HBFace says it is opening of its newest studio in London, Ontario, located at 620 Richmond Street, Unit G in the Summer.
Founded in 2016 by brow and beauty expert Haley Bogaert, HBFace has grown from a single Toronto studio into a rapidly expanding Canadian beauty brand with locations in Toronto, Oakville, and Sarnia.
Built on the philosophy of accessible luxury, the brand is known for its personalized brow services, skincare, makeup, and curated beauty products designed to simplify routines while helping clients feel confident and empowered, it said, adding that London was identified as a natural next step for the brand’s expansion due to the city’s growing beauty and wellness market, strong sense of community, and alignment with HBFace’s customer base.
“HBFace has always been about more than beauty. It’s about confidence, resilience, community, and helping people feel like the best version of themselves,” says Bogaert. “London is another step in building that vision across Canada, and we cannot wait to welcome this community into our newest home.”
Haley Bogaert
The new studio will reflect HBFace’s signature elevated aesthetic, combining luxury, warmth, and functionality through soft neutral tones, custom lighting, luxe finishes, and thoughtfully curated design details, it said.
Customers can expect HBFace’s signature beauty experience specializing in expert brow services, skincare, makeup, and personalized beauty education delivered by highly trained artists in a welcoming, confidence-driven environment. Clients will also be able to shop the brand’s growing collection of proprietary skincare and beauty products in studio, added the company.
Known for its hands-on, education-focused approach, HBFace said it continues to differentiate itself through customized services, natural results, and a philosophy centered around resilience, simplicity, and accessible luxury.
Additional details surrounding the official opening date and launch celebrations will be announced in the coming weeks.
IKEA Canada says it is renewing its partnership with Rainbow Railroad for a third consecutive year, with proceeds from sales of its Rainbow cake expected to bring the retailer’s total contribution to the organization to $600,000 by the end of this year’s Pride season.
The home furnishings retailer announced that it will once again donate all proceeds from sales of its limited-edition Rainbow cake to Rainbow Railroad between June 1 and July 31. The organization helps LGBTQI+ individuals facing persecution and violence access safety through emergency relocation, crisis response and advocacy.
The renewed partnership forms part of IKEA Canada’s broader Pride season initiatives and represents the continuation of a fundraising program that has supported Rainbow Railroad since the relationship began.
“At IKEA, we believe equality is a human right and that everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” said Selwyn Crittendon, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA Canada. “Surpassing half a million dollars in total support for Rainbow Railroad is an important milestone, and a reminder of what’s possible when our customers and co-workers come together for a vital cause. We’re honoured to continue this partnership and to help create a fairer and more equal world for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”
IKEA Canada renews partnership with Rainbow Railroad to support at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals for a third consecutive year (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)
Selwyn Crittendon
The company said sales of the Rainbow cake across its Canadian stores will contribute directly to Rainbow Railroad’s efforts to assist LGBTQI+ people facing significant risks in various parts of the world.
“Partnerships like the one we have with IKEA Canada are essential in our work,” said Landsberg-Lewis. “The funds raised through the Rainbow cake directly support LGBTQI+ people who are experiencing extreme risk and need urgent pathways to safety. We are grateful to IKEA Canada, its customers and co-workers for their continued solidarity and support.”
In addition to the fundraising campaign, IKEA Canada outlined several Pride season initiatives taking place across its operations.
The company said all IKEA locations in Canada raised the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, as part of its inclusion efforts.
IKEA Canada also said it plans to donate up to $40,000 to local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations through initiatives that include sales of its STORSTOMMA rainbow-coloured carrier bag and community partnerships. The funds are intended to support organizations that provide inclusive spaces and advocacy within local communities.
The retailer said its support for 2SLGBTQ+ communities extends beyond Pride-related campaigns and fundraising efforts. The company cited its global inclusion plan, education programs focused on unconscious bias and inclusive practices, training and resources related to inclusive language, and employee resource groups such as Rainbow Connections as part of its workplace initiatives.
The Rainbow cake will be available at IKEA stores across Canada until July 31.
The beauty retailer said the initiative, called “Pretty Badass,” will feature Toronto Tempo players, coaches and Canadian athletes as part of a national campaign aimed at highlighting athletes both on and off the court.
The announcement comes as the Tempo begins play as Canada’s first WNBA franchise and expands Sephora Canada’s involvement with the team through a platform that the company says focuses on individuality and self-expression.
