We love when brands put sustainability as a top priority, so we’re extra obsessed with this one. Allbirds is a footwear and lifestyle brand that you need to have on your radar.
Allbirds just opened its second Canadian location right in Yorkdale Shopping Centre (which follows the store in Vancouver) making this its first-ever Toronto location.
Co-founded in 2016 by Tim Brown, the brand is dedicated to making sustainable products using supernatural materials, designed for everyday life. Its mission is to prove that comfort, design, and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive.
Tim speaks about the expansion saying, “We are excited to offer a new way for our Toronto customers to experience Allbirds —a city that melds so well with the Allbirds lifestyle – casual, comfortable, and an epicenter for health and wellness.”
Allbirds offers quite a range of sneakers, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for, whether you’re a runner or just searching for a go-to shoe, the brand has you covered.
It uses materials like sugarcane, wool, and eucalyptus to keep production emissions low, without sacrificing quality and style.
Plus, it recently launched an activewear line that’s made out of sustainably sourced materials as well. And let us tell you, the apparel is so sleek and comfortable!
Aside from the footwear and clothing, the store design is eco-conscious too. The service desk is constructed using locally sourced renewable maple plywood as well as featuring a table surface made using recycled paper!
A very interesting concept you’ll find when browsing around the store is that the carbon footprint of each product is clearly displayed right on it. Tim explained it as a nutrition label but for the shoe—you can see the exact carbon impact that the product has. How cool is that?
If you’re interested in learning more about the sustainability efforts that the brand has taken, check out their site. It’s definitely worth the browse.
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Shopping during the pandemic just got easier. Cadillac Fairview has found an awesome way to enhance its customer’s shopping experience while purchasing items during these unprecedented times. The company will do this by introducing a brand new return system for purchases made both online and in-store.
The stress of having to make returns at different retailers in the mall or shipping out multiple packages for a refund is all in the past.
Cadillac Fairview has partnered With ReturnBear to offer customers the ability to return items from many different retailers all at once.
This system offers a couple of options for making returns. You can either bring unwanted items to a drop-off location at a CF mall or you’ll be able to ship everything (even if it’s from different retailers) in one package to a ReturnBear hub.
Not only is this super convenient for customers, but it also reduces the environmental footprint of shoppers since they won’t have to mail out several packages.
Does it get any better than that?
Executive Vice President and Digital & Innovation of Cadillac Fairview, Jose Ribau, spoke about the collaboration in a release saying, “ReturnBear specializes in consolidated reverse logistics which is basically handling returns on behalf of retailers and allowing for a customer to either ship their returns directly or drop them off at a location and essentially remove that pain point from having to worry about that themselves.”
These plans are set to happen later this year at Cadillac Fairview locations.
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Along with restaurant patios, hair salons, and nail studios reopening, shopping malls in and near Toronto have also been given the go-ahead to reopen their doors. While this news is super exciting for those who have missed in-store shopping, it’s important to remember to abide by public safety measures and continue to practice social distancing. These malls aren’t taking any chances and have implemented serious practices to ensure the safety of all staff and customers.
Here are 8 shopping malls that are reopening in and near Toronto.
Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Located at the north end of the city is Yorkdale and it plays host to a ton of stores that we all know and love. The mall is officially reopening its doors on June 24 and will have enhanced safety measures to ensure a positive and socially distanced experience for all.
Eaton Centre
The legendary downtown Eaton Centre is preparing to reopen its doors on Wednesday, June 24 at 11 a.m. sharp. Get ready to shop your fave stores like Nordstrom, Hudson’s Bay, Saks, and many more.
Dixie Outlet Mall
If you’re looking for a deal, then Dixie Outlet Mall is the place to be. The mall is thankfully reopening on June 24 and we couldn’t be more excited. Select stores will be reopening so if you’re looking for a specific store, it’s best to call ahead to ensure it’s open.
Scarborough Town Centre
STC is set to reopen its doors on June 24 with new safety precautions like limited capacity to washrooms and elevators, removed mall seating, and increased cleaning frequency. In addition, select stores like Best Buy and Hudson’s Bay will still be open for curbside pickup.
