After nearly a decade apart, Holt Renfrew has brought its menswear department back to its flagship store at 50 Bloor Street West in Toronto. This marks a significant milestone, ending the chapter of the standalone men’s store at 100 Bloor Street West, which opened in 2014.
Sebastian Picardo, President and CEO of Holt Renfrew, highlighted the importance of this decision: “The new ON3 space transforms the Bloor Street flagship into a true one-stop shop,” he explained. “It’s not just about shopping—it’s about creating connections between style, culture, and community.”
ON3: A New Vision for Inclusivity and Design
The third floor of Holt Renfrew, now branded as ON3, is a bold reimagining of luxury retail. Designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari in collaboration with Gensler, ON3 blends menswear and womenswear in a unified, fluid shopping experience. The design emphasizes warmth, inclusivity, and self-expression, while incorporating sustainable elements throughout the space.
“We wanted to create something that feels quintessentially Canadian but also globally relevant,” said Paolo Ferrari. “The ON3 floor reflects our commitment to balancing boldness with warmth, creating a space that’s as inviting as it is innovative.”
Key features of the ON3 floor include distinct zones for men’s and women’s fashion, the Denim Lab where both collections are displayed together, and interactive installations that enhance the shopping experience.
Details About Key Brand Offerings
ON3 features a carefully curated selection of luxury and contemporary brands designed to cater to a broad range of customers. The new men’s department includes luxury labels like The Row, Loewe, Rick Owens and Givenchy, as well as contemporary favourites such as Theory, Frame, and Vince. Tailoring services, led by Canadian brand Jack Victor, are a cornerstone of the department, offering bespoke pieces for discerning customers. And unlike other Holt Renfrew stores, the new Bloor men’s department lacks brand hard-shop concessions, instead focusing on retail.
Picardo underscored the importance of appealing to different price points and tastes: “Our customers want variety—they’re looking for extraordinary brands that are both aspirational and accessible. SKIMS is one such example, offering inclusive sizing and design that resonates with today’s shoppers.”
SKIMS, which recently launched its men’s line exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada, has become a standout brand on ON3. Alongside SKIMS, the floor includes the H Project, featuring sustainable and socially responsible products, and the popular women’s contemporary lines from brands such as Alexander Wang and Ganni.
Creating Magnetic Moments in Retail
ON3 is designed to be more than just a retail space—it’s an experience. From the cobalt blue shoe section to the serene wood-panelled walls, every detail invites exploration. The use of contrasting elements, described by Ferrari as “radical balance,” creates a sense of discovery and energy.
“Customers don’t just want to shop—they want to feel something,” said Tse. “ON3 is about creating those magnetic moments that draw people in and keep them coming back.”
Interactive elements, such as the Denim Lab and digital displays, add layers of engagement, while modular fixtures ensure the space remains dynamic and adaptable for future activations.
Holiday and Seasonal Activations
To celebrate the ON3 launch, Holt Renfrew introduced a series of seasonal pop-ups and events designed to captivate shoppers during the holiday season. The Louis Vuitton Men’s pop-up, located in a prime space on ON3, showcases the brand’s latest collections, blending timeless luxury with contemporary appeal.
The Better Gift Shop installation adds a unique, Toronto-inspired touch to the holiday shopping experience. This collaboration with a local retailer emphasizes Holt Renfrew’s dedication to celebrating community talent. A Johnny Walker bar, aptly named “Aisle Chalet,” will round out the activations, offering a cozy, festive retreat for shoppers.
“These activations bring energy to the store and give our community a reason to visit again and again,” said Allan Tse, VP of Experience Design. “Our goal is to create a space where every visit feels like a new discovery.”
Holiday programming on ON3 will continue through the end of January, featuring exclusive events, live music, and curated product drops, ensuring a dynamic experience throughout the season.
Behind-the-Scenes of ON3 Construction
The transformation of the third floor into ON3 was no small feat. The renovation took several months, involving complex logistical planning to ensure minimal disruption to the flagship’s operations. Sustainability was a priority at every stage, with Holt Renfrew adhering to its Greenbuild Guidelines to reduce environmental impact.
