Luxury footwear and accessories brand Jimmy Choo is solidifying its presence in Canada with a new flagship store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. This latest location is part of Yorkdale’s newly developed 65,000-square-foot luxury wing, situated in the mall’s centre run.
Joining a collection of high-end retailers such as Loewe, Brunello Cucinelli and others in the luxury wing, the new Jimmy Choo store brings a refreshed, luxury shopping experience with its replacement location.
Relocating Within Yorkdale to a Prime Spot
The new flagship marks a strategic relocation for Jimmy Choo within Yorkdale. Since opening its first standalone store in Canada at Yorkdale in 2014, the brand has been a fixture in Toronto’s luxury retail scene.
Spanning 2,538 square feet, the new Yorkdale flagship introduces Jimmy Choo’s latest store design, which aims to create a more personalized and engaging shopping experience. At the heart of the store is a unique ‘pod’ that offers seating for customers. The innovative space can be enclosed to transform into a private VIP room, offering an exclusive and intimate shopping experience tailored to each customer’s preferences. The thoughtful design underscores the brand’s emphasis on personalization and high-touch service.
The relocation within Yorkdale was facilitated by Stan Vyriotes and David Wedemire of DWSV Realty, who represented Jimmy Choo in the transaction with the mall’s landlord Oxford Properties. DWSV has negotiated serval other details for the luxury wing, as well as in other parts of the mall.
Jimmy Choo’s Growing Footprint in Canada
Jimmy Choo’s expansion across Canada has been methodical and focused on key luxury markets. The brand first entered Canada with its Yorkdale store in 2014, followed by the opening of a standalone boutique in downtown Vancouver in 2018. The Vancouver store, located at 1035 Alberni Street, spans 1,549 square feet and is positioned within the city’s prestigious ‘Luxury Zone,’ a hotspot for high-end shopping.
In addition to its presence at Yorkdale and Alberni Street, Jimmy Choo operates locations at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets near Vancouver and at the Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills. These outlets provide a more accessible touchpoint for customers, offering a selection of the brand’s luxury products in a more casual setting.
Recent Opening in Montreal
In 2024, Jimmy Choo continued its Canadian expansion with a new store at Royalmount in Montreal. The Royalmount location, spanning approximately 1,900 square feet, is part of a luxury corridor featuring brands such as Saint Laurent, Versace, and David Yurman. This is Jimmy Choo’s first standalone store in the Montreal market, underscoring the brand’s strategic commitment to growth in Canada.
Historical Background of Jimmy Choo
Founded in 1996 by Tamara Mellon, a former Vogue accessories editor, and Malaysian fashion designer Jimmy Choo, the brand quickly rose to prominence in the luxury fashion scene. Renowned for its glamorous, high-heeled shoes, Jimmy Choo became a staple on red carpets and was worn by celebrities worldwide. Over time, the brand expanded its product lines to include handbags, accessories, and fragrances, further establishing its global appeal.
Currently, Jimmy Choo is part of Capri Holdings Limited, which also owns Versace and Michael Kors. Capri Holdings’ strategic focus on innovation and market expansion has supported Jimmy Choo’s global growth, with Canada playing an increasingly significant role in its retail portfolio.
If Capri still holds the lease on Yorkville Ave… would we see a Jimmy Choo store there (which was the original intent)?