The Japanese retail brand, Muji, that many of us know and love has officially launched a Canadian online shop as of November 6.
Muji sells a wide range of quality products which include household goods, apparel, and fashion.
Shop the new online site and explore 250 homeware products and 50 items of apparel, which include, fashion basics, sleek bags, its (famous) gel ink pens, chic kitchen bowls, cozy slippers, natural beauty products, and so much more.
The company is based on principles of offering simple, low cost, and great quality goods.
There’s also a large focus on creating as little waste as possible through the manufacturing process and offering recyclable packaging.
Each item has a simplistic-modern feel that can seamlessly fit into your lifestyle, plus, the affordable price tag makes the brand even more convincing.
Staying in tune with the effortless vibe, you won’t find the brands logo centered on the products.
The meaning of the word Muji actually means “no-brand quality goods,” and the company definitely stays true to its name.
The new Canadian site is available to those residing in British Columbia and Ontario. So, if you live in one of those provinces and have a love for online shopping, then check out Muji online to score awesome products at low prices.
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Looking for something that will get your creative juices flowing? For the month of August, MUJI is offering free online classes and workshops for Canadians. These classes are completely free and if you’re interested, all you have to do is sign up for a spot for the workshop on MUJI’s website. Spots are limited, so if you find something you like, be sure to sign up ASAP to not miss your chance!
There are a variety of different online classes and workshops to checkout, so if you’re looking to breakup your routine and learn something new, you’ll want to check them out.
Here are all of the MUJI classes happening this august:
Watercolour Botanicals with @feistandflourish: August 12, 2020
Vancouver-based artist Alyssa, also known as @feistandflourish, is going to be teaching viewers how to use the MUJI brush pens in order to create botanical art with a watercolour effect. This is a one-hour class for beginners, so get out of your comfort zone and learn how to do something new! Learn more.
Workspace Organization – A KonMari™️ Demonstration with Randeep St. Jacques: August 22, 2020
Using the KonMari method that has quickly grown to popularity, Randeep St. Jacques will be teaching you how to effectively clean and organize your workspace to have the most optimal results. While these tips are going to be most helpful for parents looking to organize their child’s homework space, you can apply these learnings to your home office as well. Learn more.
Autumn-Inspired Bullet Journal Spread with @withkx: August 26, 2020
Ready to get organized for autumn? Join Edmonton-based bullet journal artist Kelly, also known as @withkx, to get some awesome inspo for your bullet journal. Kelly is going to be walking participants through as they create their journal for September, while also giving them tons of tips for future bullet journals. Learn more.
House Plant Rescue with Matt Stata: August 29, 2020
Not all of us have a green thumb, but Matt Stata does and he is here to share his expertise with us. If you’re infamous for letting your plants wilt, sign up for this webinar to find out how to bring them back to life, as well as key things to look out for when you are taking care of plants. Learn more.
Get more information about MUJI’s online classes and workshops at muji.com/ca/events/.
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The retail business has certainly seen better days. It seems that everyday there are countless retailers, brands, and companies announcing filings for creditor protection and bankruptcy. However, while this news is always shocking, it’s important to remember that a bankruptcy filing doesn’t mean it’s always the end as it gives the company a chance to restructure and turn things around. One company that we hope can pivot is Muji.
It’s just been announced that Muji U.S.A. has just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The Japanese retailer is known for its minimalist home goods as well as organizational items but it seems like the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll.
According to Statista, in 2018 there were 917 Muji stores worldwide and there are currently 18 in the U.S.A. and 8 in Canada.
BNN Bloomberg reports that Muji U.S.A. owner Ryohin Keikaku Co. is filing for bankruptcy due to store closures related to the COVID-19.
For all you Canadian Muji lovers out there, there is some good news. The retailer says that this U.S. filing won’t affect its stores in other markets but only time will tell.
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New year, new you, right? This time of year, we’re all feeling shiny and new, refreshed and excited to take charge of our lives once more.
While I’m given to being a little cynical about New Year’s resolutions—who’s to say self-reinvention is limited only to the beginning of something as arbitrary at the Gregorian calendar, after all — it’s still nice to be reminded every so often to check in with ourselves and see how we’re doing.
One of my goals for 2020 is to live more mindfully.
We live at such a breakneck speed anyway—chasing careers, living in the big city. Slowing down might be a huge buzzword in the world of wellness, but I’m a firm believer that our environments have a huge effect upon our overall mood and wellbeing.