Fairview Mall
North York’s own Fairview Mall is also another mall reopening its doors on June 24 to shoppers.
Square One Shopping Centre
It may be located in Mississauga but Square One Shopping Centre is well worth the drive. In addition to the incredible selection of stores, the mall plays host to the nearest Simons location on this side of Ottawa.
Sherway Gardens
Sherway is getting ready to host shoppers again starting on June 24. Head on into stores like Saks, Nordstrom, Indigo, and many more.
Bayview Village
Another North York gem to check out is Bayview Village which is reopening its doors again. Some stores will be operating at reduced hours and some will be open on select days of the week.
A shameless guilty pleasure to many, Toronto’s Dufferin Mall has been known as much as for its seediness as for its shops and sales. Thanks to plans for major construction, the west-end staple could look a lot different in a few years time – at least, its parking lot could.
Last month, Dufferin Mall owner, Primaris Management Inc., submitted a redevelopment application that proposes to transform part of the mall’s parking lot.
Instagram/@itsakkai
The lot now sits on prime city real estate in a way it didn’t in the past – into a huge residential community called Dufferin Grove Village that includes purpose-built rentals. The plan would see the northern half of the parking lot transformed to house four towers and 1,135 residential units.
Changing the optics of the mall, the towers will range from 14 to 39 storeys high. Dufferin Street would sit to the east, Croatia Street to the north, and Brockton Stadium to the west of the proposed development.
The architecture and planning will be in the hands of Toronto staples Quadrangle Architects and planning consultancy Urban Strategies.
The application comes at a time when we need to get strategic with housing. In a city where owning a house has become a pipedream for countless families, the buildings are designed to accommodate families.
According to plans, in addition to 117 bachelor and 452 one-bedroom units, 50 per cent of the units would have at least two bedrooms, with 461 two-bedroom units and 105 three-bedroom units. Also adding to the appeal for young families, the redevelopment includes a thoughtfully landscaped public park and amenities designed with both children and pets in mind.
Making life easier, the proposed development sits just minutes from Dufferin Station.
For the nostalgic set that loves the character-filled mall just the way it is, the good news is that the actual mall will remain intact, with no plans to redevelopment in the near future. Instead, the spot will see the entry of 11,639 square kilometres of shiny new retail space on a newly created street.
The podium is connected to the mall, extending the mall’s retail offerings, in addition to its beloved staples like Winners, Dollarama, and Marshalls.
Those with a soft spot for fast food, however, may be disappointed to know that The Beer Store, KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut will have to go.
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A notable talking point of the plans includes impressive landscape architecture from North Design Office. According to Urban Toronto, the future park, called Dufferin Commons, is inspired by the Dennison Creek, which once graced the land before becoming buried over time.
It will feature concrete wave formations that follow the path of the historic stream. In a progressive approach to landscaping, the park will repurpose recycled materials from the site’s demolition.
As for the parking lot, it will occupy underground real estate, offering some 736 parking spots. Furthermore, the existing parking area in front of No Frills and Walmart will not be impacted by the transformation.
Instagram/@kaitlanmarie_
For those who’d rather the gloriously gritty property as it, the good news is there will be a few more years to enjoy it as such. If all goes well in the approval process, construction is slated to begin in 2020.
Featured Image: Instagram/@toronto_explored_by_me
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As parents, finding family friendly activities that are affordable and able to satisfy children of different ages all at once, can be challenging. When looking for things to do, more often or not you’re given super expensive options, or you’re told to go to the park. The truth is though, spending every day at the park gets old very quickly so why not head to the mall? Just because you’re at the mall, it doesn’t have to break the bank and plus, there are tons of options for all ages every type of family!
We have rounded up the top 5 family friendly malls and markets in the GTA for all the family fun!
