The Toronto shopping neighbourhood known for its upscale tenants has just welcomed an unlikely new neighbour, Urban Planet.
Bloor Street is notably home to a crowd of luxury retailers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, and more. Although it also has more approachable residents like Aritzia, Roots, and Winners, to name a few, the street is well-known for its high-end occupants. Urban Planet, however, is known for its affordable fashion offerings.
The new Urban Planet location is taking over where Club Monaco once lived, in a picturesque, historical building, which features large columns and a small staircase leading up to its doors — an undeniable contrast to Urban Planet locations we’re used to visiting.
According to Retail Insider, a 2-year lease has been signed by YM Inc. (Urban Planet’s parent company), even though the sign outside the store says it’s a “pop-up.”
The store, which offers trendy, affordable apparel and accessories for men, women, and teens, is located at 157 Bloor Street West in Toronto and is open for the public to shop as of October 11th, 2024. It also features a section dedicated to Forever 21.
Opinions in the comments of Urban Planets Instagram post announcing its new location are divided. One comment states, “This brand does not match with the architectural elegance of the building,” another says, “Weird store to have in Yorkville…” While other comments seem to be excited about the new location sharing, “YESSSSS” and “EPICCCCCC.”
Will you be visiting the new Bloor Street Urban Planet location?
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The luxe high-performance apparel and equipment brand Arc’teryx has just been added to the already impressive luxury roster of Bloor Street West in Toronto with its new ‘Alpha’ store concept. Marking its largest location in Canada thus far!
Arc’teryx announced the grand opening of its first-ever Alpha store format last week, marking a significant milestone for the brand. The new format redefines standards in product care and repair while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
The new location will stock the widest selection of Arc’teryx apparel and equipment of any store globally, from footwear and climbing gear to trail running, snow sport, and accessories.
This new Alpha store format is the first of many to come, starting in late summer 2024. Reflecting the brand’s commitment to providing hubs for community connection, engagement, and shared mountain experiences.
“We’re proud to introduce our first Alpha Store at home in Canada,” shared Delaney Schweitzer, Chief Commercial Officer at Arc’teryx. “Named for our innovative hardshell jacket that started it all, this store represents a commitment to durability, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that the Alpha SV jacket has come to symbolize. Bloor Street will showcase our largest product assortment and unparalleled product care services through the ReBIRD™ Service Centre. This store will provide the opportunity to connect with guests in person, supporting their mountain pursuits with high-performance, beautiful, and highly functional products alongside exceptional product knowledge and a deep love for the outdoors.”
Located at 50 Bloor Street West, Arc’teryx will house the brand’s largest ReBIRDTM Service Centre, offering an expanded array of repair services facilitated by two full-time technicians on-site. Allowing customers to professionally repair anything from zippers to full panel replacements.
In addition to the vast selection of Arc’teryx products and ReBIRD™ services, the new store location will also be a hub for learning, local events, and outdoor education.
“As we embark on this new chapter in Arc’teryx’s retail journey with the launch of our new Alpha store format, we are dedicated to investing in the Toronto community and creating a hub for immersive storytelling and engagement,” said Megan Cheesbrough, VP of North America Retail at Arc’teryx.
Check out the new Arc’teryx location at 50 Bloor Street West in Toronto!
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Bloor Street’s Mink Mile, located between Yonge Street to the east and Avenue Road to the west, is home to some of Canada’s most glamorous retailers. With flagship locations for Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen, it’s the only street in Toronto that features this many high-end stores. With all the renovations taking place over the past few years, it’s obvious there will be major changes along this area of Bloor Street.
One Bloor now houses the Canadian flagship for Nordstrom Rack, located at the corner of Bloor Street East in a 36,600 square foot two-level retail space. In the next few months, a Mark McEwan grocery store will open.
According to Retail-Insider, developer Sam Mizrahi’s ‘The One’ is now under construction at 1 Bloor Street West and when it’s done, the complex will include a multi-level retail podium as well as a boutique hotel and a luxury residential tower. Apple is said to have leased the corner anchor space with plans to open a flagship.
As noted by Retail-Insider, Mayfair Mews is the major construction of an expanded Aritzia flagship, which will span about 11,440 square feet when it opens next year. Even Holt Renfrew will be seeing significant changes over the next few years, with major renovations happening with several new boutiques and updated interiors. It was recently announced the standalone men’s Holt Renfrew will be moving back to 50 Bloor. The standalone Saint Laurent store opened just this past year, connected to the Holt Renfrew, though it stands as its own boutique and carries the entire collection for both men and women.
In addition, the long-term construction at The Manulife Centre has continued. It will soon house Canada’s first ever Eataly, spanning over three floors. Over The Rainbow, the high-end clothing store will also be opening, as well as an updated Birks jewellery store which will feature street-front facades for Breitling, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier.