Instagram-worthy bedrooms and vanity tables aside, it’s nice to have a place, a corner, a room that feels your own. And if mindfulness is the act of being aware of your present moment, there’s nothing so grounding as the scent of a room or an object.
This is where aromatherapy and essential oils came in.
I won’t lie—the idea of essential oils was sold to me, part and parcel of an “aesthetic” life. After all, who doesn’t like a nice smell—or rather, something that smells nice to them? You notice scents right away in a different way than you would process a new piece of furniture, for example. If you walk into a room and it smells musty, you notice. Likewise if the scent is pleasant.
Broadly speaking, aromatherapy is simply the use of good-smelling oils to improve overall well-being. The best part is, you can customize it because let’s face it—the funny thing about smell is that what smells good to one may smell terrible to another. Commercialization of wellness aside, I decided to embark on an “essential oil journey” to see if it really helped with the whole mindfulness thing, and enjoy some physical comforts as well.
Here’s what I tried:
Diffuser
Diffusing essential oils are a great way to fill a room with scent as well as ambience. Plus, there are some purported health benefits as well—different plants promote different benefits. Lavender, for example, is good for calming so it’s perfect for bedtime.
I used the diffuser for a few hours each day or evening, diffusing some essential oils from Muji.
The ones I used were the Yuzu essential oil and a blend of Sky, which was just Lavender and Mint essential oils mixed together. I also had a Saje holiday blend from Christmas, which included a blend of pine and lemon scents, among other oils. It was nice to have some of the festive spirit still hanging around (in the air, literally), but the Sky one was my favourite as it wasn’t too strong and overbearing and gave my room a bit of an at-home spa feel. Meanwhile, the Yuzu scent was the perfect addition to my morning routine since the citrus-y scent was invigorating—great for when I hadn’t had my morning caffeine yet.
With their popularity now, diffusers are easy to find if you want to nab one for yourself.
Note: There is such a holy trinity of “aesthetic” diffusers: Saje, Vitruvi and Muji. If the price points are a bit too high, you can consider the other trinity: Winners, Marshalls and Homesense.
Topical application/Roll-ons
Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin. Roll-ons were made especially for this purpose, because it eliminates the mess and are easy to take on the go. Who doesn’t want a mini-spa experience in their handbag?
My favourite product for this purpose—and one that I’d heard many of my friends recommend—is Saje’s Peppermint Halo.
Nearly everyone has heard of this one and it’s not just for headaches, I used it for muscle soreness or whenever I felt a bit sluggish at work. Just roll a few strokes up the back of the neck into the scalp and the effects are almost immediate. For me, it was almost similar to the Tiger Balm or White Flower Oil of my Asian childhood — always pulled out for any aches or pains.
Other aromatherapy and essential oil therapies include baths or massages, but in the end, diffusers and roll-ons were the most seamless to add into my existing lifestyle. (I’m not really a bath person, for one thing.)
In the end, essential oils are an enjoyable add-on to everyday life, but it’s also worth noting that that’s what they are—an add-on.
If I have a headache and all I do is apply peppermint oil without, say, drinking any water (because realistically, I’m probably dehydrated) then my headache is not going to get much better.
All this to say that essential oils are a great way to add a little “something”—whether that be mindfulness, a nice smell—into your life. After all, smell is one of the most underrated senses and has a huge impact on our enjoyment of products and general wellbeing. I know for me, making the time to doing something so small, even if it is just for the sake of pure enjoyment and frivolity—in the end, it’s the little things that count.
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What does your star sign have to do with your personal style? Potentially, a lot! According to astrology, your sun sign determines the way you tend to show up in the world – or, your essence. Understanding yourself more deeply on a cosmic level could mean the difference between you continually buying things you end up hating, and things you end uploving. If you identify with your sun sign, consider checking out your most compatible store in Toronto below.
Keep reading to find out what Toronto stores to shop according to your star sign!
Aries: Titika Active
Any fearless Aries must be well-suited to blaze the trail of life, and Titika Active is equipped to support that mission. This collection of fashionable and functional athletic wear essentials is beautiful enough to match your confidence, and high-performance enough to keep up with you, Aries.
Taurus: Kotn
Kotn will indulge sensual Taurus’s appreciation for comfort with it’s line of quality essentials (men and women’s clothing and accessories) ethically made from authentic Egyptian cotton. This material is finer, softer, and stronger than any other cotton. Prepare to get addicted, Taurus.
