Body-piercing and tattooing retailer BodyMods will expand into Alberta by opening two new shops at major malls in Calgary.

The company, which describes itself as Canada’s largest body-jewelry retailer, said it will studios at Chinook Centre in the city’s southwest quadrant iAugust 15, followed by Market Mall in northwest Calgary in October..

Founded in 2002 by Sarah Bolton and Nathan Arnold, Surrey, B.C.-based BodyMods currently operates 10 locations in B.C. and plans to open 12 more studios by 2028. The company’s business model varies from those of its competitors by operating locations in major malls rather than small streetfront locations.

“When we started BodyMods, body-piercing and tattooing simply weren’t as widely accepted as they are today,” said Arnold. “We spent a lot of time convincing people that this industry could be professional, welcoming, and a natural fit for shopping centres.

“We believed in its potential long before it became part of the mainstream, and we set out to build a company that would help redefine what people could expect from body modifications. Bringing BodyMods to Alberta is another step in that journey, and we’re excited for what’s still to come.”

The Calgary studios will offer BodyMods’ full range of body jewelry, professional piercing and tattoo services, including custom tattoos and styling advice. The company said the new locations will maintain the same standards of quality, safety and customer service that have defined the brand for more than two decades.

“Opening in Calgary is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of,” said Bolton. “It’s an opportunity to introduce more Canadians to BodyMods and everything we’ve spent more than two decades building.

“Opening in two of Calgary’s premier shopping centres is a reminder of how far our industry has come. Over the past 20 years,”

She added that BodyMods has helped shape todlay’s body-piercing and tattooing induustry and will continue to do so in the futura.

Pictured: BodyMods’ new location at Chinook Centre in Calgary.

Photo: Courtesy of BodyMods.