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 several days.
Whole Foods Market will open a full-service grocery store at the base of the highly anticipated King Toronto development, bringing a major grocer to one of downtown Toronto’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods. The store will anchor the retail podium of the landmark mixed-use project, marking a first for the King West district, which has seen dramatic residential growth in recent years.
Situated on King Street West between Spadina Avenue and Portland Street, King Toronto is designed by internationally acclaimed Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and developed by Westbank and Allied Properties REIT, with construction by EllisDon. The development’s striking, pixelated green façade has already drawn global attention for its distinctive architecture and strong sustainability credentials.
Whole Foods King Toronto represents a pivotal retail moment for the neighbourhood. Until now, King West has lacked a full-service grocer, despite having one of the densest and most affluent residential populations in the city. The area is known for its vibrant dining, boutique retail, and proximity to major downtown districts, making it a sought-after urban address.
King Toronto. Rendering: King Toronto
Details of the Whole Foods Lease
The new store will span approximately 30,000 square feet, with 5,000 square feet at street level, and 25,000 square feet on the lower level for the main grocery operations. This configuration aligns with Whole Foods’ urban concept strategy, integrating community-oriented features alongside its core food offering.
The store will front directly onto King Street, with strong pedestrian visibility and a connection to The Well, a major mixed-use project to the south. Whole Foods is expected to take possession of the space later this year, with a grand opening targeted for February 2027. This is the company’s first new Canadian lease in more than six years and comes as part of a broader strategic plan under parent company Amazon.
Sam Winberg and Justin Pearlstein of Retail Ventures CND represent Whole Foods in lease deals. King Toronto’s retail, owned by Allied Properties REIT, is being handled by Carmen Siegel and associate Hannah Kinney of Cushman & Wakefield, according to marketing materials.
King Toronto. Rendering: King TorontoKing Toronto, August 2025. Photo: Dustin Fuhs/6ix Reail
Limited Grocery Competition
Despite significant residential growth in King West, the area has been underserved by grocery options. The nearest full-service stores include a Loblaws at Queen and Portland Streets and a Farm Boy at Bathurst and Front Streets, both a considerable walk from the heart of King Street West. Fresh & Wild on Spadina Avenue offers a smaller-scale selection but is not positioned as a full-service alternative.
Whole Foods King Toronto will fill a long-standing gap, catering to a demographic that includes young professionals, creatives, and affluent households, many of whom have invested in high-value properties in the area.
King Toronto. Rendering: King Toronto
King Toronto: A Visionary Urban Community
King Toronto spans nearly an entire city block, blending residential, retail, and public spaces. The project will feature around 500 condominium units, many with expansive terraces and city views. Several heritage buildings along King Street West have been preserved and integrated into the retail base, adding architectural character.
A central 21,000-square-foot public courtyard will anchor the site, offering seasonal markets, art installations, and public gatherings to encourage year-round community engagement. Retail space at King Toronto will total up to 180,000 square feet, with a mix of dining, wellness, boutique shopping, and cultural attractions. Additional tenant announcements are expected later this year.
Residential units at King Toronto. Rendering: King TorontoKing Toronto, August 2025. Photo: Dustin Fuhs/6ix Reail
Celebrity Residents and Luxury Living
The development has attracted global attention not only for its design but also for its residents. Music icon Elton John has purchased a penthouse in King Toronto, adding to his collection of homes worldwide. Canadian singer Shawn Mendes is also known to reside in the area. Their presence underscores King West’s growing reputation as a hub for high-profile residents.
Nearby, luxury real estate continues to push boundaries. Large loft units on Wellington Street reach approximately 5,000 square feet, and a penthouse two blocks from the site is currently listed for nearly $25 million.
King Toronto. Rendering: King Toronto
A Strategic Retail Vision
Whole Foods King Toronto will serve as a cornerstone in the retail mix for the project, signalling the type of high-quality tenants expected to follow. Leasing is focused on curating a selection of wellness, hospitality, and boutique offerings to complement the grocery anchor.