The Distillery District
Instagram/@distilleryto
Even though it’s not technically a mall, The Distillery District is a great family destination because it’s outdoors and there is a lot more to do than just shop! Every Sunday morning until August 25th, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you can take part in yoga as a family! Parents and kids from ages 7-12 can come to zen-out and enjoy outdoor, family-oriented yoga that’s led by yoga instructors from studios around Toronto. Each Sunday, you will see two back-to-back sessions that are free to attend, but remember to bring your own mat! Bonus: babies in strollers are welcome to watch!
Toronto Premium Outlets
Instagram/@mamanocanada
Toronto Premium Outlets features over 130 stores and savings of up to 65% on the brands you love to shop! It doesn’t need to be a hot promotion period to get bang for your buck at this destination, and with last years expansion of over 40 new retailers, there are must-haves for the whole family. There are a couple features to note that are huge benefits when shopping as a family. Firstly, the five-storey parking garage has over 1,600 spots available. Secondly, there are mobile phone charging stations located throughout the centre, as well as in the children’s play areas, so you can kill two birds with one stone while your kids tire themselves out for bed!
Bayview Village
Bayview Village
We know what you’re thinking because Bayview Village is one of Canada’s most prestigious shopping centres with some very high end shops. How is that family and budget friendly? This mall offers families the greatest luxury of all which is time. From valet car service, a grocery shop, a dry cleaners, a salon, and a walk-in clinic, Bayview Village is a one stop shop for families. Also interesting, but not for the budget conscious, Bayview Village will open Goh Ballet this fall, offering a well-rounded curriculum for kids age 3 and up. Parents can lunch, shop, and get groceries while their children dance.
CF Shops at Don Mills
Instagram/@cfshopsdonmills
The Shops at Don Mills has one of the cutest perks. Through October 14th, bring your kids on a train ride around the shops! Tickets are only $4 a ride and can be purchased from the conductor (cash only.) It’s also a great photo op and Instagrammable moment for moms and dads! What happens in the winter? The location where the trains are turns into a skating rink. We don’t have the details yet, but we will come wintertime!
Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Instagram/@shinelily
Perhaps the most family friendly of all malls, Yorkdale is truly a destination for parents. When walking through the mall, you’ll often see groups of moms on maternity leave roaming around with their babes, taking a stroll, and enjoying the family fun without breaking the bank. Let’s talk about the family friendly change/chill rooms located in several convenient spots. No matter where you’re standing in the mall, there is a family washroom facility that accommodates all genders within a one minute walk, because not all families come in one shape or size. It’s an all inclusive mall that eliminates the fear of leaving the house with a bunch of kids. Fear you’ll forget something? No worries, Shoppers Drug Mart has everything you could need. Fear you’ll have nowhere to change your baby? There is a change room around every corner! Have a screaming toddler? Check out Dream Space or the new KitKat Chocolatory that’s coming soon! There is something for everyone — no doubt about it!
Featured Image: Instagram/@alliyahsmiles
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While some might say the American mall is dead, I beg to differ. One of the best things about living in Toronto is the abundance of shopping, especially in terms of malls. It’s probably true that you don’t spend as much time at the mall as you did in your youth, but a visit to one of Toronto’s shopping centres is never a bad idea. Whether your shopping list is open-ended, or you’re planning on doing some light browsing, a little retail therapy never hurt anybody.
Take a look at the top Toronto malls ranked from best to worst below, and start planning your next shopping expedition.
Yorkdale
3401 Dufferin St, North York
Instagram/ @yorkdalestyle
Yorkdale is an obvious win when it comes to Toronto’s selection of malls! With over 300 stores and the recent edition of their luxury wing, Yorkdale is the essentially the belle of the ball raking in billions each year. If you’re looking to visit high-end boutiques, innovative flagship stores, and “first-to-Canada” initiatives, Yorkdale is the best place to-go. However, if you’re shopping on a strict budget and not having a full on shopping spree, it may be better to head over to the Eaton Centre for more budget-friendly brands.
CF Eaton Centre
220 Yonge St
Instagram/@ayazh2009
Next on our list and second to Yorkdale, is CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Shop all your favourite malls staples here like Aritzia, Zara, Sephora, and more, but avoid the temptation of a luxury wing. The Eaton Centre is also great if you’re looking to visit all of the newest international retailers like UNIQLO, Nordstrom and Muji. Another upside (for those of us who don’t drive) is the downtown central location; it’s definitely very accessible to get to via public transit.