The campaign features Toronto Tempo players Marina Mabrey, Kiki Rice, Nyara Sabally, Isabelle Harrison and Temi Fágbénlé, as well as head coach Sandy Brondello and athletes from communities across Canada.
The company said the campaign is designed to challenge perceptions that women must fit into defined categories and instead highlight multiple aspects of their identities.
“Our platform is rooted in celebrating these elite athletes for both their unstoppable talent on the court and their fierce individuality, expanding how the world sees beauty and showing that how they express themselves is exactly what makes them Pretty Badass.”
As part of the launch, Sephora Canada is opening a national social media nomination campaign to identify women who reflect the themes of the initiative.
From June 4 to June 11, Canadians will be able to submit nominations through Sephora Canada’s Instagram account. The company said selected participants will have their stories featured in a national social media campaign and receive courtside tickets to a Toronto Tempo game.
Sephora Canada Tips Off “Pretty Badass” Partnership Platform as a Founding and Official Beauty Partner of the Toronto Tempo (CNW Group/Sephora Canada)
The retailer said the broader campaign will be distributed nationally across television, online platforms, in-arena placements and out-of-home advertising in markets where the Tempo will play. It will also include social media content featuring nominated participants and product integrations.
Sandy Brondello
Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello said the partnership provides an opportunity to showcase players beyond their athletic accomplishments.
“As someone who works with these athletes every single day, I see firsthand their dedication, their drive, and their authenticity” says Brondello. “Sephora Canada’s partnership is a gamechanger because it helps us celebrate these players for every part of who they are, reinforcing that they don’t have to leave any piece of themselves behind.”
Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison said the campaign reflects broader themes tied to visibility and representation.
“Being part of this moment goes beyond basketball. It’s about how we show up as ourselves and what that represents for the next generation. When Canadians see us on and off the court, they should see possibility, individuality, and a new way of thinking about beauty. That’s what makes this so powerful. It’s about being unapologetically who we are”, says Harrison.
Sephora Canada and CIBC were previously announced as the first founding partners of the Toronto Tempo.
The Tempo was awarded to Toronto in 2024 as the WNBA’s first franchise outside the United States and began play this season as the league’s 14th team.
The “Pretty Badass” campaign is scheduled to roll out nationally throughout the team’s inaugural season.
Harry Rosen store at Oakridge Park in Vancouver BC. Photo: Harry Rosen
Moments after Harry Rosen opened the doors to its new Oakridge Park store in Vancouver, President Ian Rosen paused beside a Canali presentation and pointed out what was missing.
“One thing you’ll note here is no suits.”
The observation came early in a guided walkthrough of the approximately 17,000-square-foot store, yet it captured much of what Harry Rosen is seeking to accomplish with its newest generation of retail environments.
For decades, the company built its reputation on tailoring and formal menswear. Those categories remain central to the business. Yet at Oakridge Park, luxury sportswear, contemporary fashion, hospitality, flexible merchandising, and immersive design play a larger role than ever before.
Ian Rosen
The store represents the latest chapter in a national transformation strategy that began with a prototype renovation at West Edmonton Mall in 2024, continued with the reimagining of Harry Rosen’s First Canadian Place location in downtown Toronto, and will eventually culminate with the opening of a new flagship on Cumberland Street in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood.
Oakridge Park serves as an important milestone in that evolution.
The opening comes as Oakridge Park establishes itself as one of the most ambitious luxury retail developments ever undertaken in Canada. The mixed-use project has assembled an extraordinary concentration of luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Prada, Moncler, Brunello Cucinelli, Christian Louboutin and others, while additional luxury tenants continue to join the development. This fall, Giorgio Armani will open its only standalone Canadian boutique at Oakridge Park, further strengthening the project’s luxury positioning.
For Harry Rosen, the development offered an opportunity to showcase the latest evolution of a concept that has been years in development.
“We have a new concept for Harry Rosen, building off the concept store we launched in Edmonton,” Rosen said while leading Retail Insider through the space on opening day.
Sportswear & Contemporary area at Harry Rosen, Oakridge Park in Vancouver
Building on a National Transformation
The Oakridge Park store did not emerge in isolation. In 2024, Harry Rosen unveiled a prototype store design at West Edmonton Mall as part of a broader $50 million investment program aimed at modernizing its physical stores. The project introduced new approaches to merchandising, customer service, hospitality, and store design.
Many of those ideas later appeared at First Canadian Place in Toronto’s financial district.
