Mall entrance to La Maison Simons at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, September 18, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
Adyen, the global financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses, is partnering withSimons, Canada’s oldest private, family-owned fashion retail business.
Adyen has been selected as the retailer’s financial technology partner for its e-commerce and 19 physical retail stores across Canada, including the newly opened Yorkdale and CF Eaton Centre locations, powering all of their payments. Connecting data from all of Simons’ channels, Adyen will power flexible, cross-channel payment experiences and provide richer insights into customer preferences and behaviour, said the company.
Yannick Vial
“As Simons expands across Canada, we’re focused on delivering a seamless customer shopping experience. Partnering with Adyen isn’t just about streamlining transactions; it’s about fundamentally reshaping how customers interact with our brand, unifying every touchpoint into a singular, intelligent journey,” said Yannick Vial, Senior Vice-President, Chief Digital Development and Unified Commerce at Simons. “Our collaboration with Adyen elevates the customer experience and offers customers the same smooth checkout process in-store and online with increased personalization.”
Sander Meijers
“Simons continues to set the bar for retail in Canada, delivering thoughtfully curated shopping experiences for customers at scale. We are excited to build on this with our partnership, providing an elevated payment experience for customers nationwide,” said Sander Meijers, Canada Country Manager at Adyen. “Whether you’re adding to cart at Simons.ca or prefer to browse in-person at one of their many locations across Canada, Adyen’s platform ensures shoppers can pay how they want, where they want.”
The partnership will also expand the payment options available to customers, from offering Alipay and WeChat to Buy Now, Pay Later. Simons is the first retailer in Canada to offer Klarna in-store via Adyen, providing shoppers with a new, flexible way to pay. Currently available at select locations including Yorkdale and Eaton Centre, the payment method will be rolled out to all 19 stores by the end of fall, ahead of the holiday season. Customers can pay for their purchase using one of Klarna’s interest-free BNPL payment methods and can keep track of the purchase in their Klarna app.
Photo: Adyen
Steven Clarke
“As a forward-thinking innovator in the retail space, Simons was a natural fit to bring Klarna in-store via Adyen for the first time in Canada,” said Steven Clarke, Head of Canada & North American Partnerships at Klarna. “Building on our longstanding partnership with Adyen, we are excited to take this next step in offering flexible payments and further our mission to be everywhere for everyone.”
Cosentino Toronto City Centre flagship. Image supplied
Cosentino has opened the doors to its new Toronto City Centre, relocating its flagship showroom from Castlefield to downtown Toronto at the corner of Front and Frederick Streets (143 Frederick Street). The move reflects a deliberate strategy to embed the company within the city’s vibrant design and architecture community. Rather than functioning as a simple showroom, the new flagship positions itself as a hub for collaboration, creativity, and professional exchange.
“Toronto’s design community is among the most vibrant in North America, and this new City Centre places Cosentino right at its heart,” said Karim Guirguis, Regional Director North, Cosentino. “Our goal is to create a flagship that doesn’t just showcase surfaces but serves as a living hub for inspiration, collaboration, and education, aligning Canada with Cosentino’s global vision for immersive, design-driven showrooms.”
The guiding principle behind the Cosentino Toronto City Centre was to move beyond conventional surface displays. Designed by Cosentino in collaboration with Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, the new showroom integrates surfaces into real-life applications across kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, cladding, and furniture. Dedicated event and education areas reinforce its function as a catalyst for design dialogue and industry development.
“The showroom is much more than a display space — it’s a design manifesto that embodies Cosentino’s core values: longevity, beauty, elegance, and innovation,” said Cristina Hernán Mateos, Interior Design Manager at Cosentino. “While stone is often seen as cold, our spaces convey warmth and versatility, thanks to thoughtful combinations with wood, metal, and layered textures. Every detail is crafted to inspire and connect, allowing visitors to envision their own projects.”
Cosentino Toronto City Centre flagship. Image supplied
Immersive Features and Design Innovation
Visitors to the Toronto City Centre encounter a curated experience intended to spark creativity. Rotating metal frames display full slabs of Cosentino surfaces, including outward-facing orientations that provide striking street-level visibility. Inside, The Atelier functions as a working library where designers can pull samples and test combinations side by side, while The Bathelier showcases a fully functioning bathroom concept with operational washrooms and Cosentino’s new Zoe Top integrated sink.
Engineering ingenuity is also on display through a curved kitchen island, created by layering three 20-millimetre slabs to simulate a 60-millimetre thickness with shadow gaps, demonstrating both technical precision and aesthetic innovation.
“The goal was to design an environment that sparks discovery and supports exchange,” said Heather Dubbeldam, Principal, Dubbeldam Architecture + Design. “By blending practical resources with creative spaces, the showroom is both a working tool and a place to spark new ideas.”