King Toronto’s location ensures strong connectivity to surrounding districts. The Well, just to the south, brings over one million square feet of commercial space and hundreds of residential units. To the north, Waterworks Food Hall adds further dining and retail choice. A new Equinox fitness club is also opening on Bathurst Street within another mixed-use development.
With increasing density, investment, and interest from global brands, King West is becoming a self-contained hub within downtown Toronto. The arrival of Whole Foods King Toronto marks a major step in shaping the neighbourhood’s next chapter.
King Street Toronto, August 2025. Photo: Dustin Fuhs/6ix Reail
Whole Foods to Close Two Toronto Locations
While the new King Toronto store signals growth for the brand in the downtown core, Whole Foods is also scaling back elsewhere in the city. The company recently announced that it will close its Yonge & Sheppard Centre and Leaside locations in Toronto.
The Yonge & Sheppard store is reportedly shutting down due to high rent costs, while the Leaside location has been described as underperforming. Both closures will take place this summer. Staff at the affected stores were informed shortly before the public announcement, marking a swift transition for the retailer.
At the same time, Whole Foods is said to have a broader Canadian expansion strategy that includes opening new store locations in major markets. More details on these planned openings are expected to be announced in the months ahead.
It started as an experiment. I wanted to see if ChatGPT software could build a sales email sequence better than my top reps. What I didn’t expect was that it would close more deals – and do it in half the time. One prompt later, my inbox was full of warm leads, and my sales team was asking for the exact template.
ChatGPT for high-converting outreach
The advantage isn’t that ChatGPT writes faster – it writes with context. It analyzes target profiles, recent industry news, and product value propositions, then crafts emails that read like they were written by someone who’s done months of research.
Prompt that changed everything:
“Write a 5-part cold email sequence for [target audience] selling [product]. Each email should reference a specific pain point in [industry], build urgency without hype, and end with a clear, low-friction call-to-action.”
This sequence outperformed my best-performing template by 46% in reply rate.
ChatGPT for follow-ups that don’t feel automated
The key to closing is follow-up – and most CRMs send messages that scream “automation.” ChatGPT software personalizes them based on the recipient’s last reply, their company’s latest news, or even a recent LinkedIn post.
Prompt to try:
“Write a follow-up email for a prospect who opened but didn’t reply to my last message. Reference their recent [event/product/news], and position our solution as directly relevant.”
These follow-ups feel like genuine check-ins, not scheduled reminders.
Perplexity AI for spotting sales opportunities
Finding prospects is one thing – knowing which ones are ready to buy is another. Perplexity AI company scans industry announcements, hiring trends, funding news, and competitor moves to identify accounts likely to be in-market.
Prompt to try:
“Find 15 companies in [industry] that have recently raised funding, launched new products, or expanded into new markets. Summarize the trigger event and suggest a sales angle for each.”
This pre-qualified list means every outbound email lands with relevance – and the conversion rate proves it.
Combining both inside Chatronix
Running ChatGPT software and Perplexity AI inside Chatronix turns prospecting and outreach into one seamless workflow. I feed Perplexity’s research into ChatGPT, generate a custom sequence for each segment, and have everything ready to send in minutes.
Chatronix lets me run this in parallel with other top models like Claude language model, Gemini, and Grok chatbot. I can compare outputs, merge the best ideas, and skip the tab-switching chaos. With 10 free requests, turbo mode, and side-by-side comparisons, it’s the only setup I’ve found that actually speeds up both thinking and execution. See it here: multi-model AI sales hub.
ChatGPT and Perplexity AI prompts for sales dominance
Lead warming
“Create a personalized intro email for [prospect] that references their company’s recent [achievement/news] and frames our product as a solution to [pain point].”
Trigger-based pitch
“Write a short pitch for [product] aimed at companies that have recently [hiring/funding/product launch]. Keep it under 100 words, with a soft close.”
Competitive switch
“Draft an email targeting customers of [competitor], focusing on our unique differentiators and offering a migration incentive.”
