What:

Simons continues its measured expansion in the Greater Toronto Area with an August opening at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, followed by a planned Eaton Centre location, marking a significant move into Canada's largest retail market.

Why it is important:

The move represents a significant shift in Canadian retail dynamics, where a Quebec-based retailer is expanding into prime locations vacated by international players, highlighting the strength of domestic retail operators.

Simons' expansion into Toronto demonstrates a carefully orchestrated growth strategy, with the Yorkdale Shopping Centre location set to open on August 14, followed by the Eaton Centre store planned for late 2025 or early 2026. Both locations will occupy spaces previously held by Nordstrom, following the international retailer's exit from the Canadian market in 2023. This expansion builds upon Simons' existing presence in the Greater Toronto Area through their Square One Shopping Centre location in Mississauga. The company's success is attributed to their distinctive merchandising approach, combining avant-garde designs with diverse price points that range from accessible to luxury. With approximately 17 locations across Canada, Simons' measured expansion strategy reflects a deep understanding of market dynamics, though retail analysts note potential risks of operating multiple stores within the Toronto market.

IADS Notes:

The Canadian retail landscape has undergone significant transformation throughout 2024-2025. January 2025 saw Holt Renfrew successfully implementing a strategy to broaden its offering while maintaining luxury positioning, demonstrating how Canadian retailers can effectively balance accessibility with premium positioning. This was followed by February 2025's announcement of Saks potentially closing its Toronto location, creating market opportunities for other retailers. March 2025 brought major shifts with Hudson's Bay's bankruptcy protection filing and subsequent revised liquidation plan, affecting 80 locations while strategically preserving six key stores. This period of transformation has created both challenges and opportunities for expanding retailers like Simons. The success of their Square One location in Mississauga has provided confidence for further Toronto expansion, even as they navigate the potential risks of market saturation. Their strategic occupation of former Nordstrom spaces at both Yorkdale and the Eaton Centre demonstrates how retailers can capitalize on market exits to establish presence in prime locations, while their careful, measured approach to expansion reflects lessons learned from other retailers' experiences in the Canadian market.

Quebec-based department store Simons has announced the opening date for its first Toronto store