The Canadian retail landscape experienced a notable shift in 2024, with fewer international retailers entering the market compared to previous years. Over the last decade, Canada has witnessed a surge of global brands making their debut, catering to the country’s increasingly diverse and affluent consumer base. However, 2024 marked a departure from this trend, reflecting broader economic uncertainties and shifting market dynamics.
Despite the slowdown, several prominent international retailers strategically entered the Canadian market, aiming to carve out their niche across key cities and retail hubs. Below is a detailed look at the 15 international retailers that ventured into Canada in 2024.
Rodd & Gunn: A Sophisticated Debut in Yorkville
New Zealand’s upscale menswear brand, Rodd & Gunn, launched its first standalone Canadian store in March 2024 at 21 Hazelton Avenue in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville area. Known for its high-quality craftsmanship and timeless designs, Rodd & Gunn’s entry marked a significant addition to the neighbourhood’s already impressive roster of global brands.
The boutique, offering an immersive shopping experience, showcases the brand’s full range, including apparel, footwear, and accessories. Jordan Karp of Savills Canada coordinated the lease deal for the new store — he listed the space and he also has the mandate to represent Rodd & Gunn in Canada as the brand expands and opens more stores. Hanard Investments owns the building at 19-21 Hazelton Avenue which is managed by Greenwin.
Windsor: Expanding Fast Fashion to the Canadian Market
U.S.-based women’s fashion brand Windsor opened its first Canadian store at CF Lime Ridge in Hamilton in April 2024. Renowned for its affordable and trendy apparel, particularly for formal and special occasions, Windsor announced plans for an aggressive expansion, opening five stores in the country within the year.
In addition to the Hamilton store, Windsor opened stores in Southern Ontario including at the Oshawa Centre in Oshawa, Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket, and Dufferin Mall in Toronto.
Carm Sivers, VP/Managing Director, Canada, said, “When I look at it, honestly we can grow the Canadian market to be in the range of 60-80 stores. It will all depend on the consumer demand. We don’t want to oversaturate the market.”
Loewe: Luxury Comes to Yorkdale
Spanish luxury brand Loewe entered Canada in April 2024 with a striking standalone boutique at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The store’s modern and artistic design mirrors Loewe’s emphasis on craftsmanship and innovation. Showcasing the brand’s leather goods, ready-to-wear collections, and accessories, the Yorkdale location reinforces Toronto’s status as a burgeoning hub for luxury retail.
The brand continues to be carried at Holt Renfrew and selected retailers, and Retail Insider has learned that in 2025, Loewe will open a second Canadian storefront at Oakridge Park in Vancouver.
Soch: Indian Fashion Finds a New Market
India-based women’s fashion retailer Soch launched its first international store in Brampton in June 2024, marking its official entry into Canada. Known for its vibrant ethnic wear and fusion styles, Soch caters to the large South Asian diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area.
The brand’s debut aligns with its strategy to expand internationally while maintaining a strong connection to its cultural roots, with Canada being the brand’s first international market. Soch’s presence at a location with significant South Asian foot traffic reflects its commitment to serving its core demographic while introducing its offerings to a broader audience.
There are plans for Soch to expand further in Canada with stores. The retailer’s CEO, Vinay Chatlani, said in an interview in Retail Insider, “We’re looking at Vancouver and Montreal next. We’re hoping to have three open in the next two years in Canada.”
SleePare: Revolutionizing Mattress Shopping in Toronto
In August 2024, SleePare, a U.S.-based online mattress retailer, launched its first Canadian “try-and-buy” showroom in Toronto. The concept combines e-commerce with physical retail, allowing customers to test various online mattress brands in one location before making a purchase.
The innovative approach addresses a gap in the market, providing convenience and confidence to consumers navigating the competitive mattress industry. SleePare’s decision to establish a physical presence highlights the importance of tactile customer experiences, even amid competition and an increasingly digital retail landscape.
In terms of future Canadian stores, SleePare’s CEO Shanir Kol told Retail Insider, “We’ll wait and see at the end of the year if everything makes sense to grow to other cities. We’re definitely seeing interest from other cities in Canada.”
Yeti: Outdoor Lifestyle Comes to Calgary
Yeti, the Texas-based premium outdoor gear and lifestyle brand, opened its first international store at CF Chinook Centre in Calgary in August 2024. The spacious store features Yeti’s full product lineup, including coolers, drinkware, and outdoor equipment.
Calgary’s active lifestyle and proximity to the Rockies make it a strategic location for the brand’s Canadian debut. The CF Chinook Centre, known for its blend of high-end and mainstream retailers, was carefully chosen to align with Yeti’s brand ethos and target audience.
Yeti is expected to expand further with stores in key Canadian markets. Sari Samarah, President, CEO and Broker of Record for Value Insight Realty represented YETI for the CF Chinook Centre transaction.
Wellensteyn: Performance Outerwear Debuts in Niagara
German outerwear brand Wellensteyn made its Canadian debut in August 2024 at the Outlet Collection at Niagara. Renowned for its functional and stylish outerwear, Wellensteyn’s entry targets value-conscious consumers seeking high-quality apparel. The brand’s decision to launch at an outlet centre reflects its strategy to build brand awareness in a competitive market. Brokers involved in the deal highlighted the significance of outlet malls in introducing premium brands to new audiences.
