2019 so far has seen the closure of many stores in Canada, including Forever21, Payless ShoeSource, Town Shoes, Home Outfitters, and our last two Zellers locations. However, we’ve also acquired some exciting and long-awaited international brands in the North this year too, balancing the scales. Though retail sales amounted to $225.8 billion in Ontario alone at the end of September, the entire country’s retail sales growth is supposedly heading for a depressing 10-year low. Hopefully, the new shopping destinations that have arrived will reverse the odds of that happening.
With that said, here are 10 retailers that opened their doors in Canada throughout 2019. Let’s cross our fingers and pray they stick around for a while.
Valentino
Luxury Italian fashion house Valentino opened the doors to its first Canadian flagship store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre this past March. The new store occupies a large 4,700 square foot space that’s filled to the brim with the brand’s ready-to-wear offerings, accessories, leather goods, and shoes.
Furla
Just this past fall, Italian brand Furla opened its first Canadian location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The luxury brand is well known for its handbags, shoes, jewellery, sunglasses, and watches. This new store is all part of the brands global expansion strategy and we’re looking forward to seeing where Furla goes next!
Eataly
With locations already in Japan and Turkey, the much anticipated Eataly has finally landed in Toronto at the Manulife Centre on Bloor Street. With 50,000 (!) square feet of high-quality Italian goodies, (a.k.a heaven), Eataly has several different cafes, restaurants, takeaway counters, and a finely curated marketplace to shop. You can also enjoy cooking classes and hard-to-resist complimentary tastings in store.
L.L. Bean
U.S. specialty outdoor retailer L.L. Bean took over a massive 14,205 square foot retail space that was vacated by Toronto-based grocery chain Pusateri’s Fine Foods at Oakville Place. The new L.L. Bean store is selling its functional accessories, outdoor essentials, and cozy clothing that will have you prepared for any outdoor adventures.
Reformation
Ref girls, unite! This celeb-loved, L.A.-based brand cut the ribbons outside its first Canadian location in July, bringing its cult-like following to Yorkdale Mall. The 100 per cent carbon-neutral company is supplying sustainable basics and timeless styles to the masses, promoting slow-fashion processes at a fast fashion pace.
Balenciaga
Another luxury fashion house, Balenciaga, expanded into Canada this year with its first standalone storefront in Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. In its open-concept space, the Kering-owned French brand is selling a range of accessories, footwear, and streetwear. A few more Balenciaga boutiques are said to be opening as the company sees growth in the Canadian market.
MUMUSO
Dollarama has a rival to compete with now that MUMUSO opened its first Toronto location at the North York Centre in July. With another two locations in Vancouver, the bargain retailer sells children’s products, apparel, accessories, kitchen items, bags, stationery, skincare, and cosmetic goods that are super-low cost.
Innisfree
Along with all the other international big-hitters that opened in Yorkdale Shopping Centre this summer, “naturalism-oriented” K-beauty brand Innisfree took over a 2,500 square foot space in the mall. The South-Korean brand has made clean-er beauty and skincare products more available to Torontonians, as 80 per cent of the company’s ingredients are natural.
Ximivogue
Chinese-owned variety store Ximivogue opened its first Canadian location at CF Fairview Mall earlier this year. The retailer sells about 7,000 Korean products at relatively low prices, including household goods, clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, beauty products, and toys.
By CHLOE.
Expansions to Canada aren’t just for fashion retailers. American vegan chain by CHLOE. made a big splash when it landed at Yorkdale Shopping Centre a few months back. Serving up tasty versions of comfort classics like nachos, hot dogs, burgers, mac & cheese, and more, by CHLOE. needs to be on your must-eat list!
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