Gemini: Pink Canary
There’s always something new to discover at this fashion-forward boutique in Kensington Market, where stock gets refreshed every week. Expect a mix of NYC street style and L.A. trends, with some Kensington market boho-chic flavour. It’s anything but boring — just like you, Gemini.
Cancer: Ardith Style
For intuitive Cancer, feeling at home in your space, your clothes, your skin, is a must. Ardith Style specializes in wearable linen, knits, and pre-loved vintage pieces that you can really live in. Everything here is organic, local, and sustainable wherever possible – made with heart.
Leo: Mejuri
Regal Leo can naturally light up a room with their magnetic energy, but a little more glitter never hurts. Costume jewellery won’t do for this sign. Mejuri is the fine jewellery brand that strikes the balance between luxury, and accessible with its fine jewellery for everyday, and is definitely iconic enough for statement-making Leo.
Virgo: Muji
For no-nonsense Virgo, simplicity and efficiency are everything. Muji, which translates as “no-brand quality goods” in Japanese, offers a range of products from household goods and apparel, to apothecary items and stationery that are resource-saving, low-priced, and nature-oriented. Virgo, this store was made for you.
Libra: The Detox Market
Beauty and balance are high values for a Libra, the Venusian sign of the scales. The Detox Market offers a curated selection of green beauty and skincare to bring your life back into balance, starting with the outer layer. A sumptuous skincare ritual is heaven for this sign, and The Detox Market is a one-stop shop.
Scorpio: Muttonhead
A Scorpio never willingly sacrifices quality for quantity in any situation, and apparel is no exception. Muttonhead, the slow design-focused brand is prepared to meet the standards of even the most discerning Scorpio. Expect only high quality, durable apparel, outerwear and home goods built to outlast trends.
Sagittarius: Kit and Ace
Touted as ‘the Lululemon of streetwear,’ Kit and Ace makes a solid companion for an active Sagittarius. This technical apparel is created for people who run, bike, walk, and trot the globe with a purpose. From the gym to the office to class to wherever the night takes you, this diverse collection can definitely handle your lifestyle, Sagittarius.
Capricorn: Gravity Pope
Ambitious Capricorn knows the importance of ‘dressing for the career you want,’ and Gravity Pope caters to those style-conscious bosses who want to put their best foot forward. Bringing together a curated selection of handcrafted collections of footwear, clothing, and accessories, this indie boutique will set you up for success.
Aquarius: VSP Consignment
Much like forward-thinking, original Aquarius, this consignment store defies expectations. Unlike your average consignment store, VSP Consignment is curated, boutique-like, but also super diverse in its offerings. You’ll find clothes, jewellery, and bags from designer labels and also lower-end brands.
Pisces: House of Vintage
Clothes with a little soul will do for a Pisces, who’s said to be the oldest soul of all the star signs. The assortment of unique, collectible clothing and accessories from the 1960s-1990s is known to be some of the city’s best vintage – and you can’t resist the comfort of high-quality but well-worn denim and broken-in boots, right Pisces?
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11 Toronto Stores To Shop For Unique Holiday Decorations
For those on the hunt for the latest and greatest, you’ve come to the right place. On this list, you’ll find the newest store launches in Toronto and the GTA, as well as some special limited-time pop-up shops.
From a one-of-a-kind experience from Google to new flagship stores opening across the city, there are so many exciting retail spaces to explore.
New Stores
Armed
Instagram/@upandarmed
Toronto-based jewellery brand, Armed, has found a home in the neighbourhood of Parkdale. The new flagship store is big and bright with white, gold, velvet, and wood detailing. Here, visitors can shop Armed’s collection of necklaces, sunglass chains, rings, and more, as well as a selection of vintage clothing. Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of Armed Home, which will feature a carefully curated collection of home furnishings.
Where: 1380 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ontario
UNIKA Swim
Instagram/@unikaswim
Nestled in Yorkville, UNIKA is the new kid on the block creating custom swimwear. The storefront and studio is different than most swimwear stores — here you choose the fabric, fit, and silhouette. No order is too complicated for the all-woman team at UNIKA, and custom orders take just 8-10 days.
Where: 101 Yorkville Ave., Toronto, Ontario
MUJI
Twitter/@neverfallapart/@misscamco
While the store itself might not be brand new, it has gotten a huge upgrade! MUJI Atrium, across from CF Toronto Eaton Centre, is now the largest MUJI outside of Asia. The new flagship includes a coffee counter, an aroma bar, and a MUJI Yourself station where shoppers can digital print directly onto purchases or laser engrave items.
