Now that it’s actually pleasant to be outside, it’s time to really get out there and explore all the new stores and restaurants that have recently opened in Toronto. These new openings are definitely ones you’ll want to celebrate because, well, they’re freaking exciting! From new gyms and a new spot to score luxe skincare, to where to buy all your cocktail supplies and gorgeous jewelry, it’s all here.
Here are 10 new openings to know about this month in Toronto.
Uncle Ray’s
If Southern comfort food is your thing, then you’ll want to get yourself over to Uncle Ray’s. The restaurant is brought to you by the same team behind Union Chicken, Amano, and The Carbon Bar so you know it’s going to be top notch cooking. Wondering what you can expect on the menu? Think shrimp po’boys, Nashville hot chicken, shrimp and grits, and buttermilk soft serve for dessert.
Valmont @ Saks Sherway Gardens
Obsessed with luxe skincare? Then you need to know about this new opening. Shop ’till you drop at Valmont’s new home inside Saks Fifth Avenue at Sherway Gardens. As mentioned, you can shop the brands prime skincare products, but also its fragrances which deserve equal attention. Don’t expect this shop-in-shop to be boring, either — a huge focus has been put on its interior design.
Frame Fitness
Get your sweat on at Rosedale’s newest gym — Frame Fitness. This studio is not only gorgeous and totally Instagrammable, but it’s here that you can enjoy a great pilates or boxing class. The boutique studio is founded by Melissa Bentivoglio and we love that the space features glam details like marble accents, as well as Gucci and Hermes wallpaper — how chic?!
Gusto 501
We all know and love the legendary Gusto 101 at King and Portland but now the city’s eastsiders can enjoy all of its eats and treats at its new location on King near River. Folks can still expect to see the restaurants beloved Cavolo Nero salad and Mafalde ai Funghi (mushroom pasta) on the menu.
Bailey Nelson
Need a new pair of shades, eyeglasses, or prescription glasses? Head to Bailey Nelson near Yonge and Eglinton for a stellar selection of the two. You’ll not only find super trendy and functional options, but all of its offerings start at $145, so you won’t be overpaying for a designer name. Plus, you can even get an eye exam in-store for a one-stop-shop experience.
Longchamp Yorkdale
French luxury brand Longchamp just recently opened a beautiful location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The 1,900 square foot store is situated right across from Holt Renfrew so it is right at home in the mall’s more luxurious wing. It’s there that you can shop the iconic brands selection of handbags, accessories, shoes, eyewear, luggage, and men’s collection.
Cocktail Emporium Union Station
Beloved cocktail supply store, Cocktail Emporium’s Union Station location is now open and folks everywhere, including us, couldn’t more excited. This is the retailer’s third Toronto location and while it’ll be the smallest, trust that, like any good cocktail, it still packs a major punch. Get ready to shop all sorts of funky glassware, barware, syrups, recipe books, and more all on your way in or out of the city.
Burnout Fitness
If you’re someone who just has to try the latest and greatest workouts, then head to Burnout Fitness in Midtown. It’s there that you can use the VersaClimber to for a “climbing” experience. What’s super cool is that each machine is WiFi enabled and tracks your performance so you compete against yourself. Even better is the fact that fans of the VersaClimber range from LeBron James, Lady Gaga, and Hilary Duff to name a few.
Elm Street Italian Deli
If you’re hungry and are in the area of Yonge and Dundas, do yourself a favour and pop into the newly opened Elm Street Italian Deli. This new hotspot not only makes all of its own bread, but it makes all of its meat in-house. The deli is owned by Lawrence La Pianta, of Cherry Street Bar-B-Que so you know you’re getting the real deal!
Catalyst & Co.
While we definitely have a thing for chunky jewelry, nothing is prettier than subtle and dainty jewels. If that sounds like you, then Catalyst & Co.’s new opening at Square One Shopping Centre will be of particular interest. Even though the mall is a bit outside Toronto, it’ll be well worth the drive once you see all the sparkly pieces. You’ll find gorgeous rings, bracelets, meaningful gems, and more.