At Oakridge Park, they have been refined even further. Rather than simply updating finishes or fixtures, Harry Rosen has rethought how customers move through the store, how products are presented, and how service is delivered. The result is a retail environment that feels noticeably different from the traditional menswear stores many customers may remember.
Tom Ford boutique at Harry Rosen, Oakridge Park, Vancouver. Photo: Harry Rosen
Luxury Partnerships Take Centre Stage
One of the first things customers encounter is a stronger emphasis on luxury sportswear and contemporary fashion. Canali’s presentation serves as an example.
While the brand remains closely associated with tailoring, the assortment at Oakridge Park places considerable emphasis on luxury casualwear and sportswear, reflecting broader changes occurring throughout the menswear market.
The same philosophy extends throughout the store. Dedicated luxury environments for ZEGNA and TOM FORD anchor the assortment, while contemporary brands such as Stone Island and Represent introduce a more fashion-forward perspective.
Among the most notable additions is Harry Rosen’s first dedicated Isaia shop-in-shop. The Neapolitan tailoring brand occupies a prominent position within the store and provides a distinctive complement to the retailer’s existing luxury assortment.
“We felt like a Neapolitan, expressive tailoring brand was the right thing to complement ZEGNA, Canali and Tom Ford,” Rosen said.
The addition reflects Harry Rosen’s ongoing strategy of deepening relationships with luxury brands while creating more immersive environments for customers.
Zegna boutique at Harry Rosen, Oakridge Park, Vancouver. Photo: Harry Rosen
The Kingdom Reimagines Tailoring
Although sportswear receives increased attention throughout the store, tailoring remains fundamental to Harry Rosen’s identity.
One of the most impressive areas within the new location is a dedicated tailoring destination known internally as “The Kingdom.”
The space feels less like a traditional menswear department and more like a luxury tailoring lounge.
Multiple brands are presented within a single environment, allowing customers to compare options across labels without moving between separate branded areas.
Canali, Giorgio Armani, ZEGNA, Harold (Harry Rosen’s private label), and other collections are merchandised together around customer needs rather than brand boundaries.
According to Rosen, the concept reflects how many customers actually shop today.
“So many people walk into our stores and simply say they need a suit,” he explained. “Rather than focusing on a specific brand, we can bring them into the right environment and help them find the best solution.”
Private fitting salons surround the area, creating a more intimate setting for customers purchasing tailored clothing and made-to-measure garments.
Hospitality also plays a central role. Customers can enjoy espresso, champagne, or a scotch while working with associates, transforming what has traditionally been a transactional purchase into a more personalized experience.
The concept reflects a broader shift occurring throughout luxury retail, where service and experience increasingly differentiate physical stores from online shopping.
Men’s tailoring area at Harry Rosen, Oakridge Park, Vancouver. Photo: Harry Rosen
Design Inspired by the Craft of Tailoring
The Oakridge Park store was designed in collaboration with Toronto-based dkstudio architects inc., incorporating numerous references to tailoring and menswear craftsmanship throughout the space.
Among the most memorable design elements is the tailoring area itself. Featuring curved forms instead of traditional right angles, the space was inspired by the shape of tailor’s shears.
“There are a bunch of menswear inspirations in the whole design,” Rosen said.
The philosophy extends across the entire store.
“You’ll notice there’s really no hard edges. We wanted a natural flow through the space.”
The result is an environment that feels remarkably cohesive. Rounded architectural forms, curved walls, and carefully planned sightlines guide customers through the store while creating a sense of movement and discovery.
Among the most visually striking areas is the footwear department, where sweeping curved walls frame a dramatic display fixture inspired by a measuring tape. The area serves as one of the store’s defining visual statements and reinforces the broader tailoring narrative that runs throughout the design.
Together, the design elements create a store that feels both contemporary and connected to Harry Rosen’s heritage.
Men’s shoe department at Harry Rosen, Oakridge Park, Vancouver. Photo: Harry Rosen
A Store Designed to Change
Near the centre of the store is a flexible merchandising area known internally as “Center Stage.” Unlike traditional retail environments where displays can remain unchanged for extended periods, Center Stage was designed to evolve continuously.
A ceiling-mounted track system allows fixtures and displays to be repositioned for seasonal presentations, pop-up concepts, brand activations, and other merchandising initiatives.
“This could be a pop-up shop for a brand. It could be an outerwear shop. It could be a gift shop. It could be anything,” Rosen said.