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>6.92 billion people are about to have access to ChatGPT through their phones.<br><br>But yet, the average person still has no clue how to prompt ChatGPT properly.<br><br>The top 12 ChatGPT prompts that will save 100 hours & make cash money <a href=”https://t.co/GwUZBqWoWi”>pic.twitter.com/GwUZBqWoWi</a></p>— Tulsi Soni (@shedntcare_) <a href=”https://twitter.com/shedntcare_/status/1931657354170536143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>June 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
Table: How ChatGPT software + Perplexity AI company beat the old process
Task
Old Process Time
AI-Powered Time
Conversion Lift
Prospect list building
2–3 days
1–2 hours
+30% qualified
Email sequence creation
1 day
20–30 min
+46% replies
Follow-up personalization
4–5 hours/week
30–40 min/week
+22% closes
Why this works better than a traditional sales stack
Sales tools are built to manage volume, not quality. The combination of Perplexity AI company’s predictive targeting and ChatGPT software’s tailored messaging flips that script. Instead of blasting 1,000 generic emails, you send 100 that feel hand-crafted – and get more deals with less noise.
The playbook is simple:
Use Perplexity AI company to spot accounts with real buying signals
Feed that context to ChatGPT software
Generate personalized, multi-step sequences in minutes
Review, send, and track – with human oversight where it counts
With this setup, you’re not replacing your sales team – you’re giving them superpowers.
The retail industry today faces the twin challenges of rising consumer expectations and the urgent need for sustainable business practices. As shopping habits evolve and shoppers demand more from the brands they trust, retailers who innovate with purpose are thriving. DreamSofa, a recognized pioneer in the furniture retail sector, exemplifies this movement through its groundbreaking product lines—DreamSleeper™ and DesignXChange™—that deliver in-demand features like customizable comfort, sustainability, and superior design while reshaping how furniture retail caters to consumers.
DreamSleeper™: Revolutionizing Comfort with Sustainability at its Core
At the heart of DreamSofa’s revolutionary approach is the DreamSleeper™ collection, a range of sofas engineered with performance, customization, and longevity in mind. Unlike typical sofas that are disposed of once cushions or coverings wear out, DreamSleeper™ sofas feature an industry-leading lifetime cushion upgrade program, reducing waste drastically by cutting landfill contributions by two tonnes per year. The ability to upgrade cushions extends the lifespan of the sofa dramatically, addressing one of the key environmental challenges in furniture retail—the high rate of furniture disposal due to worn-out seating comfort.
This program not only benefits the environment but also empowers consumers to invest in quality pieces that adapt alongside their living spaces and needs, fostering long-term relationships between brand and customer. The result is a retail proposition that supports both business growth and environmental responsibility, embodying the circular economy principles that are increasingly influential in retail.
DesignXChange™: The Future of Customizable and Sustainable Furniture
Building on DreamSleeper™’s success, DreamSofa launched the DesignXChange™ platform, a transformative approach to furniture customization and sustainability. This initiative offers removable, upgradeable slipcovers, allowing consumers to refresh the aesthetics of their sofas without replacing the entire piece. This approach not only extends product life cycles but offers consumers the freedom to adapt furniture styles to evolving trends or personal tastes at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact of purchasing new furniture.
The slipcovers are crafted in the United States using zero-VOC finishes, ensuring that the materials used contribute to healthier indoor air quality—a significant concern for today’s health-conscious consumers. This commitment to eco-friendly materials supports DreamSofa’s pledge to sustainability and safe living environments, further elevating the brand’s positioning in a market where authenticity and environmental stewardship increasingly drive purchasing decisions.
US Craftsmanship: Merging Tradition and Innovation
DreamSofa’s dedication to US-crafted quality combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative manufacturing techniques, ensuring that every piece meets rigorous standards for durability, comfort, and eco-friendliness. This approach not only supports local economies but aligns with the growing retail trend towards transparency, origin story, and ethical sourcing, which consumers value highly.
The use of local, sustainable materials and finishes avoids the carbon footprint associated with long supply chains, a factor that is becoming increasingly critical in retail logistics and product marketing. By emphasizing US craftsmanship, DreamSofa reinforces a heritage of quality while addressing modern sustainability imperatives—a dual appeal that resonates powerfully in today’s retail ecosystem.