Cosentino Toronto City Centre flagship. Image supplied
Showcasing Three Global Brands
The showroom highlights Cosentino’s three global brands, Dekton®, Silestone®, and Sensa®, through applications spanning flooring, wall cladding, sinks, shower trays, fireplaces, furniture, and façades. Each brand is presented in ways that reflect its unique qualities.
Dekton® Pietra Kode and Pietra Edition surfaces bring warm, earthy tones inspired by Mediterranean traditions to the flooring and walls. Silestone® Le Chic and Le Chic Bohème surfaces, placed in the reception and kitchen areas, incorporate metallic elements for a sense of glamour and individuality. Meanwhile, Sensa® natural stone demonstrates durability, sustainability, and the luxury appeal of natural materiality.
By applying surfaces to diverse contexts, Cosentino Toronto City Centre challenges the perception of stone as static, it says, by showcasing how materials can shape entire environments from hotel receptions to contemporary kitchens.
Cosentino Toronto City Centre flagship. Image supplied
Sustainability as a Core Principle
Sustainability is central to the new showroom’s message. Both Dekton® and Silestone® are manufactured using renewable energy, recycled materials, and processes that reduce water use and waste. Silestone® with HybriQ® technology has a reduced crystalline silica content, offering a safer and more sustainable solution for users.
Production at Cosentino’s facilities in Spain emphasizes energy efficiency, water recycling, and responsible sourcing, aligning the Toronto City Centre with the company’s global sustainability commitments.
Cosentino Toronto City Centre flagship. Image supplied
Partnerships Elevating the Experience
Cosentino has partnered with leading global brands to further enrich the visitor experience at the Toronto City Centre. Collaborations with Gaggenau, Kohler, Andreu World, Vibia Lighting, Freepower, Planika, Pitt, Naturtex, Gan, Gancedo, and Crevin integrate appliances, lighting, furniture, textiles, and technology throughout the space. These partnerships reinforce the notion of the showroom as a holistic destination where surfaces are part of broader, interconnected design stories.
The dynamic character of the showroom is designed to evolve over time, with seasonal installations and rotating displays ensuring the space remains relevant and aligned with the latest design innovations.
Cosentino Toronto City Centre flagship. Image supplied
An Industry Hub for Collaboration and Education
Programming will include professional education sessions, CEUs, industry awards, and networking events with design associations. By creating a venue that supports dialogue, learning, and recognition, Cosentino aims to position the City Centre as a focal point for Canada’s design community.
This evolution highlights the company’s broader strategy in the Canadian market, where it already operates showrooms and distribution centres in Montreal, Stanstead, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver. Globally, the company maintains a strong footprint, with facilities in more than 30 countries and distribution across over 110 markets.
The Dorian, located in a 27-storey tower, is unique in its dual-brand concept. “The top 12 floors are part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, which is a luxury brand, and the bottom 12 floors are the Courtyard by Marriott,” Jones explained. “The top floors offer 137 rooms, while the bottom section has 169 rooms.”
The building operates with two separate entrances and front desks, providing tailored service for each brand.
Just four blocks away, the Element by Westin opened in June. “The Element is our newest addition, and it’s exciting to see the early success there,” said Jones.
Legacy and Diversification in Calgary’s Core
Jones described how the PBA Group of Companies’ move into hospitality builds on its six-decade legacy. “PBA is about to celebrate its 60th anniversary,” he said. “Patricia Phillips, our current CEO, took over the company after her father passed away. He initially focused on commercial real estate and acquired a significant amount of land in Calgary.”
Among those assets was a downtown parking lot purchased in the mid-1980s, which became the site of The Dorian. “The Dorian is not just a hotel; it’s a tribute to Patricia’s father,” said Jones. He described personal design details throughout the hotel — such as curtain patterns and room décor — that reference the late founder’s style and story.
“In every guest room, there’s a mannequin form, a nod to how her father had all his jackets made on Savile Row in the UK,” Jones noted. “The hotel’s name comes from his favourite book, The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde. It’s a beautiful way to bring family history into the hotel’s design.”
Downtown Demand and City Growth
Calgary is seeing rising demand for hotel accommodations, driven by infrastructure growth and a surging visitor economy. “During the Rotary Convention in June, hotels were full as far as Red Deer. We just didn’t have enough capacity for the 18,000 international travellers attending,” Jones said.
“Calgary offers arts, culture, employment opportunities, and incredible outdoor experiences,” he added. “It’s no surprise that so many people are moving here from Toronto and Vancouver.”
Projects like the expanded BMO Centre and the new Event Centre are expected to continue attracting major events and tourism. “We’re kind of an undersupplied hotel market, but the demand is growing,” said Jones.