Tony Flanz of Montreal-based brokerage Think Retail is working with Wellensteyn on its Canadian expansion, with more stores planned. Flanz told Retail Insider, “Think Retail congratulates Wellensteyn on its official Canadian market entry and we are thrilled to work with the team on its growth—the vision is to open two to three more stores in 2025, with an initial focus on outlet centres in Ontario.” He went on to say in a previous article that after focusing on Ontario, Wellensteyn stores are expected to eventually open in British Columbia and Alberta, ideally in retail spaces in the 2,000 square foot range.
TimeVallée Opens in a Timely Fashion at Royalmount
In September 2024, Montreal-based jeweller Maison Birks introduced the luxury multi-brand watch retailer TimeVallée to the Canadian market. The inaugural Canadian TimeVallée boutique opened on September 5 at Montreal’s Royalmount development, occupying approximately 2,800 square feet. TimeVallée, founded by Richemont, offers an extensive selection of prestigious timepieces within a sophisticated retail environment. The boutique features an array of high-end watch brands, providing an immersive shopping experience for horology enthusiasts. Seven luxury watch brands are carried a the Montreal store, including Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Chopard, Grand Seiko, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai and Piaget.
In 2025, TimeVallée will open a second Canadian storefront at the Oakridge Park development in Vancouver. It’s not known if any more locations will open after that in Canada.
LOJEL: Travel Goods Arrive in Vancouver
Asian travel goods brand LOJEL opened its first Canadian store in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood in September 2024. The brand’s minimalist yet functional luggage and travel accessories cater to Vancouver’s globally minded and design-savvy shoppers. LOJEL’s entry aligns with its expansion strategy targeting key urban markets worldwide.
Mario Negris and Martin Moriarty of Marcus & Millichap handled the transaction for the Vancouver location.
More locations are on the way for Canada in 2025, including at Montreal’s Royalmount.
Derek Rose: British Luxury on Hazelton Avenue
British heritage brand Derek Rose debuted in North America with a standalone store on Hazelton Avenue in Toronto in September 2024. Known for its luxury loungewear, sleepwear, and resort wear, the boutique brings a sophisticated offering to Yorkville. Derek Rose’s entry highlights Toronto’s growing appeal to niche luxury brands seeking customers that understand the product.
In an interview, Canadian co-owner William Grant hinted at future growth: “A North American expansion is on the horizon. New York, Miami, Los Angeles , Montreal, maybe Vancouver, or a second Toronto location are possibilities.”
DWSV Realty acted as brokers for Derek Rose and negotiated the lease deal for the Hazelton Avenue store.
Loro Piana: A Double Debut in Toronto
Italian luxury brand Loro Piana expanded into Canada with two standalone stores in Toronto in October 2024. The first opened at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, followed by a downtown flagship location at 111 Bloor Street. Renowned for its premium cashmere and wool products, Loro Piana’s Canadian debut underscores its commitment to expanding its presence in North America.
The lease negotiations for the Bloor Street and Yorkdale locations were facilitated by David Wedemire and Stan Vyriotes of DWSV Realty. The landlord of the Bloor Street building was represented by Tom Balkos of P3 Global Realty Advisors, Alex Edmison, and Brett Taggart of CBRE.
It’s unknown if Loro Piana will open any more Canadian storefronts. If it were, Vancouver’s Oakridge Park would be a strong guess for a store.
Adopt: French Fragrance Finds a Home in Montreal
French fragrance retailer Adopt entered Canada in November 2024 with a store at Galeries d’Anjou in Montreal. Offering affordable perfumes and beauty products, its entry reflects a growing demand for niche and affordable luxury in the beauty sector.
Adopt’s expansion in Canada aligns with its broader international strategy, positioning the country as a priority market. “The Canadian market is one of the priority objectives in our international development,” said Canadian operator Marcel Rinaldy, reflecting the brand’s readiness to expand its footprint.
Following the Galeries d’Anjou opening, Adopt launched two more Quebec locations—at CF Carrefour Laval near Montreal and at Place Ste-Foy in Quebec City. Additionally, plans for 2025 include six to eight new stores across Quebec, with a potential Ontario market entry by late 2025.
Adopt’s plans for expansion extend beyond Quebec, with a focus on super-regional malls and high-traffic commuter hubs, such as airports and train stations. Tony Flanz of Think Retail represents Adopt’s Canadian expansion.
Paymore: Second-Hand Electronics in the GTA
U.S.-based second-hand electronics retailer Paymore opened its first Canadian stores in December 2024 in Mississauga and Brampton. The brand’s model focuses on buying and selling pre-owned electronics, appealing to eco-conscious and budget-savvy consumers. Paymore’s Canadian expansion underscores the growing trend of circular economy practices in retail.
