Bonnie Brooks, formerly president of Hudson’s Bay stores, confirms that Saks Fifth Avenue will open at least one store in the province of Quebec. As we mentioned previously, we expect Saks will open within the Downtown Montreal Hudson’s Bay department store.
Ms. Brooks then went on to say that Quebec’s “fashion-forward shoppers” would embrace Saks Fifth Avenue over lesser-known Nordstrom. Nordstrom opens its first Canadian store next year, and it is interesting to note that none are currently planned for the province of Quebec.
Saks will be seeking to gain sales from Montreal’s limited luxury goods market. Montreal already has two upscale department stores under the same owner – Ogilvy and Holt Renfrew. La Maison Simons‘ Montreal store includes some expensive designer items, and specialty retailers like Harry Rosen, Ursula B. and shoe retailer Rosenstein Paris will also feel the impact of Saks in Quebec.
Ms. Brooks gave these details during her September 23rd speech at The Canadian Club in Montreal.
[Source]