Elevating Calgary’s Culinary Scene
Central to the PBA Group’s downtown offerings are its two signature restaurants: The Wilde on 27, located atop the Dorian, and Bow & Bend, atop the Element by Westin.
“Wilde on 27 is a striking, cosmopolitan dining experience with incredible downtown views from the 27th floor,” said Jones. “I would say it’s Calgary’s closest restaurant to a Michelin-star experience.”
That calibre of service helped the Dorian earn the Michelin One Key Award, a new hotel recognition launched in Canada in 2024. “I believe Wilde on 27 is what caught the attention of Michelin’s team when they visited Calgary,” Jones said.
Meanwhile, Bow & Bend is making its own name at the Element. “It’s an extension of our commitment to great hospitality,” said Jones. “It offers a unique dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and has quickly become a favourite with both guests and locals.”
Jones emphasized that the restaurants are designed not just as hotel amenities but as culinary destinations in their own right. “We’re proud of what both Wilde on 27 and Bow & Bend bring to the downtown dining scene,” he said.
Beyond Calgary’s Core
The PBA Group of Companies is also looking beyond downtown for future hospitality investments. “They’re looking at purchasing a group of select-service hotels in secondary markets like Red Deer,” said Jones.
He explained that smaller properties with fewer amenities can yield strong returns. “When you’re managing a select-service hotel that doesn’t have three restaurants, your cost base is much lower, so your profitability is much higher,” he said.
Jones believes the success of The Dorian and the Element has solidified hospitality as a viable and growing segment for the company. “They’ve really been awakened to the hotel business, and they’ll continue to expand and increase their portfolio.”
The Dorian
Dorian & Courtyard by Marriott
● The Dorian, Autograph Collection, sister to the Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown, is a distinctive lifestyle hotel set in Calgary’s bustling downtown core;
Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, it blends modern comfort with British whimsy and local charm, creating a destination with soul and style.
Developed by PBA Group of Companies, a proudly women-owned and led Calgary-based real estate company with nearly six decades of history, The Dorian reflects PBA’s vision of inspiring discovery, fostering connection, and contributing to the vitality of the city.
● Date Opened: July 21, 2022
● Number of Rooms: 308 rooms, with 133 Autograph Collection rooms and 175 Courtyard by Marriott rooms
The Wilde
The Wilde on 27
● Perched atop The Dorian hotel on the 27th floor, The Wilde on 27 offers a chic, fine dining experience that mirrors the bold spirit of Oscar Wilde. The space features an electrifying gold-accented bar with velvety white bar stools and pastel pink lounge chairs, leading into a glass-enclosed rooftop patio with sweeping views of Calgary’s downtown skyline. A crisp, white-on-white dining room completes the atmosphere, striking a balance between elegance and playfulness. As the hotel’s signature dining destination, The Wilde on 27 is designed for vibrant evenings, from handcrafted cocktails to refined dinners, set against one of the most captivating backdrops in the city.
● Date Opened: July 21, 2022
● Can seat 100
Bow & Bend
The Element Hotel Downtown Calgary
● Element Calgary Downtown is a striking example of innovation and revitalization, transforming a once-vacant office tower into a vibrant hospitality destination. The eco-conscious hotel reimagines 170,000 square feet of former office space into a lively hub for travellers and locals. The project represents Calgary’s first office-to-hotel conversion, breathing new life into the downtown core while setting a precedent for future-forward urban development.
● Date Opened: June 19, 2025
● Number of Rooms: 226 rooms
Bow & Bend Rooftop
● Bow & Bend Rooftop Bar & Lounge, located on the top floor of the Element Calgary Downtown, brings a fresh perspective to Calgary’s dining scene. With panoramic views stretching across the Bow River, Kensington, and west to the Rocky Mountains, the 12th-floor venue offers one of the city’s most unexpected and spectacular vantage points. Designed as both a welcoming neighbourhood spot and a destination for visitors, Bow & Bend balances relaxed comfort with elevated style. Expansive picture windows and a spacious patio create a light-filled, airy setting that encourages guests to linger over cocktails or gather for memorable local bites.
Giant Tiger Store in Camrose, Alta. (CNW Group/Giant Tiger Stores Limited)
Giant Tiger Stores Limited is marking the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope by continuing its partnership with the Terry Fox Foundation, committing over $130,000 in matching donations to support school fundraising across Canada.
Now in its third year, the initiative sees more than 260 schools receive up to $500 each from their local Giant Tiger store to support their Terry Fox School Run fundraising goals. The school run program aims to honour Terry Fox’s legacy while raising funds for cancer research and inspiring community involvement.