Where: 595 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario
OVO
Instagram/@hieuzus
Mississauga is now home to the GTA’s third OVO store. Located in Square One Shopping Centre across from the Microsoft store, fans can shop OVO’s collection of hoodies, tees, footwear, and more, along with the OVO Kids line, which is exclusively featured at the location.
Where: Square One Shopping Centre, 100 City Centre Dr., Mississauga, Ontario
Limited-Time Pop-Ups
‘Earth Luxe’ Holiday Pop-up in Yorkville Village
Instagram/@_earthluxe
Offering an extensive variety of high-quality wellness products, Earth Luxe (previously only available online) has just opened a pop-up storefront location in the lower level of Yorkville Village. From their roll-on essential oils to their Negev Desert-inspired soaps, the new products remain true to Earth Luxe’s holistic philosophy but extend further into the origins motivating the brand in the first place.
When: Now to mid-December
Where: 55 Avenue Road West, Toronto, Ontario
Céla Pop-Up
This will be different than the Bayview Village, as that one featured all brands used at the Hammam Spa, whereas the Saks Pop-up is a space in that store that exclusively features Céla. The Pop-Up will also feature the brand’s two newest products the Essential Face Mist and Essential Face Cream which will be launching mid-December.
When: Now to the end of December
Where: 176 Yonge St, Toronto, Ontario
Pixel Records by Google
Instagram/@gatto.joseph
Google plays homage to the traditional record store with its latest activation. Dubbed Pixel Records, visitors are invited into the space to test out the Google Pixel 3. Handed the phone upon arrival, guests can roam around the space and go snap crazy, testing out the camera on Instagram-worthy installations. Visit our friends at Retail-Insider for more details.
When: Now to Sunday, December 2, 2018
Where: 202 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ontario
Amazon Pop-Up
Alina Prajapati
The future is here, and this pop-up by Amazon proves it. Located at CF Eaton Centre, visitors are invited into the smart home to see what life with Alexa is like. From turning on appliances to setting temperatures of rooms, there’s (almost) nothing that she can’t do. The pop-up is also Amazon’s first brick-and-mortar in Canada, so be sure to check out the one-of-a-kind experience before it’s too late.
When: Now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Where: 220 Yonge St. (Yonge and Shuter intersection), Toronto, Ontario
Kombi Canada
Instagram/@kombicanada
KOMBI Canada, a winter accessory specialist, will be opening the doors to its first-ever pop-up right here in Toronto! Visitors can drop by Union Station to experience and shop the Canadian-made brand for themselves. In addition, KOMBI has partnered with Salvation Army to collect gently used mittens or gloves. Donations will get you 20% off in-store.
When: Now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Where: Union Station, Toronto, Ontario
Healing House
With a mission to end the stigma surrounding HIV, Casey House will be opening a spa. Visitors can enjoy a variety of free, rejuvenating treatments provided by HIV+ Healers. Those interested can book services like hand, neck, back, and shoulder treatments, or a mini facial online. If you’d like to support the initiative but can’t make the pop-up, you can make a donation on the Casey House website.
When: Friday, November 30, 2018 to Saturday, December 1, 2018
Where: 128 Peter St., Toronto, Ontario
Featured Image: Instagram/@upandarmed
MUJI, Canada’s favourite Japanese retail store, has officially reopened in Toronto. Known at MUJI Atrium, it is now the largest MUJI store outside of Asia. Located at 595 Bay Street, it has two floors covering more than 19,000 square feet.
As a flagship store, it will have special features only offered at other MUJI flagship stores, such as a coffee counter, an aroma bar, and MUJI Yourself, a digital printing service where you can print images directly onto your purchases and a laser engraving service.
It will also be the only MUJI location in Eastern Canada to sell the MUJI Labo collection, maternity wear, their new activewear collection, books, and made-to-order curtains and rugs.
Another unusual trademark featured at the main entrance of the store is the chandelier composed of various MUJI products.
Twitter/@misscamco
MUJI is well-known for its tremendous selection of consumer and household items. This includes furniture, clothing, fabrics, appliances, shoes, decor, luggage, shoes, and home fragrances.
MUJI’s first shop in Canada opened in downtown Toronto in 2014. This original store has now transformed into MUJI Atrium.