The goal is to ensure customers encounter something different each time they visit.
“We don’t want clients seeing the same thing twice.”
The philosophy extends beyond Center Stage.
Throughout the store, much of the inventory has been moved behind the scenes into dedicated back-stock areas, allowing styling, visual merchandising, and product storytelling to take precedence over product density.
“The client needs to see the ideas now,” Rosen said.
The approach represents a meaningful departure from older retail models that prioritized displaying as much inventory as possible on the sales floor.
The Oakridge Park store was designed with Vancouver in mind.
Luxury sportswear and contemporary fashion play a larger role throughout the assortment than many customers might expect from a traditional menswear retailer.
Brands such as Stone Island and Represent are featured alongside established luxury names including ZEGNA, Canali, Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani, and TOM FORD.
“We’re definitely bringing a lot more contemporary fashion for the Vancouver market,” Rosen said.
While Harry Rosen’s heritage remains rooted in tailoring, the Oakridge Park store places noticeably greater emphasis on luxury casualwear than many traditional menswear environments. The merchandise mix reflects both the character of the Vancouver market and broader shifts occurring across luxury fashion, where versatility and lifestyle-driven dressing continue to gain importance.
Rendering of the new Harry Rosen flagship store at 153 Cumberland Street, opening in the spring of 2026. (Rendering: dkstudio architects inc)
Part of a Broader Evolution
The Oakridge Park store represents the latest step in Harry Rosen’s ongoing store transformation strategy.
What began with a prototype renovation at West Edmonton Mall has since expanded to First Canadian Place in Toronto and now Oakridge Park, with a new flagship on Cumberland Street in Yorkville expected to open in the coming months.
Each project has further refined concepts around hospitality, merchandising, design, and customer experience, while maintaining the tailoring expertise that has defined the company for decades.
Moments after opening, Rosen pointed to a Canali presentation and observed that there were no suits. By the end of the tour, the reasoning had become clear.
Tailoring remains fundamental to Harry Rosen’s identity, but the company’s newest stores are being designed around a broader vision of luxury menswear, one that incorporates sportswear, hospitality, flexibility, design, and experience alongside the craftsmanship that built the business.
“We’ve built a store that we think is incredible for every type of guy that’s going to be shopping through Harry Rosen,” Rosen said. “And we’ve built it specifically for the Vancouver market.”
Additional notable coverage includes Canada’s food sector remaining resilient amid economic challenges and the projected $6.5 billion economic boost from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto and Vancouver. Dr. Phone Fix reported strong Q1 2026 growth fueled by expanded locations. Reports also highlight a gap between AI investment and workforce readiness, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is advocating for federal small business tax reductions to align with provincial cuts amid rising operational costs.
Canada’s economy is now smaller than it was when Prime Minister Mark Carney took office. The country has recorded two consecutive quarters of declining real GDP, and many economists now consider Canada to be in a technical recession. Predictably, much of the blame has been directed south of the border, toward President Donald Trump and the uncertainty surrounding trade relations with the United States. Trade tensions have certainly not helped. Businesses dislike uncertainty, and agri-food is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in cross-border commerce. But to suggest that Canada’s economic troubles are primarily Trump’s fault is both convenient and misleading.
The reality is that Canada’s economy was showing signs of weakness long before the latest round of trade disputes. Productivity growth has lagged behind that of the United States for years. Business investment has remained disappointingly weak. GDP per capita has struggled despite rapid population growth. Housing costs have soared, infrastructure has failed to keep pace with demographic expansion, and many sectors have become increasingly dependent on government spending rather than private-sector investment. Trump may have added pressure to an already fragile system, but he did not create the underlying vulnerabilities.
This matters because while Canada’s food economy has so far remained remarkably resilient, it does not operate in isolation from the broader economy. Agriculture and agri-food continue to perform relatively well compared to many other sectors. Canadians may postpone buying homes, vehicles, or appliances, but they still need to eat. Grocery stores remain busy. Food manufacturers continue to produce. Farmers continue to plant, harvest, and raise livestock. Food exports continue to support economic activity across the country.
Yet resilience should not be mistaken for immunity. If economic weakness persists, the consequences for agri-food will eventually become more visible. The first signs are already emerging in food service, where many restaurants are facing softer demand as consumers become increasingly price-sensitive. Rising labour costs, occupancy expenses, insurance premiums, and financing costs continue to squeeze margins. For many operators, profitability has become increasingly difficult to sustain.