Alison Scarlett
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Terry Fox Foundation, a cause that resonates deeply with our customers, stores, and communities across Canada,” said Alison Scarlett, Head of PR, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Giant Tiger. “Through this partnership, we support and empower our local stores to lead school initiatives that encourage youth involvement in their Terry Fox School Run, helping to foster a Canada-wide culture of generosity, resilience and hope.”
The Terry Fox School Run remains a significant event in many Canadian classrooms, with students taking part in physical activity while fundraising for cancer research. Since the partnership began, Giant Tiger has contributed over $265,000 to the foundation.
Wendy Fric
“Thanks to the incredible support of Giant Tiger, we have been able to boost the fundraising efforts of 263 Terry Fox School Runs across Canada,” said Wendy Fric, Senior Director of School Runs at the Terry Fox Foundation. “Over the past few years, this generosity has helped inspire students to connect with Terry’s story, building a legacy of empathy, resilience and hope in classrooms nationwide.”
Fric added that Giant Tiger’s continued involvement has made the School Run “even more meaningful” during this milestone anniversary. “On behalf of the School Run Organizers across Canada, thank you Giant Tiger for supporting them to go the distance.”
Giant Tiger store teams across the country are actively engaged in their communities and support causes that have local impact. For many store owners, the Terry Fox Foundation holds personal meaning.
“Supporting the Terry Fox Foundation and our local School Run is incredibly meaningful to me and my staff,” said Luisa, store owner of Giant Tiger in Winnipeg, Man., whose store was the top fundraiser in 2024. “Terry’s legacy inspires us all, and giving back through our store allows us to honour him and this classic Canadian tradition, while supporting families in our own community who are impacted by cancer.”
According to Giant Tiger, community giving is central to the company’s identity. All 260-plus locations are locally owned or operated, reinforcing the brand’s focus on grassroots engagement.
Entrepreneurial aspirations in Canada have surged to their highest point in eight years, with 59 per cent of Canadians expressing interest in starting their own businesses, according to the latest RBC Small Business Poll.
The poll, conducted by Ipsos Canada, found that the number of aspiring entrepreneurs has increased by 13 percentage points over the past two years, returning to levels last seen in 2017. The survey also revealed that 81 per cent of Canadians believe small business ownership is a viable way to earn a living.
“Small business owners have faced many hurdles in recent years – from the pandemic to supply chain disruptions and now shifting tariffs,” said Karen Svendsen, Senior Director of Small Business and Partnerships at RBC. “What we’ve consistently seen is their resilience. They continue to pivot, adapt, and find new ways to serve Canadians in meaningful ways.”
Across the country, Ontario leads in entrepreneurial ambition, with 68 per cent of residents expressing interest in owning a small business. Other regions include Alberta and Saskatchewan/Manitoba at 60 per cent, the Atlantic provinces at 62 per cent, and Quebec at 45 per cent.
Canadian entrepreneurs are not only dreaming of starting businesses—they are also actively evolving. Sixty-one per cent of small business owners reported adjusting their strategies over the past year, while 51 per cent said they made significant changes to their business models to remain competitive.
Forty-six per cent of respondents said today’s business environment demands greater proactivity, and 43 per cent noted that risk-taking is essential to long-term success.
“For small business owners, resilience is not just about weathering the storm – it’s about using challenges as a springboard for reinvention and long-term growth,” said Svendsen. “That’s exactly what we help our clients do every day.”
Despite ongoing challenges—such as inflation and tariff-related concerns, cited by 56 per cent of owners—optimism remains strong. Seventy-five per cent said they are adapting well to market volatility, and 76 per cent described themselves as resilient.
Looking ahead, many small businesses plan to invest in digital upgrades, brand-building, innovation, and new market expansion, while maintaining a close focus on profitability and sustainable growth.
The RBC Small Business Poll was conducted online from July 4 to 8, 2025, with 2,001 Canadian adults. The results are accurate to within ±3 percentage points.
Chinese marketplaces are deepening their foothold in Canada, reshaping consumer habits and raising questions about the future of domestic retail. A recent survey commissioned by ecommerce platform Omnisend found that 60 percent of Canadians reported shopping at Temu, Shein, AliExpress or other Chinese marketplaces in 2025, up from 55 percent the year before.
The findings illustrate a growing dependence on these platforms, which have drawn millions of Canadian consumers with low prices, a broad assortment of products, and aggressive digital marketing. Even more striking, more than one in ten Canadians now say they shop on such platforms at least weekly.
Marty Bauer, an ecommerce expert at Omnisend, said in the study that, “These marketplaces are no longer fringe players. Temu is now the second most visited shopping website in Canada, just behind Amazon, and over 52 percent of Canadians say they’ve shopped there in the past year.”