Retail Industry Impact: Meeting Consumer and Market Demands
DreamSofa’s innovations exemplify several key retail trends shaping 2025 and beyond:
Sustainability as a Sales Driver: With consumers prioritizing brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility, DreamSofa’s lifetime cushion upgrade and removable slipcovers reduce waste significantly—demonstrating measurable sustainability impact that can be a compelling differentiator in retail.
Customization and Personalization: Today’s consumers seek products tailored to their lifestyles. The DesignXChange™ platform meets this demand by allowing style evolution and upkeep without full replacement, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Health and Safety Consciousness: Materials with zero VOCs address a critical consumer concern about indoor air quality, reinforcing product value beyond aesthetics and function.
Local Manufacturing Preference: Crafting products in the US aligns with consumer preferences for transparent sourcing and supporting local economies, providing an edge over imports and mass-produced alternatives.
A Prototype for Retailers in All Segments
DreamSofa’s approach is a noteworthy case study for furniture retailers and beyond. The combination of product durability, upgradeability, environmentally conscious material choices, and local manufacturing demonstrates an effective blend of innovation and responsibility that aligns with the evolving values of consumers.
Retailers looking to future-proof their offerings can draw valuable lessons from DreamSofa’s model:
Integrating sustainability as a core product feature rather than an afterthought enhances brand credibility and market relevance.
Empowering consumers with upgrade options extends product life cycles and fosters repeat engagement without resorting to disposable business models.
Emphasizing local craftsmanship and eco-friendly materials addresses growing consumer expectations around origin and health impact.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While DreamSofa’s innovations set high standards, challenges remain industry-wide. Scalability of customized product lines requires supply chain agility and advanced inventory management, areas where technology integration can play an enabling role. Additionally, educating consumers on the value of upgradeable furniture over traditional disposable models involves strong retail marketing and experience design.
However, the opportunities for retailers embracing such models are substantial: improved sustainability metrics, increased customer lifetime value, and differentiation in crowded markets. As retail continues to pivot towards experiential commerce and brand authenticity, DreamSofa’s practices provide a compelling blueprint for success.
DreamSofa is not merely selling sofas—they are crafting a sustainable retail experience that aligns with modern consumer values and ecological imperatives. By championing lifetime upgrades, removable slipcovers, and zero-VOC finishes all crafted within the USA, DreamSofa embodies the future of retail innovation—where product longevity, customization, and environmental stewardship converge to deliver products that truly matter.
For retail professionals seeking to innovate, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly changing market, DreamSofa’s DreamSleeper™ and DesignXChange™ stand as inspiring examples of how to turn sustainability and design excellence into competitive business advantage.
A growing trend in Toronto’s retail landscape is the rise of independent, highly curated boutiques that combine fashion, art, and lifestyle products under one roof. One standout example is Savile Studio, a 1,800-square-foot retail concept located at 173 Roncesvalles Avenue, blending eclectic design with a strong focus on community engagement and accessibility.
Founded in March 2024 by Anita Mursic, Savile Studio was created to offer a more thoughtful alternative to existing retail models. “There were a lot of market-style concepts that felt like you walked into a shop that went to IKEA, bought a bunch of shelves, and said, ‘Hey, you guys wanna put your stuff on our shelves?’” said Mursic in an interview with Retail Insider. “On the other end, there were upscale vintage stores that felt exclusive and out of reach. We wanted to create something different.”
Anita Mursic
The name Savile Studio takes inspiration from Savile Row in London, synonymous with craftsmanship and individuality. That ethos runs through the entire concept. Inside the store, customers find a blend of original artwork, curated vintage apparel, and handcrafted jewelry displayed in a space that feels inviting and authentic.
“We’ve chosen unique pieces of furniture, many inspired by antiques, to make the shop feel more like an eclectic boutique than a traditional market,” explained Mursic.
The goal was to make Savile Studio more than a store. It’s a creative hub designed to highlight independent makers and give shoppers access to unique products at accessible prices. “There’s no point in being a museum,” said Mursic. “We want people to come in, love what they see, and be able to take it home.”
Savile Studio in Toronto. Image supplied
Building a Community of Makers
Savile Studio operates on a collaborative model, bringing together local artists and artisans, as well as curators who source one-of-a-kind items from across the globe. “We like to call the people we work with our designers and makers versus vendors,” Mursic said. “We’ve got women who go to Europe and bring things back. One of them is a flight attendant, so you can imagine the incredible finds she sources.”
