Japanese fast-fashion retailer Uniqlo is in advanced negotiations to open a 35,000 square foot store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, according to the Financial Post. Uniqlo is also negotiating to open other Canadian stores, the first of which could open as early as 2016.
Uniqlo’s negotiations with Yorkdale “are pretty advanced,” according to one source familiar with the talks. The same source says that Uniqlo intends to open both mall-based as well as street-front stores in Canada.
Yorkdale Shopping Centre is in the process of leasing out retail space in a new wing that will be anchored by a 191,000 square foot Nordstrom store. Uniqlo could end up in the new wing alongside Nordstrom, according to lease plans provided by Yorkdale landlord Oxford Properties.
The Financial Post reports that Uniqlo formalized its Canadian trademark in August of 2013, possibly in anticipation of opening Canadian stores.
Last week we reported that according to multiple sources, Uniqlo would open in Canada via Nordstrom. Nordstrom spokesperson John Bailey denied this claim.
Source: Financial Post
Nordstrom purchased Uniqlo’ majority (55%) intellectual rights for Canadian market trough its subsidiary and it will opent stand alone stores in premium locations throught Ontario, Vancouver & Montreal city!!!
LVMH’ CELINE is highly interested in opening 3 free standing boutiques in Canada by the end of 2020 and it’s CEO already has confined to Imran Ahmed of BofF about it!!!
Kering’ Alexander McQueen, SAINT LAURENT Paris & Balenciaga are interested in opening a free standing stores in Toronto!!! My guess is that all of them will be located within Yorkdale Mall of Oxford Prop. Group because ONLY Oxford Group is interested in leasing to highly appealing brands which are not present or has just one store in Canada.
All the named brands, above of Kering Group are doing really well regarding online Canadian Market through YOOX group which manages most of Kering’
brands’ online shops.
PS as reported earlier by me Bottega Veneta is in desperation to occupy ultra appealing prime location which is non other than poor Cole Haan’s store location on Bloor St. We gotta wait till’ Cole Haan will move to Yorkdale Mall in 2016 or 2017 maximum no Bottega Veneta till’ then :(!
Thank you so much for the tips, Tim! Please keep them coming – they’re very much appreciated. – Craig
BTW I’m the one who informed FP with superb details!!!
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Re: Céline and Business of Fashion – did they make mention of that in a particular article? – Craig