Marty Bauer
Temu, owned by Chinese giant PDD Holdings, has quickly become a household name in Canada. The platform is not only luring occasional bargain hunters but cultivating a base of repeat customers. According to the Omnisend survey, 51.95 percent of Canadians reported shopping on Temu in 2025, up sharply from 39.26 percent in 2024.
That growth reflects a broader international surge by Temu, which has spent heavily on advertising, sponsorships, and discount-driven promotions. For Canadian shoppers contending with higher living costs, its offers of inexpensive household goods, apparel, and gadgets present an appealing alternative to domestic retailers.
The survey revealed that nearly 10 percent of Canadians are shopping on Temu at least once a week, while more than a quarter reported monthly visits. This kind of frequency signals not just curiosity but adoption as part of a regular shopping routine.
Shein and AliExpress Sustain Growth
While Temu leads, rivals are hardly standing still. Shein, the fast-fashion behemoth known for its rapidly shifting inventory, drew 37.84 percent of Canadian shoppers in 2025, up slightly from 34.64 percent the year before. That incremental growth has nevertheless positioned Shein as the second most visited fashion and apparel website in the country, behind only Gap.
AliExpress, the Alibaba-owned platform, also retained a notable share of the market, with 30.28 percent of Canadians saying they had used it in 2025. Although the figure dipped slightly from the prior year, the platform continues to attract value-driven buyers across categories, particularly in electronics and small goods.
Across all three, usage patterns indicate that while daily shopping remains rare, weekly and monthly transactions are climbing. Shein reported nearly 7.5 percent of Canadians using it weekly, while AliExpress counted 6.9 percent in that category.
Photo: SHEIN
Shifting Habits in Canadian Retail
The rising reliance on Chinese marketplaces in Canada underscores a significant shift in shopping behaviour. Once peripheral options, these platforms now serve as mainstream alternatives to brick-and-mortar stores, domestic ecommerce outlets, and even multinational giants.
“While daily usage remains relatively low, the real growth is happening in monthly and weekly shopping patterns,” Bauer noted. “This isn’t a passing trend—these platforms are becoming a regular part of consumers’ shopping routines”.
For Canadian households navigating inflation and sluggish wage growth, marketplaces such as Temu and Shein deliver affordability in a way that traditional retailers cannot easily replicate. Yet this growth also raises concerns about sustainability, quality, and the long-term viability of domestic brands.
Implications for Local Businesses
The expansion of Chinese marketplaces in Canada presents a direct challenge to local retailers. These platforms leverage vast supply chains, economies of scale, and aggressive pricing models that are difficult for small and mid-sized Canadian businesses to match.
“Chinese marketplaces are raising the bar on pricing and convenience, which makes competing harder for smaller ecommerce brands,” Bauer said in the report. “But local businesses have an opportunity to win on speed, service, and brand trust”.
Canadian companies, particularly small businesses, may need to rethink their strategies to remain competitive. Areas such as faster delivery, personalized service, and local brand loyalty are potential avenues for differentiation.
The Role of Ecommerce Tools
Omnisend, which commissioned the study, argues that technology can help smaller players fight back. The company positions itself as a platform that automates and personalizes email, SMS, push notifications, and customer reviews. According to Bauer, such tools can help Canadian retailers save time, enhance customer engagement, and build loyalty without the expense of large marketing departments.
Platforms like Omnisend highlight how the battle against Chinese marketplaces may not be fought on price alone. Instead, success may depend on building stronger relationships with customers and offering services that massive platforms cannot easily replicate.
A Global Context
The Canadian experience is not unique. The Omnisend survey, conducted in August 2025, polled 4,000 respondents across four countries, including 1,000 in Canada. The findings point to a global surge in the popularity of Chinese marketplaces, with similar growth seen in Europe and the United States.
Still, Canada represents a particularly fertile market given its highly connected population, urban density, and rising cost-of-living pressures. Consumers who might have traditionally sought out bargains in local discount chains are increasingly comfortable buying online from global suppliers.
Give the new A&W Plant-Based Burger a try for your next plant-based burger craving. (CNW Group/A&W Food Services of Canada Inc.)
A&W Canada has announced the nationwide launch of a new plant-based burger, expanding its vegetarian offerings and reinforcing its focus on innovative, crave-worthy menu options.
Developed by the company’s in-house innovation kitchen, the new Plant-Based Burger features a vegetarian patty topped with lettuce, red onion, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, served on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Karan Suri
“All guests deserve a fantastic variety of delicious, innovative menu items,” said Karan Suri, Senior Director of Innovation at A&W Canada. “By taking the lead on our own plant-based recipe, we can ensure we are always delivering delicious, crave-worthy burgers that our guests expect from A&W.”