The assortment includes handmade gold-filled and sterling silver jewelry, statement pieces crafted with Venetian glass, and meticulously restored vintage Coach handbags. There are also estate finds, antique sterling platters, depression-era glassware, and even rare Canadian goose decoys. “Every time you come in, there’s something new,” Mursic said. “People love that.”
This eclectic mix resonates with customers who value originality and sustainability. The store’s emphasis on quality and thoughtful curation sets it apart in a competitive retail landscape. “Transparency and supporting our makers are priorities,” Mursic noted. “That commitment has helped us build trust. Now, most of our new applications come through word of mouth.”
Savile Studio in Toronto. Image supplied
A Retail Concept Driven by Design and Experience
For Mursic, the leap into retail came after years of working in customer experience design for major corporations in banking and insurance. “My background is in designing customer and user experiences, not websites, but real service design,” she said. “Those skills translated well because retail is all about creating an experience. But managing a marketplace with multiple vendors and inventory is complex. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes.”
Her experience in optimizing customer journeys is evident throughout Savile Studio. Every detail, from the curated product assortment to the store layout, is intentional. “I wanted the space to feel welcoming, not intimidating,” Mursic explained. “We play jazz music, keep the lighting soft, and make sure it smells amazing. People walk in and instantly feel relaxed.”
This focus on sensory engagement helps differentiate Savile Studio from many retail concepts that prioritize speed over experience. “Shopping here should feel like a discovery,” she said. “It’s about slowing down, finding a unique piece, and learning the story behind it. That connection is something online shopping can’t replicate.”
Savile Studio in Toronto. Image supplied
Why Roncesvalles?
The decision to set up shop in Roncesvalles Village was a mix of research and serendipity. Known for its European charm and strong community feel, Roncesvalles has become a destination for independent retailers, cafés, and cultural events. “We looked at a few spaces, but when we saw this one, it felt right,” said Mursic. “It didn’t need much work, and we loved the neighbourhood vibe.”
Roncesvalles has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, attracting new businesses while preserving its heritage. The area remains home to Polish bakeries and delicatessens, alongside artisanal coffee shops and specialty retailers. It’s a street where old-world tradition meets modern creativity, making it an ideal setting for Savile Studio’s curated concept.
In-Store Experience Over E-Commerce
Unlike many retailers racing to build e-commerce platforms, Savile Studio has opted to remain firmly rooted in physical retail. While the team occasionally fulfills requests through Instagram, shipping remains rare. “We’ve shipped a few things, but managing returns and logistics isn’t feasible for us right now,” said Mursic. “Our focus is on creating an in-store experience where people can take their time, discover something special, and connect with the story behind each piece.”
To enhance that experience, the store features a carefully chosen scent, and presents merchandise in a way that feels immersive without being overwhelming. “People lose track of time in here,” Mursic said with a smile. “They linger, and that’s exactly what we want.”
Savile Vintage Clothing Studio in Toronto. Image supplied
Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans
Savile Studio has seen strong community support since its opening in March 2024, and Mursic is now considering growth opportunities. “We’d like to open another shop or two in the next year,” she shared. While plans remain in the research phase, Toronto is likely to remain the focus for future locations. “We want to grow thoughtfully and maintain the same level of curation and quality,” Mursic emphasized.
For now, the original Roncesvalles location continues to attract loyal locals and curious tourists alike, including a visitor from Scotland who recently purchased an antique Canadian goose decoy and had it shipped home. “Stories like that remind us we’re creating something meaningful,” Mursic said.
Exterior of Kim's Convenience store. Photo: Google
As Canada prepares to mark National Convenience Week in the last week of August, the United Korean Commerce & Industry Association of Canada (UKCIA) is calling on Canada’s Health Minister to meet with convenience industry representatives regarding overregulation of the industry.