The retailer’s Canadian expansion is led by master franchise holder Founder Brands, led by the Corrin brothers and a team of investors. Adam Corrin told Retail Insider, “We’re targeting a total of 120 locations across Canada over the next 10 years. Our goal is to make PayMore a household name in Canada and to bring our services to communities nationwide.”
Gem Studio: Experiential Retail comes to The Well
In December 2024, Gem Studio, a U.S.-based jewelry-making workshop, opened its first Canadian location at The Well in downtown Toronto. The expansion was facilitated by master franchise holder Founder Brands, opening shortly after PayMore’s first two Canadian stores.
Gem Studio offers customers a unique, hands-on experience in crafting personalized jewelry. Participants can select from a wide array of semi-precious gems and, under the guidance of skilled silversmiths, create custom pieces such as rings, bracelets, earrings, and more. The studio emphasizes the use of high-quality .925 sterling silver, ensuring each creation is both durable and tarnish-resistant.
Founder Brands’ Adam Corrin told Retail Insider that the company is looking for franchisees in major Canadian markets. Founder Brands also plans to bring more global franchises into the Canadian market, according to Corrin.
RAINS: Danish Outerwear Comes to Vancouver
Danish outerwear brand RAINS opened its first Canadian store on December 21, 2024, in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood at 2142 West 4th Avenue. Known for its sleek, minimalist rainwear and accessories, RAINS has built a global reputation for combining Scandinavian design aesthetics with practical, weather-resistant functionality. The brand’s product lineup includes waterproof jackets, bags, and outerwear that appeal to urban consumers seeking stylish yet durable options for inclement weather.
A Year of Selective Expansion
Analyzing the numbers, 2024 saw a total of 15 international retailers entering Canada, marking a selective but impactful year. Toronto dominated the landscape with eight retailers establishing themselves in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Two of these new entrants chose Hazelton Avenue in the Yorkville area, highlighting its continued draw for luxury and boutique brands. Yorkdale Shopping Centre also hosted two new arrivals, reaffirming its position as a top-tier destination for international luxury retail entrants.
The geographic distribution of entrants illustrates Toronto’s appeal, with 53% of the year’s total openings in the GTA. Other cities included Vancouver and Montreal hosting two new retailers, and Calgary, Hamilton, and Niagara-on-the-Lake, each hosting one new retailer. This distribution reflects the concentration of Canada’s retail opportunities in urban hubs, particularly in regions with affluent and diverse populations.
Among the 15 retailers, four were luxury brands (including multi-brand TimeVallée), further solidifying Canada’s position as a growing market for high-end offerings. Notably, two retailers were brought to Canada by Founder Brands, showcasing the company’s strategic focus on introducing innovative international franchises to the local market. The numbers suggest a cautious but intentional approach by international brands, prioritizing markets and locations with the highest potential for success.
While the total number of entrants is lower than in previous years, the focus on strategic urban locations and the inclusion of high-profile luxury brands underscore the enduring attractiveness of Canada’s retail market. The dynamics of 2024 reflect a recalibration of strategies in response to global economic uncertainties, ensuring that market entries are calculated and impactful.
2025 Expected to be a Banner Year for International Luxury Entrants
Retail Insider anticipates 2025 to be a significant year for Canadian retail, with numerous first-to-market luxury store openings already confirmed. This includes high-profile additions at developments like Oakridge Park in Vancouver, where luxury brands such as Chaumet, Jacob & Co., Maison Margiela, and Miu Miu will launch their first Canadian stores. Downtown Vancouver is also set to welcome Canada’s inaugural Marella and Max & Co. locations in the coming weeks, both opening at CF Pacific Centre. Meanwhile, in Toronto, Chrome Hearts is among the brands confirmed to be debuting in 2025. Retail Insider will return in January 2026 with a comprehensive report on the international brands that entered Canada through new store openings.
Editor’s Note on previous years and this study:
For over a decade, Retail Insider has been tallying the number of international retailers that have entered Canada with first brick-and-mortar stores. The following is a breakdown with hyperlinks to previous reports:
In 2023, we reported that 27 international brands had opened stores in Canada that year.
In 2022, we reported in Retail Insider the magazine that 21 international brands entered Canada by opening stores, while in 2021, we also saw 21 international retailers enter the country.
In 2020, we counted 13 brands that entered Canada by opening stores — a year with considerable uncertainty and lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019, we reported that 30 retailers had entered the country by opening stores, which was about the same number as in 2018.
In 2017, a record-breaking 50-plus international brands entered the Canadian market with stores.
In 2016, Retail Insider wrote a special edition piece for Retail Council of Canada’s publication, Canadian Retailer, within which we listed 21 international retailers that had come to Canada by opening stores that year.
In 2015, we reported that 28 retailers had opened their first freestanding locations in Canada that year. And, in 2014, we counted 20 international brands that entered Canada by opening stores.
Interesting article. I think it’s missing two important angles : a discussion on how many retailers actually left Canada over the same period, first, and a statistic on how long brands have stayed in Canada before they decided to exit.
I’d also like to learn more about retailers that stay out of Quebec, that keep the French language out of their communications and the success rate of these retailers in Canada compared to the ones that embrace this very specific trait of Canada.
Thanks!