The new item joins a growing list of vegetarian options on the brand’s permanent menu, which already includes the Masala Veggie Burger, Crispy Veggie Burger, and Spicy Piri-Piri Potato Buddy Burger.
“At A&W, we are proud of bringing great-tasting, innovative recipes to our menu,” said Senecal. “We look forward to welcoming Canadians to try out our new A&W Plant-Based Burger, alongside our other vegetarian favourites. I’m already a fan!”
With over 1,070 restaurants across the country, the company continues to position itself as a go-to destination for classic and modern burger offerings alike.
Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.
30 HAZELTON location in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
Toronto’s hospitality powerhouse INK Entertainment Group has entered the beauty and wellness arena with the launch of 30 HAZELTON, a luxury med spa in Yorkville that opened to the public this month. The move extends INK’s reputation for high-touch service into a fast-rising segment of the premium self-care market, aligning advanced skin technology with the brand’s design sensibility and guest experience.
“This is a defining chapter for INK,” says Charles Khabouth, CEO and Founder, INK Entertainment. “We’ve built our reputation on creating exceptional hospitality experiences, and 30 HAZELTON allows us to extend that legacy into a thriving sector of the luxury market. By combining the artistry, attention to detail, and service we’re known for with the most advanced skincare innovations in the world, we’re setting a new benchmark for premium aesthetic experiences in Canada.”
Positioned at the heart of Canada’s most exclusive retail district, the 30 HAZELTON Yorkville med spa brings a hospitality lens to medical aesthetics. The concept is anchored by a curated platform of devices sourced from global leaders in Italy and South Korea, paired with protocols inspired by Korean “stackable” treatments that layer technologies for long-term results.
Second floor treatment room at 30 HAZELTON in Toronto. Photo supplied
A House of Design, Technology and Calm
30 HAZELTON occupies 4,200 square feet across three levels, with nine treatment rooms named for Yorkville streets to underscore its local roots. The environment blends quiet luxury with clinical rigour. A private top-floor lounge doubles as a discovery space for product education, technology previews, and team training, reflecting INK’s event fluency and the neighbourhood’s preference for discreet, service-led experiences.
“Our mission is to redefine the self-care experience, where advanced medical aesthetics meet the ease and elegance of a luxury spa,” says Erica Fung, Spa Managing Director, 30 HAZELTON. “We’ve created a destination that’s both results-driven and deeply restorative, inspired by the best of South Korea’s stackable beauty treatments. From cutting-edge technology to white-glove service, every detail is designed for today’s modern client.”
The 30 HAZELTON Yorkville med spa was shaped over a two-year development cycle, including a full year of construction to tailor the townhouse space for a premium clinical program. Fung adds that the site selection was deliberate. Yorkville’s luxury retail cachet, quieter mid-block flow and beauty-focused ecosystem aligned with the clinic’s service model and client expectations.
Erica Fung on the main floor of 30 HAZELTON in Toronto. Photo supplied
Korean-Inspired “Stackable” Protocols
At the core of the treatment philosophy is layering. Rather than relying on single-device appointments, the clinic builds protocols that address multiple skin layers in sequence. “We have so many technologies and we are able to treat every single skin concern,” says Fung. “I do want to focus on stackable treatments here.”
That approach is reinforced by partner Cartessa Aesthetics, a North American distributor that sources best-in-class devices from global manufacturers and supports regulatory pathways. “We created a new market opportunity where we don’t manufacture,” explains Gabe Lubin, Founder, Principal and Chairman of Cartessa Cosmetics. “What we do is we go all around the globe working with world class manufacturers, vetting out their technology, testing it against all the technology in the US and then just hand selecting their number one product from lots of different manufacturers.”
Lubin points to a diversified platform that allows 30 HAZELTON to customize care for a wide range of clients. “They have a widespread variety of all kinds of different technology, different energy sources to offer the most comprehensive patient experience possible,” he says. “They’ve really created an elevated patient experience for those that are truly invested in looking good, feeling good, and not stopping, but slowing down the aging process.”
Technology Portfolio Tailored to Outcomes
The clinic’s menu features an array of non-invasive and minimally invasive modalities designed for resurfacing, lifting, volumizing, contouring and hair removal. The line-up includes HELIX by DEKA, an advanced resurfacing system that pairs CO₂ and non-ablative energy for textural refinement; Everesse by Classys, a radiofrequency platform that volumizes and plumps; Ultraformer MPT by Classys, an ultrasound solution for skin tightening and contouring; Motus AZ+ by DEKA for painless laser hair removal across skin types; and RedTouch by DEKA, a collagen-stimulating laser used for pigment and scar reduction with minimal downtime. The injectable program features Stylage dermal fillers manufactured by Laboratories Vivacy in France, alongside semi-permanent makeup services that enhance brows and lips.