The greater concern, however, lies in investment and competitiveness. Food processors facing economic uncertainty may postpone expansion projects. Farmers may delay equipment purchases or modernization efforts. Investors may choose to place capital elsewhere. The danger is not that Canada will suddenly stop producing food. The danger is that the sector gradually loses momentum while competitors accelerate.
Across the United States, billions of dollars continue to flow into new food-processing facilities, logistics infrastructure, and agricultural innovation. South American producers are expanding their global footprint. Other countries are aggressively pursuing productivity gains and export opportunities. Canada, meanwhile, risks becoming complacent because the food economy continues to perform reasonably well despite broader economic weakness.
This is why the recession debate matters. The issue is not whether Canadians will continue to buy food. They will. The issue is whether Canada can maintain a competitive agri-food sector capable of attracting investment, creating jobs, driving innovation, and generating long-term growth. A shrinking economy may not immediately trigger a food recession, but it can slowly undermine the conditions that make future growth possible.
Canada’s food economy is not in recession today. In many respects, it remains one of the country’s strongest economic pillars. But no sector can indefinitely outrun the broader economy. Blaming Trump for Canada’s economic challenges may be politically convenient, but it does little to address the structural issues that have been building for years. If policymakers want the food economy to remain a source of strength, they need to focus less on finding external villains and more on restoring Canada’s competitiveness at home.
Designing a home involves balancing comfort, functionality, and aesthetics in a way that reflects how people actually live. Furniture choices influence how a space feels and functions over time, particularly in rooms where families gather, entertain, and spend much of their daily lives. At Casavogue, the furniture selection process is approached through personalized guidance tailored to each client’s lifestyle, space, and design preferences.
Founded in 1972, the Montréal showroom has built a long-standing reputation for helping customers create interiors that feel cohesive, comfortable, and enduring. The company’s approach focuses on understanding how clients use their homes before recommending furniture collections, layouts, materials, and finishes suited to their needs.
A Personalized Approach to Furnishing the Home
Every home functions differently. Some spaces are designed around entertaining, while others prioritize family living, flexibility, or quiet comfort. At Casavogue, these considerations shape the furniture selection process from the beginning.
The showroom team works closely with clients to understand room dimensions, circulation, lifestyle habits, and overall aesthetic goals. This collaborative process allows furniture selections to feel intentional and well integrated within the home rather than assembled piece by piece over time.
By considering how individual elements relate to one another, the showroom helps customers create interiors that feel balanced and visually harmonious across living rooms, dining spaces, and bedrooms.
Customization for Different Spaces and Lifestyles
A central part of Casavogue’s offering is the ability to customize many furniture collections according to the specific needs of a space. Sofas, sectionals, dining furniture, and bedroom pieces are available in a variety of fabrics, finishes, dimensions, and configurations, giving clients greater flexibility when furnishing their homes.
This level of customization allows furniture to respond more naturally to architectural constraints, lifestyle requirements, and personal design preferences. Whether furnishing a compact urban residence or a larger family home, clients are able to adapt pieces in ways that support both comfort and continuity throughout the interior.
The process also helps customers make decisions with greater confidence, particularly when selecting furniture intended to remain part of the home for years to come.
Creating Cohesive Interiors Through Design Guidance
Throughout the showroom, complete room settings demonstrate how materials, textures, colours, and proportions work together within a finished interior. These environments allow customers to better visualize scale, composition, and the relationship between different furniture collections.
This presentation style supports a more immersive design experience while helping clients think beyond individual products. The emphasis remains on creating interiors that feel thoughtful, functional, and timeless rather than trend-driven.
A Long-Standing Montréal Furniture Destination
For more than five decades, Casavogue has served Montréal homeowners through its combination of curated collections, design expertise, and personalized service. The 38,000-square-foot showroom presents Canadian, Italian, and international furniture brands across a wide range of styles, from contemporary and modern to more classic aesthetics.
Over time, the company has continued to evolve alongside changing lifestyles and design preferences while maintaining its focus on helping clients furnish spaces that feel personal, refined, and lasting.
For years, construction fencing and excavation dominated the former Honest Ed’s site at Bloor and Bathurst, leaving Torontonians to imagine what might eventually emerge from one of the city’s most closely watched redevelopment projects. Today, as pedestrian walkways reopen, retailers prepare to launch, and residents begin occupying completed buildings, Mirvish Village is finally beginning to reveal itself as something more than a conventional mixed-use development.