“Increasing overregulation – such as the federal ban on nicotine pouches in convenience stores – is hurting honest retailers while fuelling the illegal market. Nicotine pouches are a Health Canada approved smoking cessation product, but since their removal from convenience store shelves, independent store owners estimate losing an average of $75,000 in gross sales per store annually. Customers openly tell retailers that these products are now readily available through illegal sellers,” said the Association in a news release.
“By banning legal, controlled sales in licensed convenience stores, the federal government has handed the black-market a near monopoly on a product designed and approved by Health Canada to help Canadians quit smoking. That’s bad for public health, bad for small business, and bad for community safety. Convenience stores have not just lost the sale of nicotine pouches; they have lost the foot traffic that leads to a bag of chips or a bottle of pop. For many UKCIA members $75,000 in gross revenue is the difference between survival or closing their doors.”
The United Korean Commerce Industry Association of Canada (UKCIA) represents over 2000 independent convenience store owners across Canada, advocating for fair regulation, safe communities, and the success of small business entrepreneurs.
“Across Canada, independent convenience stores are more than just neighbourhood shops – they are trusted community hubs. Store owners and their employees build lasting relationships with customers, watch out for local safety, and uphold strict age-verification practices for products such as lottery tickets, alcohol, and tobacco. UKCIA members and their affiliates have built their businesses on the principles of responsibility, fairness, and service,” said the Association.
“UKCIA is calling on Canada’s new Health Minister, Marjorie Michel, to meet with convenience industry representatives to understand the significant impact her predecessor’s unilateral decision has had on small businesses across Canada.
“At a time when economic uncertainty is at its peak, small business owners need all the help possible to stay afloat. The industry hopes the new Health Minister recognizes the power she has to support small businesses in this country and repeal her predecessor’s irrational and insulting ministerial order that unfairly targeted small business owners.
The Association said reinstating these sales of pouches in convenience stores would:
Provide adult smokers with easier access to a federally approved cessation product.
Allow small businesses to recover significant lost revenue and foot traffic in their stores.
Reduce the growing illegal nicotine market offering unregulated products without requiring proof of age.
Urban Barn, a Canadian-owned furniture and décor retailer, has opened its first location in Atlantic Canada.
The new store, located at Dartmouth Crossing (45 Lemlair Row, Dartmouth), officially opened its doors Aug. 14, bringing the brand’s design for real life to the East Coast for the very first time.
The Vancouver-based company opened its first location in 1990 and now operates 54 stores from coast to coast.
Ainslie Fincham
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome all customers into our newest location,” said Ainslie Fincham, Director of Marketing at Urban Barn. “Urban Barn was founded on the belief that home is where life unfolds—where everyday moments become meaningful. Our furniture and décor are designed with this philosophy in mind, offering versatile, well-crafted pieces that reflect real, lived-in homes.
“We’re proud to finally bring our brand to Atlantic Canada. Opening in Dartmouth Crossing allows local shoppers to explore our curated collections firsthand and find inspiration that reflects both their lifestyle and their space.”
Founded in Vancouver in 1990, Urban Barn has grown into a beloved national brand with over 54 locations across Western Canada, Ontario, and Quebec, supported by a team of more than 650 employees.
“With a focus on stylish, approachable design and a strong commitment to Canadian values, the company continues to expand while staying true to its roots,” says the company.
While the store is now open to customers, Urban Barn will host an official grand opening celebration on Saturday, August 23. The event will feature exclusive giveaways, in-store promotions, and special touches inspired by local Nova Scotia brands, offering a warm and distinct East Coast welcome to new customers.
According to a new NerdWallet Canada survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, nearly one in five Canadian parents of K-12/college kids (19%) say they intend to spend $1,000 or more on back-to-school shopping this year.
But the upcoming Back-to-School season is likely to be a source of financial stress for many Canadian parents. The usual annual shopping trip is set to become a burden as families contend with already high inflation and the potential impact of new 35% tariffs, which could further strain their budgets.
NerdWallet personal finance expert Shannon Terrell said it is that time of year, again, back to school shopping has begun and NerdWallet Canada found that Canadian parents expect to spend $669 on average for back to school purchases.
Now, important to note that is the average, and in fact, some parents told NerdWallet they expect to spend quite a bit more. Nearly one in five said they are going to spend $1,000 or more on those back to school supplies.