CF Sherway Gardens
25 The West Mall
Instagram/ @my.miaou
Call me a millennial, but Sherway Gardens will always get bonus points for the safari scene in Mean Girls. While the array of stores may not be as expansive as Yorkdale or the Eaton Centre, the west end destination has all your nostalgic mall staples (Abercrombie, H&M, Forever21.) It also has a list of stores you wouldn’t find in some of the smaller malls in Toronto like Free People, Matt & Nat, and Sandro etc.
Scarborough Town Centre
300 Borough Dr, Scarborough
Instagram/ @shopstc
Scarborough Town Centre is a good mix of your classic mall stores, as well as new imports like Miniso and Muji. Shop here if you have a particular store in mind, are looking for basics, or specialty treats from stores like Squish. Essentially, Scarborough Town Centre is a good destination for those living in the east end, but not if you desire stores like Nordstrom, Uniqlo, or high end designer – you will have to go elsewhere.
CF Fairview Mall
1800 Sheppard Ave E
Instagram/ @raihan_khan86
While Fairview Mall is a little too far North for those who live downtown Toronto, it’s more accessible if you live closer to the 401 Highway. CF Fairview is equipped with all the regular mall staples like, American Eagle, Foot Locker, and Old Navy to name a few. It’s a great option for a low key shopping day as it’s not in the same playing field as Yorkdale or the Eaton Centre, but still beats your rural mall any day.
Dufferin Mall
900 Dufferin St
Instagram/ @dufferin_mall
Situated in the heart of the West end, Dufferin Mall is frequented by many, but is better for household products, basics, and necessities due to stores like Walmart, Dollarama, Winners, and Marshalls. You will not find the same list of high-end brands or international retailers here – only your very basic stores. It is however great if you feel like popping into Forever 21 or H&M without venturing all the way downtown or uptown.
Cloverdale Mall
250 The East Mall
Instagram/ @mymoodybabies
Cloverdale Mall rings is last on our list, as it doesn’t even compare to the malls above. Do not go shopping here for clothing as you will be sorely disappointed. That being said, the mall does have some stores that are suitable for necessities or groceries since they have a Kitchen Stuff Plus, Metro, LCBO, Home Hardware, and things like alteration services etc. Cloverdale mall is only suitable when shopping for living necessities and services.
Featured image: Instagram/ @dufferin_mall
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Toronto is filled with the most amazing shopping, from high-fashion malls to premium outlet malls — there is retail galore. Sometimes it’s hard to decide which mall you’re in the mood for, so this list should help you out.
These are the 10 best shopping malls Toronto and the GTA have to offer.
1. CF Eaton Centre
Instagram/@cftoeatoncentre
This stylish mall is a Toronto landmark with one of its signature features, the group of flying fibre glass Canadian geese that hang from the ceiling. Currently, there are 235 retail stores and services, featuring some of our absolute favourites like J. Crew, Hudson’s Bay, Levi’s, Nordstrom, Zara, Free People, Oak & Fort, H&M, Apple Store, Frank And Oak, and tons more. The food court was recently renovated to bring in a larger variety of price points, along with new culinary flavours. At the convenient location of Yonge and Dundas, the Eaton Centre is a prime shopping destination in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Location: 220 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario
2. Yorkdale Mall
Instagram/@yorkdalestyle
This gorgeous mall is a shopping staple for many Torontonians and features more designer labels and luxury stores than anywhere else. Only a short drive (or subway ride) away from downtown Toronto, Yorkdale Shopping Centre always has something fun going on. This mall in North York has over 250+ retail stores including Aritzia, AllSaints, Canada Goose, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Chanel, OVO, and even more to check out. Yorkdale has also opened its doors to unique retailers like The LEGO Store and Zara Home. In fact, many international companies have opened their first retail locations in Canada at Yorkdale. The food court was also renovated recently and is filled with a huge selection of food ranging from healthy options to KFC.