Fung explains how dual-device pairings can accelerate results in complex cases. “If you have a deep acne scar, or if you have a deep wrinkle, the one in the back focuses on the top layer to resurface, so it flattens the skin,” she says of a CO₂ protocol. “The one right here focuses on the inside. It doesn’t break your skin at all. It plumps it. So one plumps, you’re working from the inside and outside. What happens? Your skin becomes flatter, quicker.”
Lubin frames the strategy as synergy. “We know when you use CO₂ laser in conjunction with a radiofrequency device that lifts and volumizes and the CO₂ addresses wrinkles and lines, you get a better patient outcome,” he says. “They’re really focused on optimizing patient outcomes, having a world class experience, and making sure they had the technology to support that kind of elevated concept for their clientele.”
Third floor lounge at 30 HAZELTON in Toronto. Photo supplied
Membership Mindset and “Skin Fitness”
The clinic positions skincare as a lifestyle. Rather than one-off interventions, clients are guided to recurring, progressive plans. “It is like skin fitness, right? It’s going to the gym for your skin,” says Lubin. “You’re not gonna come and get one treatment and then five years later look like you’re 20 years younger than you are. It’s a continued commitment and investment.”
Fung notes that monthly visits mirror routines common in Seoul. “In Korea they use this as a lifestyle,” she says. “Instead of coming in just for one or two treatments, they go every single month to really focus on the longevity of their skin.” In that context, clinical care is paired with home regimens. “Using proper skincare is equivalent to you eating very healthy. So it’s food for our skin,” she says.
The 30 HAZELTON Yorkville med spa has designed packages that organize care by age bracket, skin type and concern, with an emphasis on comfort and inclusivity. “The technologies they offer are all minimal to zero pain,” says Lubin. “There’s no patient they don’t have a treatment protocol for. Most med spas, you have dark skin, we can’t treat you. You’re over 65, you’re not a candidate for resurfacing. They really have built the technology platform that appeals to the lightest skin people, the darkest skin people, people in their twenties, people in their eighties.”
A Canadian First with Dr. Barbara Sturm
As part of its debut, 30 HAZELTON has partnered with Dr. Barbara Sturm to offer seven bespoke facials, including the 30H Facial designed exclusively for the spa. The collaboration marks a Canadian first for Sturm’s treatment menu, which is widely recognized for anti-inflammatory protocols and science-backed product formulations.
“We partnered up with Dr. Barbara Sturm, so we’re exclusive to them in Canada,” says Fung. “They don’t have any other locations that offer seven of their facials. Her products are focused on anti-inflammatory. They’re so amazing and so relaxing.” The treatment rooms dedicated to the program sit alongside spaces equipped for injectables and chemical peels, allowing clients to move fluidly from restorative facials to more corrective paths within a single location.
3rd floor office at 30 HAZELTON in Toronto. Photo supplied
Why Yorkville, Why Now
Yorkville’s evolution has accelerated in recent years with a growing roster of global fashion and accessories brands, luxury home retailers, and fine dining concepts. Hazleton Avenue itself has seen a steady cadence of elevated tenants. Fung says the specific block choice was strategic for client comfort and brand positioning. “We looked around everywhere and this is the most perfect spot,” she says. “Hazelton is so luxurious. We’re right at the intersection. We’re not in the beginning of Hazelton. We’re in the middle where there’s not a lot of traffic. Everyone coming in here, if they’re walking out with a red face, you don’t have to worry about all the traffic out there.”
The townhouse layout accommodated the clinic’s blend of privacy and presentation. A dedicated education lounge on the upper level is set up for small group sessions, technology briefings and product discovery before or after treatments. “I do want it to be a VIP experience later on to educate our clients on the lasers,” says Fung. “People don’t know what’s out there until we talk about it.”
Hospitality DNA Meets Clinical Precision
INK’s expansion into aesthetics fits a broader pattern of hospitality groups diversifying into allied lifestyle categories where service, design and brand equity can unlock value. The company’s portfolio spans some of the country’s most recognized restaurants and entertainment venues, from Byblos and Amal to REBEL, Cabana Pool Bar and the VELD Music Festival. That track record in operational execution and placemaking supports a med spa model that requires both clinical oversight and the choreography of a guest journey.
Fung underscores the collaboration. “This whole project started from an idea and because I went to Korea,” she says. “We spoke and decided to collaborate together where Charles could bring in all the hospitality and give experience for the clients.” The aim is a seamless experience that moves from consultation to treatment and aftercare without friction, while preserving the textures of a luxury visit in Yorkville.
