Nations Experience has taken possession of the former Hudson’s Bay space at Oakville Place, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of a project that Retail Insider first reported on in November 2025. The update signals that the concept is moving from planning into execution, with construction expected to begin shortly.
According to Frank Ho, Vice President of Real Estate Development for Nations Experience, the company has now officially taken possession of the two-level former department store space, which spans about 120,000 square feet. Ho indicated that the redevelopment will transform the former Hudson’s Bay box into a large-scale “foodtainment” destination that combines grocery, prepared food, dining, and entertainment in a single environment.
Retail Insider Update on a Major Oakville Project
Retail Insider was first to report on the planned Nations Experience location at Oakville Place late last year, and this latest update provides a clearer picture of where the development stands today. Based on information provided by Ho, the project is now entering a more visible phase as Nations prepares to begin construction and introduce the concept to the market.
Ho described the Oakville project as part of a broader shift in how large-format retail spaces are being reimagined, particularly as former department store spaces across North America continue to challenge shopping centre owners looking for viable long-term replacements.
A New Role for the Former Department Store Anchor
For decades, department stores served as the central anchors of enclosed shopping centres, helping drive traffic and support surrounding tenants. Ho suggested that this traditional model has weakened as consumer habits have changed, creating the need for more dynamic uses that encourage repeat visits and longer stays.
In Oakville, Nations Experience is positioning its concept as a response to that shift. According to Ho, the model is designed around frequency, dwell time, and a more immersive customer experience rather than conventional retail categories alone. The goal is to create an anchor that brings people into the centre not only to shop, but also to dine, gather, and spend time.
Nations Experience Combines Grocery, Food Hall, and Entertainment
Ho said the Oakville Place location will bring together several elements under one roof. The lower level is expected to include the grocery and prepared food components, including fresh departments such as produce, seafood, and meat, as well as a broad international food offering aligned with the brand’s “Where East Meets West” positioning.
He also indicated that the project will include a major entertainment component under the Forever Young banner on the second level. That space is expected to feature attractions such as indoor play areas, arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and event-oriented uses designed to broaden the appeal of the destination.
According to Ho, the concept is intended to function as a unified ecosystem rather than a series of separate uses. Grocery is expected to drive regular visits, prepared food adds energy and immediacy, and entertainment encourages customers to remain in the space longer.
Why Oakville Place Matters
Ho pointed to Oakville’s demographics and location as important factors in the decision to move forward with the project there. As one of the more affluent communities in the GTA, Oakville offers the kind of customer base that can support both everyday grocery traffic and destination-oriented food and entertainment uses.
The former Hudson’s Bay closure also created an opportunity to rethink how a large anchor box could function within the shopping centre. Ho suggested that while many former department store spaces have been divided up or repurposed for limited uses, the Oakville Place redevelopment is intended to restore sustained traffic at scale.
That is particularly significant as Oakville Place continues to reposition itself with new anchors and tenants following major changes to its lineup.
Garden Centre to Launch as Early Activation
One of the more immediate developments is a phased rollout that will begin before the full concept opens. Ho said a large-scale garden centre is scheduled to launch this month, allowing Nations Experience to establish an early presence at the property and begin building awareness in the community.
That early activation is expected to serve as a visible sign of progress while construction continues inside the former Hudson’s Bay space. Based on the current timeline provided by Ho, a broader opening is anticipated in Fall 2026, with some entertainment elements potentially extending into 2027.
Part of a Larger Evolution for Nations
Nations Experience, formerly Nations Fresh Foods, has steadily expanded across Ontario over the past decade. The business traces its roots to the Oceans Fresh Food Group and first launched in Vaughan in 2012 before expanding to locations including Hamilton, Mississauga, Toronto, and Brampton.
Ho positioned the Oakville store as part of the continued evolution of the Nations Experience format, which builds on the company’s move beyond conventional grocery retail into larger mixed-use environments. The first Nations Experience store opened at Stock Yards Village in Toronto in 2017 in a former Target space, combining multicultural grocery with food hall and entertainment elements.
The Oakville location appears to represent a further step in that strategy, particularly with the larger and more defined Forever Young component planned for the second floor.
A Broader Industry Signal
The redevelopment of the former Hudson’s Bay space at Oakville Place is notable not only because of its scale, but also because of what it suggests about the future of retail real estate. Based on Ho’s description of the concept, Nations Experience is aiming to create a new kind of anchor, one built less around traditional merchandise and more around a mix of daily needs, food-led traffic, and leisure activity.
If successful, the project could offer a useful model for landlords dealing with large vacant department store spaces. It also reflects the growing importance of concepts that increase both dwell time and visit frequency in an increasingly competitive retail environment.
The company’s real estate advisory is being supported by TOP CATS REALTY INC., with contacts Kelly Laughton at 416-419-7470 and Gerry Lazar at $416-464-2271.
I would love for Nations to come to Metro Vancouver. Looks like a great concept and Metro Van is a foodie melting pot. The vacancies left by The Bay provide a great opportunity. I would also love to see Seafood City, Adonis, Farm Boy and Giant Tiger for general discount. It’s a shame none of these banners operate in BC. British Columbians would patronize them en masse.