning to Vancouver in the 1980s, Niels changed the shop's name to Inform Interiors and, shortly after, founded his furniture line BENSEN to provide quality design and craftsmanship at an affordable price.

Throughout the 80s and 90s, Inform continued to grow under the direction of Niels and his wife, Nancy Bendtsen. Nancy took over in 2000, allowing Niels to expand BENSEN and take on new ventures. 

Expansion!

In 2002, plans began for an expansion. Designed by Omer Arbel in collaboration with Niels, an extensive renovation of a three-story, 28,500 sq. ft. building at 50 Water Street retained as many original architectural features as possible while adding a green roof and an innovative vertical geo-exchange system, significantly reducing energy consumption. The flagship shop opened in 2006 and embodied a new standard of retail and architecture for the city. The neighbourhood landmark exemplifies Nancy and Niels' commitment to bringing innovation in Design and Architecture to Vancouver. With the opening of the new showroom, the original space at 97 Water Street underwent renovations to become Inform's new home for B&B ITALIA and BOFFI Kitchen and Bath.

In 2011, after spending her teens in the Inform showrooms and with experience in New York's fashion design industry, Meriah Schultz Olson, one of Nancy and Niels' daughters, joined Inform.

Inform has established itself as a leading name in Vancouver's retail scene and has played a pivotal role in shaping the city's artistic and cultural landscape. Through its regular lectures and exhibitions, often featuring globally recognized designers, architects, and artists, Inform has fostered a vibrant creative community in Vancouver.

In 2023, Inform celebrated 60 years in business. To celebrate, Inform released a series of exclusive product collaborations, held special events and worked with the design practice Information Office to create a new logo and simplify the name from Inform Interiors to Inform. In keeping with the new streamlined look, Inform worked with design firm Civilization to design and create this new website.

Our delivery team is proud to be outfitted in Inform-branded apparel from Reigning Champ.