Popular Toronto-based fast-fashion retailer Urban Planet has opened a storefront at 157 Bloor Street West in Toronto, in the space formerly occupied by Club Monaco. Known for offering trendy, affordable fashion, Urban Planet’s presence on Bloor Street represents a temporary shift in the retail landscape of one of Canada’s most prestigious shopping districts.
Parent company YM Inc. is said to have signed a lease for a two-year term for the Bloor Street space, while staff in the store say that Urban Planet will be “open for at least a year”. Signage at the front of the store refers to it as a “pop-up”.
Urban Planet’s product offerings include a wide range of apparel and accessories for men, women, and teens. The brand is known for keeping up with the latest fashion trends at price points that appeal to younger, fashion-conscious consumers.
Urban Planet Opens Amid Luxury Neighbours
Opening a fast-fashion retailer like Urban Planet in such a high-end retail district is notable. The Bloor-Yorkville area is home to some of the world’s top luxury brands, including Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, and many more. With its affordable, trend-focused offerings, Urban Planet presents an intriguing contrast to the upscale retailers nearby.
Urban Planet’s move into Bloor Street West aligns with YM Inc.’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in high-traffic, urban locations. YM Inc., one of Canada’s largest privately-held retail companies, owns and operates several well-known brands, including Stitches, Sirens, Bluenotes, and Urban Behavior. Urban Planet, launched in the early 2000s, has become one of YM Inc.’s leading banners, with over 100 stores across Canada. The brand’s focus on providing trendy fashion at affordable prices has resonated with young consumers nationwide.
Staff at Urban Planet said that the store had been busy on opening day, which was Friday, October 11, 2024.
Historic Lillian Massey Building Welcomes New Retail
Urban Planet’s new store occupies a notable space in Toronto’s retail history. The store is located in the Lillian Massey Building, a Neoclassical landmark completed in 1912. Designed by architect George Martell Miller, the building originally served as part of the University of Toronto’s Household Science program, funded by Lillian Massey Treble, daughter of prominent businessman Hart Massey. Victoria College owns the building.
The Lillian Massey Building’s elegant Indiana limestone facade, topped with Ionic columns, is a striking backdrop for Urban Planet’s fast-fashion offerings. This historic building has housed prominent retail tenants over the years, including Club Monaco, which occupied the space from 1996 until its closure in 2021, and most recently Brooks Brothers, which operated there from February to May of 2024 before its Canadian parent company filed for bankruptcy.
See more photos of the new Urban Planet at 157 Bloor St. W. in Toronto below.
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