Alright folks, buckle up because Simons is making a big, bold splash in downtown Toronto — officially opening its first Eaton Centre location this Thursday!
This Quebec-born retail powerhouse already dropped its first Toronto spot at Yorkdale Shopping Centre on August 14, and now it’s expanding right into the heart of the city. What’s really cool? Simons is taking over parts of the former Nordstrom space at both Eaton Centre and Yorkdale, filling in the gap left by Nordstrom’s exit from Canada in 2023. Talk about seizing opportunity!
Retail guru Bruce Winder spilled the beans last month, calling Simons “a bit of an enigma” compared to other big-box department stores. While many retailers have struggled to keep physical stores alive, Simons is crushing it thanks to a super cautious but smart expansion strategy. They’re not just growing wildly; they’re growing with intent and solid data backing every move—very Canadian, eh?
Right now, including the new Toronto locations, Simons proudly operates around 17 stores across Canada. CEO Bernard Leblanc shared on CTV’s Your Morning just how carefully they’re approaching this growth:
“We have always taken a very cautious approach to our expansion. It has been done with a lot intent, a lot of reliance on data, and on what the customers have been telling us.”
And get this — those new Toronto stores are all about building closer connections with their customers. Bernard sounds genuinely pumped:
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to serve Toronto.”
So, whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious first-timer, Simons is doubling down on its commitment to stylish, community-driven shopping experiences right in downtown Toronto.
Stay tuned, because with this kind of strategic expansion and solid market vibes, Simons might just be the department store story everyone’s buzzing about this year!
What do you think—ready to check out Simons at Eaton Centre or Yorkdale and see what all the fuss is about?