Simons Taking Over Vacant Nordstrom Spaces in Toronto, Expanding Presence with 2 New Stores [Podcast]

Date:

Share post:

Craig and Lee discuss La Maison Simons’ ambitious expansion into Toronto, focusing on the retailer’s move into spaces vacated by Nordstrom at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. With a $75 million investment, Simons plans to open two new stores which could become the top-sellers in the chain. The expansion reflects Simons’ strategy to grow its footprint and cater to the city’s demand for diverse retail options.

At CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Simons will occupy approximately 110,000 square feet over three floors, featuring a main floor presence and a new hallway connecting the north and south ends of the mall. This corridor, a first in the mall’s history, will improve pedestrian access and enhance the shopping experience. In addition to Simons, a Nike flagship store and Eataly will also take up space in the former Nordstrom location, further enriching the mall’s retail offerings.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre will see Simons take over the first two levels of the former Nordstrom space, catering to the young, fashion-forward shoppers frequenting the mall. The new stores will include luxury designer departments and Simons’ popular private label merchandise, aiming to significantly boost the retailer’s sales. With these expansions, Simons continues its coast-to-coast growth, solidifying its position as a key player in the Canadian retail landscape.

Craig finally speculates that Simons will open in the former Nordstrom building in downtown Vancouver, in a similar fashion to what was announced for CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Episode Sponsor: 

  • Salesforce – Turn today’s shopping trends into tomorrow’s retail success. Visit Salesforce to see the global insights from Salesforce to boost your bottom line.

Discussed in this Episode: 

The Weekly podcast part of the The Retail Insider Podcast Network by Retail Insider Canada and is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

Follow Retail Insider:

Listen & Subscribe:

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

1 COMMENT

Comments are closed.

RELATED ARTICLES

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Promenades St-Bruno to invest $49.5M in food court redevelopment, new retail space

The project will relocate the existing lower-level food court to the current Marché des Promenades location, allowing the former food court area to be converted into retail space.

Joseph Ribkoff launches global direct-to-consumer platform, names Elizabeth Hurley campaign face

The campaign is built around its new brand philosophy, Elegance in Motion, which focuses on the idea that elegance changes with the women who wear the clothing.

Record results for Happy Belly Food Group in Q2

Record system-wide sales of $28.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, representing an increase of approximately 75% compared to $16.2 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2025.

Grocery, pharmacy and fitness fuel strong leasing demand for RioCan properties

The company’s retail portfolio is now effectively 99 per cent leased, supported by population growth, limited new retail supply and a tenant base that has become more resilient and necessity-focused.

MadHatters poised for continued growth

The new store has been designed around a simple philosophy: keep a good store, a happy ambiance, and happy staff, so customers have fun while they shop.

Canadian Restaurants Avoid Broad Food Tariff Hit as Supply Costs Face Pressure

Restaurants Canada welcomes Ottawa’s targeted tariff approach, but new duties on packaging, equipment and selected foods could add costs for operators.

Knix Opens First Atlantic Canada Store in Halifax as Retail Expansion Continues

Knix has opened its first Atlantic Canadian store at Halifax Shopping Centre as the Toronto-based intimates brand continues expanding its physical retail network.

Cadillac Fairview’s It’s Better in Real Life campaign targets today’s consumers

New consumer research suggests shoppers are looking for more than just stores, with nearly one-third of visits to its properties now driven by social reasons such as meeting friends or spending time together.

IKEA study finds household clutter creating tension as living spaces get smaller

The IKEA Store & Organise Report 2026: Finding Meaning in the Mess surveyed 31,488 people across 31 markets and found that 38 per cent of homes have someone who leaves things out with the expectation that another person will deal with them.

Canadian Retailers Face New Cost and Sourcing Pressures from U.S. Counter-Tariffs

Canada’s $27.6-billion counter-tariff package targets 874 U.S.-origin goods, creating new pricing, margin and sourcing challenges for Canadian retailers.

Birks names Sophie Nélisse brand ambassador as it launches new national campaign

Nélisse, who was born in Montreal and is known for her performances in Yellowjackets and Heated Rivalry, said the brand has been familiar to her since childhood.

Daily Synopsis: August 25, 2026

Loblaw backtracks on dropping country-of-origin produce labels, cosmetic tariffs threaten beauty, fashion and other sectors, Criterion opening video storefront in Toronto, shop-Canada app surges amid trade war, and other news.

Canada announces $27.6B in counter-tariffs on U.S. goods as retailers, restaurants and small businesses weigh impact

“Canada’s retail sector will shoulder a significant share of this burden, with so many essential consumer goods targeted."

Toronto’s Woodbine Mall and Fantasy Fair getting a roller rink this fall

The concept has opened more than 15 pop-ups in vacant retail spaces across the GTA and welcomed more than 250,000 skaters since 2021.

Evening Coffee Orders Nearly Triple in Canada as Restaurants Tap New Beverage Trend: Lavazza

Coffee is no longer just a morning ritual. Restaurants across Canada are finding a new use for their espresso machines well after the dinner rush.

Canadian SMEs remain optimistic but take more cautious approach to hiring and AI investment: Employment Hero

The survey suggests businesses are increasingly looking at AI as a tool for day-to-day operations rather than simply experimenting with the technology, with productivity and efficiency among the stated priorities.

Back-to-School lunch basket falls 2.8%, but relief may be temporary: report

Promotions are easing costs for families, while seasonal pressures and geopolitical risks could push some prices higher by December

Maureen Simon Foods launches Rolliis in 7-Eleven stores across Canada

The company said the products are being introduced across the convenience-store chain as it seeks to bring its lineup of Caribbean-inspired foods to a wider Canadian customer base.

Toronto Waterfront Looks to Events and Activation as District Builds Toward 2035

Waterfront BIA is mapping a new events and activation strategy as transit, development and commercial growth reshape Toronto’s waterfront through 2035.

Most Canadian small businesses unaware of new open banking law: Xero survey

Eighteen per cent of respondents said they currently share their online banking username and password with an accountant, bookkeeper, employee or software tool. Twenty-two per cent said they had done so at some point.