“During these four years since we expanded to Canada, we opened seven additional stores and gradually increased our range of products and services,” Toru Akita, president of MUJI Canada said in a press release. “By allowing us to reach out to more people and to further convey our philosophy, the Atrium flagship store will open a new chapter for MUJI in Canada.”
While U.S. retailers in Canada have closed up shop, popular Japanese retailers like MUJI and Uniqlo are making a splash. Uniqlo opened its second location in suburban Vancouver, and both chains are committed to opening additional stores in Canada.
In 2016, Uniqlo opened its first Canadian store, 33,400 square feet, at the Eaton Centre in Toronto. Its second store, 30,000 square feet, opened one month later at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. A third store in the GTA will open shortly. Its new store in the Vancouver area a 12,800 square foot space in Surrey, opened last Friday.
Even though Uniqlo had just opened a 20,630 square foot space in nearby Burnaby in October 2017, there were still huge lineups to get in. This spring, the company will open a third store in the Vancouver area at CF Richmond Centre.
According to Uniqlo Founder and CEO Tadashi Yanai, Uniqlo is planning to open 100 stores in Canada.
Twitter/@misscamco
Before the flagship Toronto opening, MUJI’s largest store in the GTA, at 6,800 square feet, was at the recently launched store at Scarborough Town Centre. MUJI expects to operate between 15 and 20 stores in Canada by 2020, including stores beyond the Toronto and Vancouver areas, including Montreal.
Other Japanese retailers are expected to enter the Canadian market, including Japanese footwear brand ASICS, which opened its Canadian flagship store on Queen Street West in Toronto. More ASICS stores are expected to follow.
In addition, variety retailer Miniso plans to open 500 stores in Canada, and another Japanese dollar store will open soon. This is all happening as Canadian retailers face reduced sales with this new competition. While it appears that leasing retail space is difficult in Canada, some brands still plans to expand their presence.
Twitter/@neverfallapart
Featured Image: Instagram/@mujicanada
While U.S. retailers in Canada close up shop, popular Japanese retailers UNIQLO and Muji surge ahead. Just over the weekend, Uniqlo opened its second location in suburban Vancouver, and Muji opened its fifth store in the GTA. Moreover, both chains are committed to opening additional stores in Canada.
In 2016, Uniqlo opened its first Canadian store, 33,400 square feet, at the Eaton Centre in Toronto. Its second store, 30,000 square feet, opened one month later at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. A third store in the GTA will open shortly. Its new store in the Vancouver area a 12,800 square foot space in Surrey, opened last Friday. Even though Uniqlo had just opened a 20,630 square foot space in nearby Burnaby in October 2017, there were still huge lineups to get in. This spring, the company will open a third store in the Vancouver area at CF Richmond Centre. According to Uniqlo Founder and CEO Tadashi Yanai, Uniqlo is planning to open some 100 stores in Canada.
Muji’s largest store in the GTA, at 6,800 square feet, opened at Scarborough Town Centre on Saturday. Their store in downtown Toronto has temporarily relocated but will expand to the size of its flagship Vancouver store, which opened in December. According to Muji’s Canadian President, Toru Akita, Muji expects to operate between 15 and 20 stores in Canada by 2020, including stores beyond the Toronto and Vancouver areas, including Montreal.
Other Japanese retailers are expected to enter the Canadian market, including Japanese footwear brand ASICS, which opened its Canadian flagship store on Queen Street West in Toronto. More ASICS stores are expected to follow. In addition, variety retailer Miniso plans to open 500 stores in Canada, and another Japanese footwear brand will open soon. This is all happening as Canadian retailers face reduced sales with this new competition. While it appears that leasing retail space is difficult in Canada, some brands still plans to expand their presence.
Source: Retail-Insider.com
Do you shop at Miniso or Muji? Let us know in the comments.
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Coming off of the unprecedented number of mega-retailers that entered the Canadian market in 2016, this past year was another big one for Toronto’s shopping scene.
With store expansions from coast to coast and many new flagships, 2017 saw a lot of great store openings for Toronto. And although there are many more exciting stores coming in 2018, here are some of the biggest ones from 2017.
Woolrich
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdNptr7nUAM/?hl=en&taken-by=woolrich
American heritage brand Woolrich has become increasingly cool as of late and to Canadians’ delight, just opened their 2,000-square foot retail space at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The brand also announced it has plans to open additional Canadian stores in Montreal and Vancouver.