Walking through portions of the newly accessible site now feels markedly different from many of Toronto’s newer large-scale projects. Restored Victorian homes line sections of Markham Street beneath modern residential towers, narrow pedestrian laneways open into intimate retail corridors, and landscaped public areas begin connecting together spaces designed to encourage people to linger rather than simply pass through. The atmosphere feels intentionally urban, layered, and distinctly tied to the surrounding Annex neighbourhood.
Mirvish Village in Toronto, May 25, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Located on the historic site of Honest Ed’s and the original Mirvish Village, the development includes approximately 900 purpose-built rental residential units and roughly 200,000 square feet of commercial space anchored by tenants including a grocery store, a food hall and live music venue, an LCBO location, and the Toronto School of Management.
Yet the broader ambition behind the Honest Ed’s redevelopment extends well beyond simply adding density or retail space to the neighbourhood. Mirvish Village is attempting to create a neighbourhood-scale ecosystem that blends housing, hospitality, culture, entrepreneurship, and pedestrian-oriented public space into a single integrated environment rooted in the identity of the surrounding community.
Mirvish Village, Image: Henriquez Partners Architects
Independent Retail Drives the Tenant Strategy
According to Noelle Goulding, Sales Representative with The Behar Group, who together with project partners Avi Behar and Rami Kozman, is overseeing retail/commercial programming and leasing for the development, the merchandising strategy has intentionally prioritized independent operators and experiential concepts over a more conventional national-chain-heavy approach.
Noelle Goulding
“It’s been very intentional,” Goulding said during an interview with Retail Insider. “We’re really trying to focus on bringing in thoughtfully curated operators, including second and third locations for many of these concepts, as well as new first-to-market concepts such as Book Bar. We want to bring something different to the community while still honouring the character of the neighbourhood, and that’s really what the vision has been.”
That strategy reflects the character of the surrounding area, where The Annex, Harbord Village, Palmerston-Little Italy, and nearby University of Toronto populations create one of Toronto’s most active and eclectic urban districts. Leasing materials indicate that more than 60,000 University of Toronto students and daytime users are located within walking distance of the site.
Pedestrian activity around the intersection is also substantial, with more than 20,000 people estimated to pass through the Bloor and Bathurst area during an eight-hour period.
Rather than relying primarily on formulaic quick-service chains, Mirvish Village has focused on tenants that contribute to a more layered street-level environment. Current and planned operators include Pizzeria Badiali, Blackbird Baking Co., Pasta Basta, Crema Gelato, and Book Bar, a bookstore and wine bar concept opening within one of the restored heritage homes.
Book Bar, Goulding explained, exemplifies the type of hospitality-driven retail environment the project hopes to cultivate.
“It’s set up like a library. You can have a glass of wine, browse through books, and either purchase them or stay and enjoy them there,” she said. “It works really well with the heritage houses and contributes to that cozy, comfortable feel.”
The approach also reflects broader changes occurring across urban retail real estate, where developers increasingly view curated food, hospitality, and experiential retail concepts as essential ingredients for creating active pedestrian districts.
Mirvish Village in Toronto, May 25, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Honest Ed’s Alley Reimagines Retail Incubation
Among the project’s most unusual retail features is Honest Ed’s Alley, a narrow pedestrian laneway inspired in part by Tokyo’s illuminated side streets and designed as an incubator space for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses.
The alley contains approximately 25 micro retail units ranging from roughly 160 to 400 square feet. Unlike conventional storefront leasing structures, the spaces are intended to reduce barriers for smaller operators through shorter lease commitments and more flexible financial requirements.
“It’s designed as a flexible, low-risk opportunity for brands to enter the market and test their concepts in a high-visibility environment,” Goulding said. “Corporate covenant, which is typically a requirement in other retail environments, is not needed here. This is another aspect of the Mirvish Village development giving back and embracing the local community and these mom-and-pop shops.”
Future Honest Ed’s Alley at Mirvish Village in Toronto, May 25, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
The concept arrives at a time when rising rents and operating costs have made it increasingly difficult for independent retailers to secure storefront space in Toronto’s urban core. Developers across North America have increasingly experimented with smaller-format leasing models and incubator retail concepts as they search for ways to generate more authentic street-level activity within large master-planned developments.