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We’ve had so many incredible brands from around the world hit the Canadian retail scene in the last year. Obviously, we have some other gems to come before the end of 2018 but we wanted to do a roundup of our favourite ones we’ve welcomed into the Canadian sphere in the last year. Here are our top picks:
Miniso
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The well known “Chinese dollar store” has continued to grow far and wide after entering Canada. It’s reasonable prices, make it the best spot for picking up cute gifts and home decor. Toronto got the very first location in the lower level of the Eaton Centre.
Nordstrom Rack
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Killing it in the Canadian market, the discount brand features accessories, clothing, bags, home decor and more from the high-end retailer Nordstrom. The prices are WAY cheaper more reasonable though. Their first Canadian store ever opened at Vaughan Mills.
Kenneth Cole
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NYC based retailer made its way to the north to open its first standalone store in Toronto this year. Located on Queen West, they sell men’s and women’s clothing.
UNTUCKit
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Fashionable yet comfortable men’s shirts are now available at Sherway Gardens thanks to UNTUCKit. This is the very first location in Canada.
VDL Cosmetics
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VDL cosmetics, short for ‘Violet Dream Luminous,’ is a makeup brand known for its tech-infused, radiant skin illuminators and square lipstick. The company was founded in Seoul and has expanded immensely around South Korea and to Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and The Philippines. We’re very lucky to have first dibs in Canada, with their very first location in North America.
Asics
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The iconic Japanese brand finally opened their multi-storied store on Queen West in March. It’s the go-to spot for all Asics products, whether you are looking for footwear, apparel, or accessories.
Oliver Peoples
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The wildly known brand by major fashion consumers finally announced their first ever boutique in Canada this year. The new Toronto boutique carries a wide array of sunglasses and optical for men and women. They’re definitely on the pricer side.
Our friends at popular Montreal-based brand Pajar are looking to open its first two standalone stores this fall as the brand expands its operations to focus on a direct-to-consumer model.
Pajar is known for their high-quality boots and winter gear and is looking to use the two new standalone stores as a compliment to Pajar’s wholesale network.
Pajar rose to fame in the late 1980’s as their innovative “Zig-Zag” boot became the official book of the Canadian Alpine Ski team. TO this day the Pajar Canada Heritage Premium collection is manufactured in the same factory that founder Paul Golbert opened in Montreal in 1973. The popular boot’s design is carried out in many of Pajar’s current boots featuring 100% genuine sheepskin and are guaranteed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -40°C, according to the company. If you shopped in our online shop earlier this year you were also introduced to Pajar’s extensive line of high-quality winter jackets. As quality is of paramount concern to Pajar, the winter jackets that espouse Canadiana are also made to the highest degree of attention to detail and quality.
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According to Retail-Insider, the new stores will be located at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, with the second location popping up at Premium Outlets Montreal in Mirabel. The new Yorkdale location will space 1,340 square feet and will be housed in the former Nine-West location and will face stiff competition from outwear brands Canada Goose, Arc’teryx, Woolrich and retailers Sporting Life, Aritizia and Harry Rosen.
The new stores will act as a testing ground for Pajar’s new vision, and if successful will see the launch of permanent retail spaces.
Featured Image: Instagram @PajarCanada
Certain Canadian news outlets are suggesting that Hudson’s Bay. Co. is aggressively growing their international presence and now has American retailer, Macy’s in their sights.
According to 680 News, HBC declined to comment on their interest in Macy’s after The Wall Street Journal released a report stating that HBC and Macy’s were in early talks for a takeover.
While there hasn’t been any confirmation industry insiders speculate that “when there is smoke, there’s fire”. Richard Baker, HBC’s current Governor and Executive Chairman is a master at acquisition and Macy’s extensive real estate could be very enticing for HBC.
Reports go into further detail analysing the fact that Macy’s is currently experiencing some financial difficulties and could be ripe for a takeover.
If the takeover is successful, we think it’s unlikely that HBC would bring Macy’s north of the border in a full retail department store model. It’s more likely that products and product ranges from Macy’s would be available through existing HBC channels.
Source: 680 News