Terrell said the next question she has when she thinks about these numbers is: How are we paying for these purchases? Well, 70% of Canadian parents told NerdWallet they expect to lean into credit tools like credit cards and buy now, pay later programs to help cover those back to school purchases. What’s also interesting is where folks plan to shop, 45% say they will be shopping on online marketplaces.
Terrell said 22% told NerdWallet they planned to go to secondhand and thrift stores, and 17% will be going to social media marketplaces to get those back to school supplies. And of course, top of mind for so many Canadians right now is the developing tariff situation, and parents are no exception as 89% of Canadian parents told NerdWallet that they planned to take action for back to school shopping this year as a result of tariffs and economic uncertainty.
Saving money is important and this back to school shopping season is likely going to come down to a few strategic shopping strategies. Price matching couponing apps and maximizing those credit card rewards could be game changers.
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 several days.
La Maison Simons at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
La Maison Simons has officially opened its first store in Toronto, a long-anticipated move that brings the Quebec City-based fashion retailer to one of Canada’s most prestigious shopping destinations. The Simons Yorkdale store opening marks a major step in the company’s national expansion and its eighteenth location in Canada.
The new 118,000-square-foot store spans two levels of the former Nordstrom space at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Canada’s top-performing enclosed mall by sales per square foot. This location joins the retailer’s existing Greater Toronto Area store at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, which opened in March 2016.
The August 14 launch drew an enthusiastic crowd that included members of the Simons family, senior executives, retail colleagues, friends, and representatives from Oxford Properties, which owns Yorkdale. The atmosphere reflected both excitement for a new retail experience and pride in a Canadian brand’s ability to continue expanding in a competitive market.
Mall entrance to La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
A Store Designed for the Toronto Market
The Yorkdale store’s layout is tailored to an urban customer base, combining Simons’ private labels with an expanded mix of luxury and contemporary brands. The main floor features women’s fashion, footwear, bags, and accessories, while the second level houses men’s fashion, home collections, and a children’s department.
Simons’ Chief Merchant and former CEO Peter Simons
This location offers more expansive footwear departments and a larger assortment of designer bags than many other Simons stores. The Édito designer departments for men and women feature exclusive brands such as Balmain, Kenzo, Missoni, Vivienne Westwood, and Marni, alongside Simons’ private label departments including Twik, Icône, Contemporaine, Miiyu, Le 31, and Simons Maison.
Peter Simons, the company’s Chief Merchant and former President and CEO who led much of its national expansion before stepping aside in 2022, described the Yorkdale location as both a refinement and an evolution of the Simons format. “It’s 118,000 square feet and the design, the artwork—it’s always unique to every store,” he said during the opening.
“We’ve tried to refine how we fit the whole store together while keeping distinct locations for different sub-brands. I think the market’s going to be open to not only our private label but also a lot of discovery brands coming out of our offices in Korea, Italy, and Paris.”
La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
Art and Architecture at the Forefront
The Simons Yorkdale store opening continues the retailer’s long tradition of incorporating art and architecture as central elements of the shopping experience. Designed in collaboration with Gensler Design, Lemay Michaud Architecture, and Reliance Construction, the store follows a “Perennial Ephemera” theme inspired by cycles of light, growth, and transformation.
Customers encounter “The Walk of Frames,” an interactive art pathway featuring 40 works by 24 artists, with QR codes allowing visitors to explore each artist’s story. French artist Nelio’s “CIEL” mural, painted above the central staircase, anchors the store’s artistic statement with a luminous, abstract interpretation of a cloudy sunset.
In addition, Montreal-based Rodeo FX, internationally recognized for its work on productions such as Game of Thrones and Stranger Things, created three large-scale digital installations for the store. These include:
Solarium: An animated fabric installation visible from Yorkdale Road, evoking sunlight and stillness.
Forest Diorama: A layered LED display above the entrance showing mannequins in a shifting seasonal forest.
Fabric of Life: A digital animation inside the entrance blending blooming botanicals with fashion imagery.