Honest Ed’s Alley also introduces a visual identity rarely seen within Toronto retail projects. Leasing materials describe neon lighting and signage inspired by Tokyo alleyways, creating an environment designed to remain animated throughout the day and evening. At night, the narrow laneway is expected to glow with illuminated signage, compact storefronts, restaurant activity, and pedestrian movement, creating a more intimate atmosphere than typically found within newly built mixed-use developments.
As completion nears, leasing activity within the alley has accelerated rapidly. Goulding said only a limited number of units remain available.
One recently finalized lease involved Good and Nice Cleaners, a local business that operated within Bathurst Station for more than 30 years before relocating into the project.
“That’s been really exciting to see,” Goulding said. “A number of these local tenants that already have a customer base in the neighbourhood are now looking to test out a micro retail unit.”
In many ways, the return of longstanding neighbourhood operators may become one of the clearest indicators of whether Mirvish Village successfully reconnects with the community identity historically associated with the site.
The project’s pet-friendly orientation has also influenced portions of the merchandising strategy, with tenants including Pet Planet and the forthcoming Upper Village Vet positioned to serve both residents and surrounding neighbourhood populations.
Mirvish Village, Credit: Henriquez Architects
Heritage Restoration Shapes the Public Realm
A defining architectural element of Mirvish Village is the restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage homes along Markham Street, where preserved historic structures now sit alongside contemporary residential towers rising above the site.
According to leasing materials, the restoration strategy was intended to revive the artistic and cultural atmosphere that once characterized the area during the 1960s, when galleries, artists, and independent businesses lined the street.
“The whole spirit of the project has been to honour the Mirvish family and the existing legacy,” Goulding said. “Even with Honest Ed’s Alley, it’s about trying to support local independent entrepreneurs.”
She added that the coexistence between restored heritage buildings and contemporary density has become one of the project’s defining design characteristics.
“You have these really character-driven heritage houses, and then you have the residential towers above, but you’re not compromising one over the other. They’re existing together.”
The restored homes now house a mix of retail, hospitality, and creative uses that contribute to the increasingly pedestrian-oriented atmosphere emerging along Markham Street. Mature trees, stone paving, outdoor seating areas, narrow walkways, and intimate storefronts help create a scale and rhythm more commonly associated with organically evolved neighbourhood retail districts than with newly built large-scale developments.
That distinction may ultimately become one of the project’s most closely watched tests. Many mixed-use developments across Toronto have attempted to manufacture street life and authenticity through carefully curated retail environments, though relatively few have successfully recreated the spontaneity and layered energy associated with longstanding urban neighbourhoods.
Mirvish Village appears acutely aware of that challenge.
Former Honest Ed’s store at Bloor and Bathurst. Photo: City of Toronto
Food, Entertainment, and Public Space Become Central Amenities
Another major focal point of the project is “The Kitchen,” a 19,000-square-foot food hall and event venue positioned beside a central public park.
Rather than operating as a traditional food court, the venue is being developed as a hospitality and cultural destination featuring approximately 13 restaurant vendors, bars, live entertainment, and extensive programming.
Large garage-style doors will open directly into the adjacent park during warmer months, allowing concerts, comedy performances, live music, and public events to flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
“We’re basically considering that the beating heart of the project,” Goulding said. “We’re focusing on programming events such as live music, comedy shows, and other community-focused experiences throughout the week. We want it to serve as an amenity both for the residents and the broader community.”
Food operations within the venue will be managed through Kitchen Hub, allowing multiple restaurant brands to operate individual kitchens while sharing ordering and delivery infrastructure.
The emphasis on recurring programming and public activation reflects another major shift occurring within retail real estate, where developers increasingly view cultural events and hospitality experiences as critical to sustaining urban foot traffic and creating neighbourhood identity.
Mirvish Village, image: Henriquez Architects
A New Experiment in Toronto Urban Development
Mirvish Village also stands apart because the project is entirely purpose-built rental housing rather than condominium development, a relatively uncommon approach at this scale within Toronto’s contemporary intensification landscape.
Residential occupancy has already begun within portions of the development while additional retail openings are expected throughout the summer.
The combination of rental housing, heritage preservation, curated retail, hospitality programming, and pedestrian-oriented public space reflects a broader shift occurring across North American cities as developers attempt to create integrated districts that function as complete neighbourhood environments rather than purely transactional retail destinations.
