It’s no secret that Canada is a highly attractive market for international retailers. Every year we see dozens of new brands expanding to Canada in hopes of capturing the fast-growing and competitive new market.

And even though 2018 wasn’t the most successful year, with many local and international retailers filing for bankruptcy and closing their stores for good, there are still plenty of highly-anticipated bricks-and-mortar store openings waiting for us in 2019.

From restaurants to retail stores, below you will find some of the most anticipated international brands and retailers that will be opening stores in Toronto this year.

Eataly

Italian food concept Eataly represents a lively open-concept European market where visitors can shop, taste, and learn about high-quality Italian food at fair prices. Eataly will be offering everything from everyday groceries, cured meats, a selection of homemade cheeses to cooking workshops and in-shop eateries. As we reported earlier, Eataly will be a part of a $100 million Manulife Centre expansion and will span 50,000 square feet, and is slated to open some time in 2019. Founded by Italian Native, Oscar Farinetti, the first location was opened in Torino, Italy in 2007. Currently, there are Eataly outposts in such countries as Japan, China, and America, with locations opening in Australia, England, and more.

Chick-Fil-A

If you’re a fan of breaded chicken sandwiches and chicken in general, this news is for you! Last year the iconic American restaurant chain Chick-fil-A announced plans to open more than a dozen restaurants in Canada over the next few years and we couldn’t be more excited. The first Toronto location is set to open in the GTA this year at Bloor and Yonge. At the moment the company operates more than 2,300 restaurants in the United States.

L.L. Bean

Instagram/ @llbean

This American company that specializes in clothing and outdoor recreation equipment was launched in 1912 in Freeport, Maine. The company started with just one product: their famous Maine Hunting Shoe (also known as Bean Boots). While there are no standalone L.L. Bean stores in Canada yet, the brand already launched a Canadian e-commerce site and is currently selling its products at 24 Canadian retailers including Sporting Life, MEC, and SportChek. You can expect to see the store open at Oakville Place, where it will reportedly be taking over the old Pusateri’s space later this year.

Innisfree

Instagram/@lilynotlouise

Innisfree is an all-natural cosmetic brand based in South Korea with over hundreds of stores across the globe, which promotes 33 health, beauty, and personal brands. The company’s concept is “Clean Island, where clean nature and healthy beauty coexist happily.” Innisfree uses 80% natural ingredients, and the best part is that all their products are fairly affordable, ranging from $20-30. Expect to see the K-beauty brand’s first Canadian store to open at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2019.

Reformation

StyleDemocracy

Calling all cool girls! Popular sustainable L.A.-based brand Reformation is going international, with its first retail location outside of the United States based in Canada. Reformation opened its doors to Canadians at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in July 2019 and shoppers can expect to see the brand’s beautiful dresses, denim, footwear, and more.

HEMA Amsterdam

Facebook/HEMA

Known for its high-quality design and competitive pricing, HEMA is a popular European retailer that sells household goods, beauty products, clothing, and more. Earlier this year, the value-based retailer announced that it would be launching in Ontario later this year through a partnership with Walmart. If all goes to plan, you’ll soon start to see HEMA stores inside of larger form Walmart stores.

Ximivogue 

Instagram/@ximivogue.official

It seems like many value-based variety retailers have eyes set on Canada this year, as Korean-inspired Ximivogue is reportedly opening stores at both Sherway Gardens and CF Fairview Mall later this year. Expect to see lots of beauty and skincare, home accessories, electronics and home decor all at low prices.

MUMUSO

Instagram/@mumuso_ca

And Ximivogue isn’t the only Korean-inspired variety Torontonians will be able to shop this year. MUMUSO, a Korean-inspired dollar store, opened its first Canadian location in July 2019 at the North York Centre. Though the brand is based in China, its business and products are marketed as Korean. Offerings include apparel, kitchen items, accessories, and much more.

Featured image: Facebook/HEMA

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Canada can’t get enough of its variety stores. The country is teeming with old and new retailers focusing on affordable goods. From Japanese-inspired MINISO and Oomomo, to the Korean-inspired Mumuso, and of course, Canada’s own beloved dollar store, Dollarama, we have our pick of the crop to shop.

And now, Canada is getting the Dutch’s version of a value-based retailer.

HEMA Amsterdam, as it will be known in North America, will be opening across Ontario this year.

Known for its high-quality design and competitive pricing, the popular European retailer sells household goods, beauty products, clothing, and more. A quick peek at HEMA’s website reveals items priced as low as €1, which is equivalent to about $1.50 Canadian.

But instead of diving head first into Canada and taking missteps — like some retailers have done in the past — HEMA Amsterdam has partnered with Walmart to open shops-in-stores and standalone stores in larger Walmarts, similar to a partnership Walmart has with MINISO. According to a press release, the first stores will open this year, although, no locations have been revealed yet.

Facebook/HEMA