Entrance to the 30 HAZELTON location in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
Health Canada Approved Platforms and Training
30 HAZELTON’s technology set is built around devices with Health Canada approvals, supported by Cartessa’s regulatory and clinical education. Lubin says the clinic invested in current-generation platforms for 2024 and 2025 rather than assembling a legacy inventory. “The technology’s pretty complacent, pretty stale” in many markets, he notes. “They have invested in all 2024, 2025 technology. The best lasers from Italy, the best ultrasound radio frequency devices from Korea.”
The clinic’s top-floor lounge functions as an internal training space as well as an event hub. That infrastructure supports protocol consistency and ongoing upskilling, crucial in a model that depends on device combinations and personalized treatment trees.
A Market Poised for Growth
The 30 HAZELTON Yorkville med spa enters a Canadian medical aesthetics sector that continues to grow as clients seek less invasive options with shorter downtimes. Toronto’s market has matured rapidly, though Fung sees room to bring a more comprehensive device mix and Korean-inspired regimen discipline to the city. “I would love to expand worldwide,” she says of the longer-term vision. “This is going to be changing the beauty industry for sure.”
Lubin points to the long arc of results as a differentiator. “It’s not just addressing the way you look today,” he says. “It’s developing natural collagen and doing the things today that’s gonna make you look way better and have a more graceful aging process 5, 10, 20 years down the road.”
Global commercial real estate advisor, Avison Young, announced Monday the lease of 120,000 square feet at 768 Warden Avenue in Scarborough, Ontario – marking Panda Mart’s first entry into the “active, exciting North American discount retail market” with its’ flagship Canadian location opening on Friday September 26.
Semmi Liu
Avison Young’s Semmi Liu was the exclusive advisor and agent for Panda Mart Canada in securing this location, said the commercial real estate company.
The global retail supplier of household goods, novelties home décor and furniture toriginated in South Africa and has since grown to 40 stores across 12 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Mexico – and now Canada.
“This Toronto store provides a key entry for Panda Mart into the Canadian market, and Avison Young was honoured to help select this location that will attract customers and remain highly visible for years to come,” said Liu.
Located at 768 Warden Avenue just south of Eglington Avenue, features of this property that make it highly desirable include its’ accessibility to public transit, as well as the nearby Don Valley Parkway and Highway 401, with ample on-site parking for shoppers. This is a thriving, busy mixed-use neighbourhood full of shopping, dining, and residential – making it an ideal spot for Panda Mart to call home, said Avison Young.
Retail investment in the Greater Toronto Area is booming, according to Avison Young’s latest report. In Q2, investment volume increased by 73% quarter-over-quarter and 60% year-over-year, as retail continues to demonstrate itself as an attractive, necessity-based asset in turbulent times.
Panda Mart’s Retail Concept
Panda Mart has built its reputation on a unique large-format discount concept that blends elements of warehouse shopping with the excitement of discovery. Stores are typically located in repurposed big-box spaces and can measure between 80,000 and 130,000 square feet. Each site carries between 28,000 and 53,000 products, offering an extensive assortment that spans home goods, kitchenware, hardware, furniture, toys, stationery, party supplies, electronics, artificial flowers, and more.
The brand differentiates itself from traditional dollar stores by combining an immense variety with pricing that often starts as low as forty cents. Panda Mart positions its outlets as destinations for exploration, encouraging shoppers to browse and uncover new finds at every visit. The approach has attracted significant social media attention, particularly from younger demographics seeking value-driven shopping experiences.
Origins and Company History
Founded in 2010 in South Africa, Panda Mart has grown from a regional chain to a global retail player. Its early expansion was fuelled by sourcing products from Yiwu, China, one of the world’s largest wholesale hubs. The company quickly reached over 100 stores in its domestic market while preparing for broader international growth.
By the early 2020s, Panda Mart accelerated its overseas expansion, entering new markets across Africa, Australasia, and now North America. The retailer has demonstrated a particular ability to repurpose spaces vacated by former big-box tenants, offering affordable variety in markets where other large-format retailers have retreated. This model has enabled Panda Mart to gain traction in diverse economies, from Kenya to Australia.
Today, Panda Mart operates in more than a dozen countries across multiple continents, with new openings announced at a rapid pace. In Africa, the retailer has become a major player, most notably with its flagship at Nairobi’s Garden City Mall, where it anchors alongside established international brands.
In Australasia, the chain has been expanding aggressively. Its first Australian store opened in Cranbourne in February 2025, followed by a second in Preston later that year. In New Zealand, Panda Mart has established popular sites in both Christchurch and Auckland.
Beyond these key markets, Panda Mart has also established itself across multiple African countries and is reportedly exploring opportunities in Asia and the Middle East as part of its ongoing expansion strategy.