Location: 3401 Dufferin St., North York, ON
3. Bayview Village Shops
Instagram/@eshtiaghi
Bayview Village Shops contain more than 110 one-of-a-kind and luxury retailers, such as Davids, Gap, Aveda, Sandro, Ron White, and TNT. Located at Bayview Ave and Sheppard, it’s the only host of some North American high-end fashion designers. In addition, it contains outlets for luxury U.S. designers, such as Brooks Brothers.
Location: 2901 Bayview Ave., North York, Ontario
4. CF Fairview Mall
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This North York shopping centre has over 180 stores, offices and a cinema complex. It’s not a huge space but you can still manage to find everything you need. Stores included in the shopping centre include H&M, Little Burgundy, Hudson’s Bay, Victoria’s Secret, and more.
Location: 1800 Sheppard Ave E., North York, ON
5. CF Shops At Don Mills
Instagram/@mahmoudshoblaq
Located in North York, Shops at Don Mills is more of a lifestyle centre than a typical mall. It comprises 72 retail stores over more than 500,000 square feet. Attracting upscale shoppers, its most popular stores include Anthropologie, Oak & Fort, Michael Kors, and well-known food stores and restaurants, such as McEwan’s Gourmet Market and Joey’s. The layout is centred around a square, similar to a normal neighbourhood retail strip mall. There’s also an electric vehicle charging station.
Location: 1090 Don Mills Rd, North York, ON
6. Square One
Instagram/@andersonnn_y
Located at 100 City Centre Drive in Mississauga, it’s the largest premier shopping centre in Ontario and the second largest in Canada. With more than 2-million square feet, it houses more than 360 stores and services. Some of its most prominent stores include Holt Renfrew, Hudson’s Bay, Simons, Walmart, Apple, Harry Rosen, and Salvatore Ferragamo. The mall attracts 24-million shoppers annually.
Location: 100 City Centre Dr., Mississauga, ON
7. Vaughan Mills
Instagram/@hotsauce_creative
One of the largest enclosed malls in Canada, Vaughan Mills, located in Vaughan, comprises 1.3 million square feet with 200 retail stores, restaurants, and family-friendly entertainment outlets. They are visited by 13.5-million customers a year. Besides housing Legoland Discovery Centre, the mall has outlets like Saks Off 5th, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, and more.
Location: 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Concord, ON
8. Sherway Gardens
Instagram/@kitchener_canada
With more than 1-million square feet, Sherway Gardens mall, located in Etobicoke, has 215 stores. It’s the eighth largest mall in Toronto. Through the years, it has changed from a mix of retail stores to become a centre for high fashion and luxury. Its anchor stores include Hudson’s Bay, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Other high-end stores in this mall include Coach, Davids, DeBeers Diamond Jewellers, Kate Spade, Gucci, Montblanc, Birks, and Caudalie Boutique Spa. There’s also a seasonal farmers’ market.
Location: 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON
9. Dixie Outlet Mall
Instagram/@kirkmatthewfairley
Located in Mississauga, Dixie Outlet Mall is also known as Dixie Value Mall for its fantastic prices. It’s a hidden gem for visitors looking for deals and discounts. As Canada’s largest enclosed outlet mall, brands who call the mall home include Winners, Levi’s, Puma, Calvin Klein, Guess, and Tommy Hilfiger. It’s actually home to Canada’s first Nike Clearance store. There’s also a year-round flea market with 125 vendors and recycling stations.
Location: 1250 S Service Rd., Mississauga, ON
10. Toronto Premium Outlets
Instagram/@toronto_po
Located in Halton Hills, Ontario, this is Canada’s first premium outlet centre. Its anchor stores are Saks Fifth Ave off 5th and Restoration Hardware, but other brands with outlets in the centre include Aritzia, Jimmy Choo, Ted Baker, Michael Kors, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, and more.
Location: 13850 Steeles Ave W, Halton Hills, ON
Featured Image: Instagram/@cftoeatoncentre