Torontonians are getting another MINISO store to shop downtown, just steps away from Osgoode subway station.
The Japanese-inspired variety retailer is opening up a massive new location on the corner of Queen St. West and Simcoe St. situated underneath the Smart House condo building.
Images captured by Daily Hive show that the new location takes up the majority of the first floor in the building.
A massive #MINISO store is coming to Queen Street West https://t.co/ACsqxs80PL #Toronto pic.twitter.com/5Rfxeq5ofp
— Daily Hive Venture (@VentureDH) March 18, 2019
Founded in 2013, MINISO quickly attracted fans with a curated selection of products that includes electronics, beauty, kitchenware, home furnishings, and more, with the majority of items priced between $2.99 and $5.
MINISO currently has a little under 20 locations in Ontario and is on the path of rapid expansion despite a rocky start in 2019.
Instagram/@miniso.canada
At the end of 2018, MINISO Canada made headlines when Retail Insider reported that MINISO China had filed for an Application for Bankruptcy Order against MINISO Canada in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
At the time, the parent company claimed that MINISO Canada had been “fraudulent in its business dealings by transferring and hiding assets,” to which MINISO Canada responded saying that it was “inaccurate or not true.”
In the following weeks, the result of MINISO’s legal drama was revealed. MINISO Canada and MINISO China reached an interim agreement outside of court. And earlier this month, MINISO announced that MINISO China has taken over Canadian operations with plans of “strong growth in Canada in the future.”
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According to MINISO’s website, the company has a goal to open 6000 stores across the globe by 2020 and has “has averaged at 80 to 100 store openings per month.”
If all goes according to plan, this won’t be the last MINISO we see open in the GTA.
Featured image: MINISO
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Everywhere you turn, it feels like another retailer just can’t stay afloat in this tumultuous Canadian marketplace. Is retail in Canada ‘doomed’? Not likely. In fact, this constant turnover of brands (while both staggering and saddening,) can also be described as the retail industry simply ‘running its natural course’.
While the retailers who fail to differentiate and remain competitive will demise, new brands with unique competitive advantages will emerge and thrive in major Canadian cities. Today, an influx of Japanese retailers are making a splash in Toronto, both outperforming and overshadowing longstanding brands.
What makes these Japanese retailers so successful in Toronto? As it would appear, versatility, simplicity and affordability are pillars to appeasing customers. There’s also a lot to be said for the pace at which these Japanese retailers are entering the Canadian market (gradually rather than haphazardly).
Here’s a list of the Japanese retailers making a splash in Toronto and why.
UNIQLO
Uniqlo opened in Toronto in September 2016. This Japanese retailer is built on the foundation of providing ‘casual clothes for all kinds of people.’ At Uniqlo, you’ll find a wide of array of affordable basics in a variety of colours and sizes for the whole family. Uniqlo’s strategy of paying homage to local Toronto brands within their store has proven successful. This retailer has allocated a special ‘Uniqlo Meets Toronto’ section of their store for rotating merchandise displays by local brands.
MUJI
Opened in Toronto in November 2014, MUJI is a favourite of minimalists for its well-designed, practical apparel, home decor, stationery and beauty items. MUJI (short for a Japanese phrase meaning ‘no-brand, quality goods’,) manufactures and sells basic, utilitarian goods with minimal packaging and branding. The sleek and organized merchandising in-store makes for an easy and efficient shopping experience that doesn’t overwhelm or intimidate.
MINISO
Not yet open in Toronto, Chinese discount retailer Miniso, which positions itself as a ‘Japanese Lifestyle Brand’, has plans to take Canada by storm. The Miniso brand philosophy is built on the foundation of ‘well designed goods at honest prices’. With a massive range of products from cosmetics to housewares and promises to launch new product every 7 days, this soon-to-open store may give other value-price retailers a run for their money in the near future. Read more about their Canadian expansion here.
What do you think about these Japanese retailers making a splash in Toronto? Leave a comment down below.
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