If you thought the influx of international retailers coming to Canada might slow down after a record-breaking year in 2017, think again. 2018 is hot on its tail, with the great white North remaining as desirable as ever; if Canada had a Tinder profile for retailers, we’d be getting the most right swipes.
Retail Insider stated in July, that 30 new retail concepts had already opened stores in Canada, or were planning on entering the market. Within those new openings, these are the most notable international retailers that opened in Canada in 2018. If you haven’t checked out these stores yet, add them to your bucket list!
Laline
This past summer one of Israel’s leading skincare brands, Laline, made the journey North opening their first Canadian flagship at CF Sherway Gardens. Apparently, this location will be the first of several set to open in Southern Ontario. The other stores will appear at Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Square One Shopping Centre, as well as malls in Markham, Hamilton, Kitchener, and London.
Levi’s
The American denim brand, opened their first Canadian flagship store this past summer at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, that came complete with an in-store tailor shop. Since then Levi’s has been on a role now featuring three more stores in Toronto and several locations also across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
Chloe
And don’t count luxury brands out of the great retail migration; Chloe is just one of the high-end designers to open their first Canadian flagship, the lucky host being none other than Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The boutique will be the first in North America to feature the brand’s new concept as traditionally Chloe has opened stores inside Nordstrom, Saks, and Holt Renfrew.
ASICS
Located on trendy Queen West Street, ASICS opened its first Canadian flagship this past March. The massive multiple level store features an innovative shopping experience featuring two distinct brands: ASICS and ASICSTIGERTM. The flagship represents the new direction of the brand and we hope to see more.
Bottega Veneta
Joining fellow luxury brand Chloe, Bottega Veneta also opened their first Canadian flagship and stand-alone store in Yorkdale Shopping Centre (surprise!). According to Retail-Insider, Yorkdale Shopping Centre has the most first-to-Canada luxury stores than anywhere else in the country… so setting up shop there was a natural choice of course.
Atelier Cologne
While some brands choose to enter the Canadian market with multiple stores, Atelier Cologne will open one boutique alone. The brand unveiled their new space at Yorkdale Shopping Centre this past April and while one store may seem trivial, Atelier Cologne only has 14 stores globally, so Canadians should definitely feel flattered.
Oliver Peoples
The American luxury eyewear brand is the most recent international retailer to come to Canada, opening their first Canadian store in Yorkdale Shopping Centre only a week or so ago. The brand will follow up shortly by opening a second Canadian stand-alone store in Vancouver, so keep your eyes peeled for more news on that.
SOIA & KYO
While SOIA & KYO may be Canadian born, they operate on an international level, competing with the likes of Canada Goose and other global brands. Despite their scope, the cold weather wear brand has opened their first ever retail store in Mississauga’s Square One this past August making them one of the most notable international retailers to open a store in Canada.
Casper
Trendy lifestyle and sleep company, Casper entered the Canadian market opening its first retail space at Toronto’s CF Sherway Gardens in May. Apparently, they also opened manufacturing headquarters here as well, marking the first phase of their North American expansion. The company plans to open more standalone stores in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta.
Mejuri
You’ve most likely seen international jewelry brand Mejuri all over your Instagram. The millennial brand was founded in Toronto, but similar to SOIA & KYO, operates on an international level, even being seen on Kendall Jenner. The company’s first standalone store and studio opened on Dundas West this past summer.
Grail
Sneaker concept store GRAIL, an affiliate of DSW, opened their first Canadian store in Vancouver this past June. While the flagship remains the only North American store, the brand stated that expansion plans are in the works, but first and foremost the goal is to create authenticity within the Vancouver store.
Featured image: Instagram/ @soiaandkyo
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