Across Bay Street, on the north side of the street, the award-winning store, David’s Footwear will be taking over the former Capezio space. The retail building next door, home to Roots and Banana Republic, might be demolished and replaced with a 66-storey tower above a 50,000 square foot retail podium. It’s uncertain if this project will happen any time soon.
Harry Rosen will continue ongoing renovations to include the addition of a few luxury store boutiques on top of four levels of retail. Luxury boutiques like Moncler, Zegna, and Loro Piana were just added last winter.
As well, beauty retailer L’Occitane en Provence recently renovated its store. Next door, at 110 Bloor Street West, is the top-performing Winners/HomeSense location in the chain. Further down at 130 Bloor Street West, the Gucci flagship store will both expand and renovate next year.
Hermes opened its Canadian flagship store on Bloor Street’s southside in 2017. The Ermenegildo Zegna flagship store, Harry Rosen operated, will open next to it. In addition, Barry’s Bootcamp will open its second location nearby in the near future.
Across the street at 131 Bloor Street West is ‘The Colonnade,” probably one of the most prestigious retail address in Canada, which is where Christian Dior leased a two-level space right there. This will become its largest store in North America when it opens in a few months time.
The Colonnade also houses Coach, Mulberry and Prada. Prada recently completed an expansion and renovation to its store which now spans 13,630 square feet over two floors. William Ashley recently unveiled a beautiful new store at The Colonnade, as well as the Moncler last fall.
Max Mara, Stuart Weitzman and a recently renovated Montblanc boutique are located at 151 Bloor Street West. That takes us to the corner of Bloor Street West and Avenue Road where there is an 18,000 square foot Louis Vuitton Maison.
On the corner of Bloor Street West and Avenue Road, high-end retailer Club Monaco is currently undergoing exterior renovations.
Source: Retail-Insider.com
Featured Image: Instagram/@mr.yorkville
The Royal Ontario Museum has been changing its look for years. Its Crystal addition was greatly criticized when built 10 years ago, and ever since the ROM’s façade has had some serious renovations. However, the construction of the newly announced outdoor plaza and performance space is a project strongly backed by the city and critics. The Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace and the Reed Family Plaza, which will be completed by early 2019, will spread over 5,500 square feet beside the ROM’s new entrance. This creative enterprise is part of ROM’s Welcome Project, which will improve access to the museum and strengthen its role as an indispensable hub for Toronto.
Designed by Toronto architect, Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontini Architects, the open air performance terrace will host live musical and theatre performances, while the elegant plaza space will be beautifully landscaped and provide visitor seating for people to gather and relax.
Lead donors are Helga Schmidt, and Nita and Don Reed. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are now taking another important step in our revitalization plans by animating the space around the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal on Bloor Street,” said Josh Basseches, ROM Director & CEO. “The addition of the Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace, and the Reed Family Plaza will create a seamless link between the Museum and Bloor Street and serve as a welcoming space that brings people together in the heart of the city.”
The first stage of renovations was completed in December. This included fixing the façade on the Queens Park side and the re-opening of the Weston entrance doors. The performance terrace will be on the NW corner of the Museum overlooking Philosopher’s Walk.
The project will deepen the ROM’s connection with the community. During construction, both the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal Entrance on Bloor Street and the Weston Entrance on Queen’s Park will be open.
Featured Image: Instagram/@romtoronto
Source: BlogTO.com
What do you think of the ROM renovations? Let us know in the comments.
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It may not look like spring outside today, but don’t worry because at least there are still lots of spring sales and discounts going on to distract us. We aren’t sure how long these will be going on until so it’s safe to say you should get walking down Bloor Street ASAP to make sure you snag some top notch deals.
1. Fossil
Shop 30% Off Select Styles
Shop 30% Off Select Styles
2. GAP
50% Off Girlfriend Chinos
40% Off Selected Items
3. Roots
Last Chance: Up To 50% Off On Select Items
4. J-Crew
Sloan-Fit Pants: 30% Off Regular Price
Women’s Jewelry: 40% Off Regular Price
5. The Runway at Winners
Featuring Brands like Jones New York, Calvin Klein, Guess, Sanctuary, Steve Madden, and more
Featuring Brands like Jones New York, Calvin Klein, Guess, Sanctuary, Steve Madden, and more
6. Calvin Klein
Up to 25% Off
7. De Catarina Leather & Bonny Satchels ’n’ Duffles
Up to 70% Off On Select Models
Up to 70% Off On Select Models
8. COS
30-50% Off Winter Apparel
30-50% Off Winter Apparel
9. Capezio Shoes
LAST CALL: 60% Off ALL Winter // 40% Off Pre Spring
LAST CALL: 60% Off ALL Winter // 40% Off Pre Spring
Do you know of any other sales going on right now on Bloor Street? Let us know in the comments!