Chanel Flagship
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcZ1j17g3rI/?hl=en&taken-by=chanelofficial
After 26 years, Chanel relocated their Bloor Street Toronto flagship boutique a couple blocks north to the heart of Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighbourhood. Now located at 98 Yorkville Avenue, the boutique is housed behind an original façade dating back to 1871 and the space spans two, luxurious floors.
MINISO
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdOzMrVllxF/?hl=en&taken-by=miniso.official
Japanese retail giant Miniso opened its first Ontario location mid-October this year and its first west coast location earlier in 2017 in Vancouver. The brand plans to open 30 to 50 Miniso stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec by the end of 2018 with the goal of 500 stores by 2020.
MCM Flagship
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcrv2gzjpip/?hl=en&taken-by=mcmworldwide
Luxury leather goods brand MCM opened its first stand-alone store this past November. The flagship is located at 93 Bloor Street West, steps from the trendy Yorkville neighbourhood and offers everything from small wallets to leather sneakers and luggage, all featuring the signature MCM print.
Nordstrom at CF Sherway Gardens
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdK8gXgF9k6/?hl=en&taken-by=nordstrom
Nordstrom still isn’t done with Canada, which is exciting news. The Seattle-based department store opened its sixth Canadian store and its third in Toronto, earlier this fall at CF Sherway Gardens. But we will still have to wait until 2018 to get Nordstrom Rack in Canada.
Hunter
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbjRgVGlzEd/?hl=en&taken-by=hunterboots
Earlier this fall, Hunter brought its iconic and colourful rubber boots to Toronto, opening its first North American store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The U.K.-based company currently only has two other stores worldwide: one in London and one in Tokyo.
Moose Knuckles
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcFylg8grPs/?hl=en&taken-by=mooseknucklescanada
Popular Montreal-based outerwear brand Moose Knuckles opened its first freestanding store in 2017 at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Best known for its outwear, customers can shop Moose Knuckles’ full range of jackets and parkas, ready-to-wear clothing, rain gear and accessories right in the mall.
OVO at Yorkdale
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcpoqlQAshA/?hl=en&taken-by=welcomeovo
If you’re a huge Drake fan, you are most likely already aware that the Toronto rapper opened an OVO store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre this past year. Spanning 1,600-square feet, the store features a marble exterior, mirrored walls and golden fixtures that show off the OVO apparel, consisting of capsule collections and exclusive drops.
COS at Square One
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbZHw4snXId/?hl=en&taken-by=cosstores
H&M’s pricier fashion brand COS, which stands for ‘collection of style,’ opened its first Vancouver store in 2017, but COS wasn’t stopping there. The brand has since opened a second store location at Square One in Mississauga.
Aritzia’s Babaton Flagship at Yorkdale
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdOnS__gk46/?hl=en&taken-by=aritzia
After opening its first Babaton store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in late 2016, Vancouver-based company Ariztia opened a massive flagship Babaton boutique at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2017. This is the second Babaton location in the GTA and the womenswear retailers’ 82nd location in North America.
Saks OFF 5TH Expansion
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdDb4t_npgs/?hl=en&taken-by=saks
Saks Fifth Avenue’s off-price concept Saks OFF 5TH plans to operate 25 Canadian stores by the end of 2018. In 2016, it opened nine, but most recently it opened six locations this year in Brampton, Pickering, Quebec City, Winnipeg and West Vancouver in addition to a second Edmonton store.
Muji Expanding Westward
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcIgqBKHz_j/?hl=en&taken-by=mujicanada
After successfully opening three stores in the GTA, minimalist Japanese retail Muji set its sights on western Canada. The store opened not one but two locations in Vancouver this past year, one at Robson Street and one at Metropolis at Metrotown.
Have you visited any of these stores opened in 2017?
Featured image: Instagram/ @mcm
In Early 2017, Muji announced that it will be opening Muji Hotels in China which will be completed by the end of the year. In Addition to the two hotels in China, Muji has just announced that the company is set to launch a new Global Flagship hotel in Tokyo’s Ginza district.
The hotel will be a combination shop and Muji experience. The company known for its stripped-down minimalistic design will extoll the same design principles into their hotels.
According to Hypebeast, the new Hotel will be housed in a 10-storey building and span more than 3,300-square meters.
Photos: Pinterest
While no information has been released regarding whether or not Muji will bring this concept to North America, it’s likely that eventually, the global dominating brand will try to first bring something like this to New York and then roll the concept out to other popular North American destination which could include Toronto.
Source: Hypebeast