Whether Mirvish Village ultimately succeeds may depend on whether a carefully curated development can genuinely recreate the spontaneity, diversity, and neighbourhood energy that made the original Mirvish Village and Honest Ed’s such enduring parts of Toronto’s urban identity. As more tenants open, patios fill, music spills into the public spaces, and pedestrians once again move through the site late into the evening, the project will begin facing its most important test: whether a master-planned development can evolve into a place that truly feels alive.
The upcoming FIFA World Cup, the world’s largest international soccer tournament with games in Toronto and Vancouver, could give Canada an economic boost of up to $6.5 billion, according to a new report from BMO Economics.
Running from June 11 to July 19, the tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across North America, with Toronto and Vancouver hosting games in Canada.
BMO Economics estimates the 2026 tournament could generate C$1.5–$6.5 billion in incremental quarterly GDP in Canada, including:
C$1–$5 billion from tourism-related spending
C$0.5–$1.5 billion from increased domestic consumption
This equates to roughly a 0.1 percentage point lift to quarterly annualized GDP growth, split between the second and third quarters of 2026.
“Mega sporting events of this scale don’t transform economies overnight, but they do create a meaningful surge in demand over a concentrated period,” said Douglas Porter, Chief Economist, BMO. “In Canada, tourism, accommodation, food services and local entertainment stand to benefit most – particularly in the host cities.”
Douglas Porter
BMO said tourism-related spending is expected to be the primary driver of economic activity, as international visitors increase demand for hotels, air travel, restaurants and bars. Early indicators showed a rise in accommodation bookings following the match draw, particularly around key fixtures in Toronto and Vancouver, though more recent data suggest demand has moderated.
Bars and restaurants are also expected to see a notable lift. During the 2022 World Cup, consumer spending at bars and restaurants in Canada rose by more than 10%, highlighting the potential upside for hospitality operators, it added.
Juliano Ferreira photo
The report said the impact will be most pronounced in Ontario and British Columbia, where growth could be two to three times the national average due to the concentration of matches in Toronto and Vancouver. Employment is also expected to see a modest, temporary boost – particularly in tourism-facing sectors.
“These gains are real, but they are temporary,” added Porter. “They reflect a surge in demand during the event window rather than a lasting shift in Canada’s economic fundamentals.”
Mailo’s The Pasta Project, the fast-growing Greek fast-casual brand known for its signature “street pasta” concept, is making its North American debut with a new Toronto location opening June 12 at 357 Bremner Blvd.
The concept is a fast-casual restaurant brand known for its signature “street pasta” concept, combining premium ingredients with the convenience of modern urban dining. With more than 50 locations across Greece, Cyprus, and Lebanon, Mailo’s offers flavour-forward pasta dishes served in its iconic red to-go cups, it explained.
“Originally founded in Athens, Greece, Mailo’s has built a devoted following by combining high-quality cuisine with the convenience and accessibility of modern street food culture. Designed for busy, urban lifestyles, the brand delivers elevated pasta dishes in a fast-casual format using fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and signature presentation,” said the brand.
Mailo’s website photo
Mailo’s menu features curated pasta creations with customizable ingredient add-ons, allowing consumers to tailor dishes to their preferences. Guests can choose from three pasta varieties: Rigatoni, Casarecce, or Campanelle, each paired with one of the brand’s signature sauces made from premium ingredients. Every meal is served in Mailo’s iconic to-go cups, designed for convenient dining whether on the move or enjoyed throughout the city, it said.
With an established presence across Greece, Cyprus, and Lebanon, Mailo’s is bringing its globally recognized pasta concept to Canada for the brand’s first North American opening. Founder Nikos Moutsouroufis created Mailo’s to fill a gap in the industry by offering high-quality pasta tailored to younger, fast-paced consumers seeking both convenience and quality, it added.
Nikos Moutsouroufis
“The expansion of our restaurants into Canada marks an exciting new chapter of growth for the brand,” said Moutsouroufis. “Toronto is our strategic launchpad – a multicultural, trend-driven city that will help shape our future growth across North America. Our first store is designed to be more than just a point of sale; it’s a destination where we can build awareness, foster community, and introduce guests to the Mailo’s experience.”
The Toronto location has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the full Mailo’s brand experience with a vibrant, welcoming environment where guests come to “eat at Mailo’s,” not simply eat pasta. The space is intended to appeal to friends, families, students, professionals, and solo diners alike, added the company.
It said the menu will feature 13 flavour-forward pasta dishes, ranging from timeless favourites like Carbonara to the Greek-inspired Pastitsio, offering consumers a fresh and convenient way to enjoy elevated pasta on the go.