Bernard Leblanc, Simons’ current President and CEO, emphasized the company’s vision: “We believe our spaces are more than just places to shop—they are places to discover, to be inspired, and to engage with fashion, Canadian art, and design.”
Lego artwork at La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
Sustainability Embedded in the Brand
Environmental responsibility has been part of Simons’ operations for decades. Peter Simons said the company began formally mapping its environmental footprint over 20 years ago, working with PwC’s sustainability division in the UK to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage.
The Yorkdale store incorporates elements from the company’s Vision program, which highlights garments made from recycled or lower-impact materials. The program aims to make responsible fashion more accessible while allowing customers to align their purchases with their values.
Women’s ‘Twik’ department on the main floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
Building on a National Growth Strategy
The Simons Yorkdale store opening is part of a broader $100 million investment in the Greater Toronto Area, which includes the September launch of a second Toronto location at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. The downtown store will occupy approximately 112,000 square feet of another former Nordstrom space, sharing it with Eataly and Nike.
Combined, the two Toronto stores are projected to generate around $100 million in annual sales. That performance could place them among Simons’ most successful locations nationally. Currently, the retailer’s total sales exceed $650 million annually, with approximately two-thirds generated by its 17 other physical stores and the remainder from its e-commerce business.
Men’s designer accessories on the second floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
From Quebec City to Coast-to-Coast Presence
Founded in 1840 by John Simons in Quebec City, the company began as a dry goods store and grew into a department store format focused on fashion. It remains Canada’s oldest privately owned family business.
For more than 185 years, Simons’ operations were limited to Quebec, expanding across the province to cities including Montreal, Laval, Sherbrooke, and Saint-Bruno. In 2012, the brand ventured outside Quebec for the first time with a flagship store at West Edmonton Mall.
The years that followed brought new locations in Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton (Londonderry Mall), Mississauga, Halifax, and now Toronto. The retailer’s expansion strategy has focused on flagship-sized stores in top-performing shopping centres, often in redeveloped spaces formerly occupied by department store chains such as Sears and Nordstrom.
Men’s accessories on the second floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
A Canadian Retailer Standing Alone
In a Canadian retail landscape where most homegrown department store competitors have disappeared, Simons has endured by differentiating itself from traditional department store models. Peter Simons resists the label entirely. “I don’t really consider us a department store,” he said. “We don’t do hard goods. It’s a unique concept of mixing brands and our own exclusive merchandise.”
He noted that long-standing stores continue to post strong double-digit sales growth. “We’re in a bit of a magic moment,” he said, acknowledging a mix of factors, from brand loyalty to the appeal of a family-owned Canadian business, that have helped fuel momentum. “Bay customers were used to larger-format store experiences. Ours is different, but still navigable, with unique assortments.”
Men’s Missoni and other designers in the ‘Edito’ department on the second floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
Designer Brands and the Spirit of Discovery
Simons’ designer Édito departments have long been a point of distinction. While the company has carried well-known international brands since the 1960s — including early Canadian boutiques for labels such as Ralph Lauren and Kenzo — it also prioritizes introducing emerging designers.
“My heart’s with the younger startups and interesting new creatives,” Peter Simons said. “You live in a world where you have a hot brand here and a hot brand there, and you need to have them. But what I’m really looking for is creativity. If you’ve got that, I’m interested.”
Home department on the second floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
Looking Ahead
With two new Toronto stores, an established e-commerce platform, and a continued focus on art, design, and sustainability, Simons appears poised for a strong next chapter. While the company is open to new locations, Peter Simons said it prefers to wait for the right opportunity. “We’re certainly looking at spaces and we’re open in discussion, but we’re looking for the right space at the right time.”
For now, the Simons Yorkdale store opening and the upcoming CF Toronto Eaton Centre debut reflect both the brand’s heritage and its forward-looking approach—an integration of fashion, art, and culture that is increasingly rare in Canadian retail.
Lots of natural light: La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson Men’s underwear at La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson Customer service desk at La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson Home department at La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Photo: supplied Women’s ‘Contemporaine’ department on the main floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Photo: supplied Women’s ‘Twik’ department on the main floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Photo: supplied Women’s ‘Icone’ department on the main floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Photo: supplied
