Every week it feels as though we’re hearing about more and more store closures and bankruptcies. Sadly, due to multiple global lockdowns and social distancing, it’s no surprise that many brands have had to shutter doors. On the bright side, there are actually brands that have expanded in Canada during the pandemic. These companies have been able to open more storefront locations or partner with other retailers to offer its products.
Here are the top brands that have expanded in Canada during the pandemic:
Canada Goose
After opening its very first store in Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2016, Canada Goose has expanded locations all over the world. This year, it opened a downtown Toronto store on the third level of the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. The Yorkdale location has also created a larger storefront by utilizing the space that was occupied by a next door store.
Costco
The wholesale giant opened a location in Calgary, Alberta in August 2020, with a variety of deals on food, technology, cleaning products, and more. In addition, the first-ever location in Niagara Falls, Ontario opened on November 11th! Costco first opened in Canada back in 1985, and has become a fan-favourite.
L.L. Bean
L.L. Bean opened its fourth store in Canada on October 23 at the CF Shops at Don Mills in Toronto. L.L. Bean entered the northern market in 2018 by offering its site shop to Canadians, plus, a Canada-specific catalog. The company then opened its very first store in 2019 in Oakville, and has successfully continued other Canadian launches.
StockX
StockX opened its first Canadian location in Toronto in November. If you’ve never heard of StockX before, it’s an online resale hub for luxury sneakers and streetwear. If you’re obsessed with getting the latest pair of Yeezy’s, you’re going to want to keep this company on your radar.
Furla
The Luxury Italian brand Furla, launched a Canadian e-commerce site in January of this year and is continuing a multi-store expansion in the coming years. The company creates beautiful leather goods that include handbags and shoes, as well as eyewear, jewelry, and watches.
Leon’s
Leon’s has not only opened up one location, but two! The first location this year was in Kelowna, British Columbia in August, and the second in Calgary, Alberta in September. With many retailers having to down-size, Leon’s has been able to expand its brick and mortar across the country.
OVO
Another OVO retail shop opened in Canada in late September. The newest location is in the CF Rideau Centre in Ottawa. This Ottawa storefront is actually the first OVO to open in Canada that isn’t in Toronto or Vancouver. It’s now the 12th location in the entire world.
Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss has opened a 3,028 square foot brick and mortar at the CF Carrefour Laval near Montreal. The new storefront has lavish granite flooring and a comfortable seating area. The company has been focusing on a direct-to-consumer push this past year, which also comes with the launch of an e-commerce site.
Reitmans
The Canadian brand, Reitmans, opened a new location at West Edmonton mall in Edmonton this year. The storefront showcases all of Reitmans products such as tops, bottoms, dresses, lingerie, sleepwear, and more. Also, the brand has inclusive sizes from size 0 to 22 (XXS to 3X) in Tall, Regular, and Petite.
Mexx
The fashion retailer, Mexx, ended up closing all of its Canadian stores back in 2015. It even had plans to re-open in 2018, but unfortunately, it never came to fruition. Now this time, Mexx is partnering with Wal-Mart to have its apparel stocked in-store and online.
Foot Locker
Foot Locker has now launched its first Canadian Community Power Store in Vancouver with another Power Store in Toronto. Foot Locker’s new Vancouver store is located at 1067 Robson Street, while the Toronto store is located at 306 Yonge Street.
The history of Whoo
The South Korea-based LG Household & Health Care has opened its first chose Canada first multi-brand retail store under ‘The history of Whoo.’ The new retail space, which is at CF Richmond Centre in British Columbia, is part of a growth plan for LG beauty brands.
Forever 21
After closing its Canadian stores, Forever 21 has relaunched, however this time through an online platform. The company officially closed in Canada in November 2019, which was followed by major blowout sales. This year, the company announced that it will be opening its shopping for Canadian residents.
Club Monaco
The well-known Canadian brand, Club Monaco, will be opening a new storefront in CF Carrerfour Laval in Quebec, sometime in December 2020. The store will be replacing Vero Moda which is located in a 3,177-square-foot space.
Hallmark Canada
Hallmark Canada has witnessed the desire from customers to want to purchase more cards to connect with loved ones during this time. The company opened a new corporate Gold Crown store in Halifax in November 2020 as well as one at the Seaway Mall in Welland earlier this year.
Jollibee
Jollibee is finally opening its first downtown Toronto location at 334 Yonge Street. It’s expected to open its doors before the end of the year, for pickup and takeout, due to the new lockdown restrictions. This follows the news last month, from a press release, that Jollibee is aiming to open 300 stores in North America by 2024.
Suetables
The Canadian jewellery brand, Suetables, gained internet buzz when Megan Markle wore its product. It launched its latest retail location in Vancouver’s South Granville area at 2715 Granville Street.The company will now have four stores in Canada, which includes two locations in Toronto.
T&T Supermarkets
T&T Supermarkets has expanded once again in Alberta with opening a location in Calgary. This is now the company’s sixth store in the Canadian province. T&T Supermarkets operates 27 stores in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.
M&M Food Market
M&M Food Market has opened a new store in Toronto in November 2020, and has plans to open another five stores within the next 12 months. M&M currently operates 317 traditional stores and more than 1,300 express stores.
Clearly
The Vancouver based eyewear retail company, Clearly, has opened its first store in Calgary with plans for further growth. This location is now the fourth in Canada with two brick-and-mortars in Vancouver and one in Toronto. Clearly began in 2000 as an online retailer and in 2013 opened a shop in B.C.
Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent has now opened its third standalone Canadian store at West Edmonton Mall in Alberta. The fashion brand features a range of ready-to-wear apparel for women and men, as well as bags, accessories, jewellery, and footwear.
Isaia
The Italian menswear brand, Isaia, will be opening its first standalone Canadian shop in April 2021. The location will be at 77 Yorkville Avenue, which was the former space for the notable Pink Tartan brand.
Pilgrim
The Danish jewellery brand Pilgrim has officially opened its first storefront in Canada in downtown Montreal at Place Montreal Trust. The products range from jewellery, watches, and sunglasses, with many items being under $100.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
The Running List Of Retail Store Closures And Bankruptcies In 2020
Five Years After Shuttering, Fashion Brand Mexx Is Returning To Canada
OVO Opens A New Location In The CF Rideau Centre In Ottawa
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Exhibit Is Officially Opening At Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Ulta Just Ditched Its Plans To Open Stores In Canada