“We preserved the original travertine flooring to minimize construction waste and integrated energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems,” explained Picardo. “Even the smallest details, like water-refilling stations, were part of our commitment to sustainability.”
Paolo Ferrari’s team embraced challenges as opportunities for innovation. The skylight, a dramatic focal point of ON3, required cutting through a concrete slab—a bold move that now floods the space with natural light. “This skylight will last for decades,” said Tse. “It’s a testament to our belief in creating timeless, sustainable design.”
Art and craftsmanship were also central to the project. Canadian artists like Liz Pead and Dahae Song collaborated on installations that reflect the country’s landscapes and culture. Pead’s textile-based artwork, made with upcycled fabrics, adds texture and meaning to the men’s accessories area, while Song’s Tobermory-inspired mural incorporates natural soil into the paint for an authentic touch.
Spotlight on Inclusivity Efforts
Inclusivity is a defining feature of ON3, evident in both the design and customer experience. The layout includes a mix of private and social fitting rooms to cater to diverse preferences. Gender-neutral washrooms reflect modern design sensibilities, ensuring all visitors feel welcome.
“We thought about every detail, not just what’s in front of customers but also what’s behind the scenes,” said Picardo. “Inclusivity isn’t just a value for us—it’s the foundation of how we design our spaces.”
Holt Renfrew’s focus on inclusivity extends to its product offerings. The store is committed to representing a diverse range of brands and price points, ensuring customers from all walks of life can find something extraordinary.
Insights on Holt Renfrew’s Long-Term Strategy
The ON3 renovation is part of Holt Renfrew’s broader strategy to transition from a “house of brands” to a “branded house.” This shift emphasizes the Holt Renfrew identity as a unifying force across its luxury offerings. Picardo described the strategy as a way to deepen customer loyalty and differentiate the brand in an increasingly competitive market.
“Our mission is to empower self-expression and ignite positive change,” Picardo explained. “Through ON3, we’re creating spaces that reflect our values while inspiring our customers and community.”
This vision aligns with global trends in luxury retail, where experiential shopping and sustainability are becoming key differentiators. Holt Renfrew’s focus on art, culture, and environmental responsibility positions it as a leader in this evolving landscape.
Former Men’s Store Closed Last Week
Holt Renfrew officially vacated its former men’s store at 100 Bloor Street West last week, coinciding with the launch of the new men’s department ON3 within the flagship store at 50 Bloor Street West. Before the standalone men’s store opened in 2014, Holt Renfrew’s men’s department had been located in the main flagship store from 1979 to 2014.
The two-level, 16,500-square-foot space at 100 Bloor Street West previously housed a Roots flagship store before Holt Renfrew took over. Recently listed for lease by JLL, the space has attracted interest from several high-profile brands, including Apple and Louis Vuitton, according to industry sources.
The Future of Holt Renfrew’s Stores Following ON3’s Launch
The success of ON3 is just the beginning for Holt Renfrew. The company plans to apply insights from this project to its other locations, ensuring the brand continues to evolve with its customers. Picardo hinted at upcoming collaborations, new brand partnerships, and additional store updates.
“We’re excited about what’s next,” said Picardo. “ON3 is a blueprint for the future of Holt Renfrew—a future that’s inclusive, sustainable, and deeply connected to our community.”
More from Retail Insider:
- Holt Renfrew prepares to unveil new men’s department in Toronto flagship
- Holt Renfrew Opens First Phase of Bloor Street 3rd Floor Transformation [Photos]
- Holt Renfrew to Relocate Standalone Men’s Store on Toronto’s Bloor Street Back into Flagship
- Holt Renfrew Bloor Street Flagship in Toronto Marks 45 Years [Feature]
Excellent article on Canada’s leading fashion retailer,,,,
Interesting that Apple may be seeking the old menswear store at 100 Bloor W. Further cementing that they are indeed not returning to The One.