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We were walking down Bloor Street, scoping out the best deals this Spring when we discovered the Manulife Centre on Bloor Street was getting completely revamped. If you hadn’t noticed, almost the whole block is covered in construction but soon enough it’ll all be worth it because you won’t believe what is coming soon!
Eataly
The much-anticipated Eataly will be opening its first Canadian location in early 2019 in the heart of Yorkville. If you don’t know about it already, it’s going to be a vibrant Italian food marketplace including a mix of food markets, restaurants, and eateries. The space will occupy three stories for a total of 50,000 square feet.
Commenting on the expansion into Canada, Eataly Founder Oscar Farinetti said: “Eataly Toronto will be spectacular. Firstly, the city of Toronto values high-quality food. And we do too. Secondly, this will be our first Canadian location, and with every first in a new market comes something full of excitement and adrenaline. Lastly, and above all, we are entering the market with people we fully trust and we share the same passions with. We can’t wait to get to work and start this partnership!”
According to the Manulife Centre website, the Italian company, brought to the US in 2010 with the help of Mario Batali, Lidia and Joe Bastianich and Adam and Alex Saper, is partnering with the Selfridges Group and Terroni Restaurants for its entrance to Canada. Eataly is not a chain as each location is distinct and highlights the city and people who reside there. Eataly already has nearly 30 locations in Italy, Japan, Dubai, Turkey, Brazil, and the United States.
You’ll all be happy to know the Toronto Eataly Instagram page has already been created! You can expect to see pictures like this:
Over The Rainbow
Iconic Yorkville clothing and denim retailer Over The Rainbow has plans to expand with a new flagship store to be opened at the Manulife Centre at Bay and Bloor. The plan is to feature a larger footprint, innovative design and provide the very best customer experience to Over The Rainbow’s loyal clientele. It should be completed by late 2o18.
Retail Space
The $100 million redevelopment at Manulife Centre will add 35,000 square feet of new retail space as well. This will include a complete overhaul of the exterior of the Centre, as well as a reconfiguration of the interior space.
Source: Manulife Centre
Are you excited for the revamp of the Manulife Centre at Bay and Bloor? Let us know in the comments!
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The well-known Parisian brand, Saint Laurent (also formerly known as Yves St Laurent) just opened a massive flagship store on Bloor Street. Technically, it’s actually connected to the Holt Renfrew though it stands as its own boutique and carries the entire collection for both men and women.
The main themes throughout the new store are metal and marble. The flooring and walls are primarily marble with an added touch of mirrors to create an overall feeling of depth. This location divides the store into separate areas that are for menswear, women’s ready to wear, footwear and accessories. At the front of the store is where the handbags are displayed facing Bloor Street.
This store is the newest feature for the recently renovated Holt Renfrew, which is getting redone in sections over time. Insider sources are telling us a major revamp is going to be happening soon. Later this year, Birks will reveal a brand new flagship store across the street at the Manulife Centre.
Source: Retail-Insider
Featured Image: Instagram/@blooryorkville
Have any more insider knowledge? Let us know in the comments!
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Article Originally titled: Williams Sonoma Exits Mink Mile Ahead of Hermès Relocation
San Francisco-based Kitchenware and home furnishings retailer Williams Sonoma has closed its two-level store at 100 Bloor Street West in Toronto. It will be replaced by French luxury brand Hermès, which will open a ‘maison’ of approximately 12,000 square feet this fall, according to sources.
Williams Sonoma has occupied its 100 Bloor Street West space since 2001, when it joined Pottery Barn to lease the majority of the building’s retail podium. In August of 2014, it was announced that Both Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn would vacate its Bloor street premises, after a substantial rent increase that made operations unviable. Both stores were expected to close in early 2015.
To Read More About William Sonoma, Head Over To Our Retail-Contributors @Retail-Insider
Photo via: Retail-insider
Morguard-owned ‘The Colonnade’ at 131 Bloor Street West in Toronto is seeing substantial changes, including new and expanding stores. The complex is considered to be one of the most prestigious retail addresses in Canada.
The Colonnade opened in 1963 and was the first mixed-use building in Canada, with office and residential located above two levels of retail. The complex, designed by architect Gerald Robinson, has a remarkable history as an anchor to Bloor Street’s transformation into one of the world’s best-known luxury retail locations.
Italian luxury brand Moncler will take 3,100 square feet of Sephora’s retail space, according to plans, and will be adjacent to William Ashley’s street-front pop-up. Construction has yet to commence on Moncler, which is expected to open later this year. Bloor Street will be Moncler’s third freestanding Canadian store, following the opening of locations at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre and on Thurlow Street in downtown Vancouver.