Enterprise Ireland is set to host its first-ever consumer retail showcase in Toronto on April 29, bringing a curated group of 11 Irish fashion, textile, and beauty brands to the forefront of Canada’s largest city. The evening event will take place at Gotstyle at the Distillery District, aiming to build bridges between Irish innovation and Canadian retail.
“We’re really excited about this event,” said Molly Tuite, Trade Development Executive at Enterprise Ireland. “This is the first time we’re hosting a retail-focused initiative in Toronto, and we see it as a huge opportunity to connect Irish brands with Canadian retailers looking to diversify their offerings.”
Enterprise Ireland’s Global Mission and Canadian Presence
Enterprise Ireland is the Irish government’s investment and innovation agency, responsible for supporting Irish companies in global markets. As Europe’s largest seed investor by deal flow, it has deployed more than €700 million (approximately CAD $1.1 billion) to foster international growth for Irish businesses.
With offices in Toronto and Montreal, Enterprise Ireland has had a growing presence in Canada since 2006. Its mandate includes organizing trade missions and facilitating partnerships between Irish companies and Canadian businesses across sectors—from technology to consumer goods.
“Our job is to support Irish companies in entering and expanding in Canada,” said Tuite. “We also bring Canadian businesses to Ireland to showcase our innovation. It’s a two-way relationship that benefits both economies.”
A Strong Irish-Canadian Relationship
The timing of this initiative aligns with deepening economic and cultural ties between Ireland and Canada. Since the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect in 2017, bilateral trade between the two countries has quadrupled.
“The relationship between the Irish and Canadian business communities is incredibly strong,” Tuite noted. “There’s a shared value system and a long-standing cultural connection—14% of Canadians have Irish ancestry, which is remarkable considering there are only about 7 million people in Ireland.”
The presence of Irish culture in Toronto is increasingly visible. Next year, the Canada Ireland Foundation will open the CORLÉK building on the Toronto waterfront, a new multicultural arts and events space located beside Ireland Park.
Toronto Event to Showcase Ireland’s Retail Potential
The April 29 event at Gotstyle will feature 11 Irish brands that span fashion, textile, skincare, and wellness. While the full list will be shared closer to the event, Enterprise Ireland confirmed that the group includes makers of luxury wool products, tailored garments, and natural beauty lines.
“These are high-quality, innovative brands that Canadian consumers haven’t had access to—yet,” said Tuite. “The companies are coming here to learn about Canadian retail, meet industry experts, and explore potential partnerships.”
Melissa Austria, founder of Gotstyle, will host the event at her Distillery District store. “Toronto is the right market for this,” said Tuite. “It’s often the first port of call for international brands entering North America, thanks to its diverse and discerning consumer base.”
An Expert’s Perspective on Irish Brands in Canada
Liza Amlani, Principal of Retail Strategy Group and retail executive advisor, is working with Enterprise Ireland to ensure the visiting brands are prepared to engage with Canadian buyers. Her role includes leading workshops, coaching brands on wholesale fundamentals, and planning a “retail safari” to explore Toronto’s key shopping districts. Amlani has a long-standing relationship with Enterprise Ireland and has worked with the U.S. group on similar initiatives.
“Canadian consumers are looking for transparency, sustainability, and authenticity,” Amlani explained. “Irish brands are already ahead in many of these areas. They often have vertical supply chains and meet high EU standards around traceability, which aligns well with what Canadian shoppers want.”
Amlani believes that Irish products have strong potential to resonate with Canadians. “There’s an emotional connection—many Canadians have Irish roots or have travelled to Ireland. Products like wool garments or heritage-style pieces carry a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship that consumers here appreciate.”
She also underscored why Canada itself is an increasingly desirable market for international brands. “Canada is also an attractive option for many brands looking to scale as there are more certainties around tariffs and trade vs. the U.S.,” she explained. “This is a plus for retailers in Canada who might be shying away from U.S. brands and who are looking to diversify their assortment offering.”
With Canadian retailers actively seeking fresh product lines and differentiation, Amlani believes the timing is ideal for Irish brands to enter the market.
“We want these companies to leave with a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in Canadian retail—from wholesale pricing models to packaging and storytelling. It’s not just about having a great product; it’s about being ready to meet the expectations of a buyer.”
The Retail Safari: Learning from Toronto’s Shopping Scene
On the day following the event, Amlani will lead participating brands on a tour of prominent Toronto retail areas, offering insights into the Canadian market from both an aesthetic and operational perspective.
“We want the brands to understand what it means to be ‘retail ready’ in Canada,” said Amlani. “From product curation and merchandising to markups and ideal retail pricing, these are all things buyers look at.”
She emphasized that this approach is designed to make the brands more attractive to Canadian partners.
“Retailers here want fresh product offerings, but they also want brands that are prepared. That’s what we’re working on—setting these companies up for long-term success.”
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
The Enterprise Ireland Toronto showcase isn’t simply a product exhibition—it’s a platform to create long-term connections between Canada and Ireland.
“We hope to see genuine business opportunities emerge from this,” said Tuite. “Irish companies are looking for retail partnerships, distributors, and collaborators who understand their values. And Canadian retailers are looking to offer something new and meaningful to their customers.”
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Gotstyle at the Distillery District, Toronto
The event is geared toward Canadian retailers, buyers, and industry professionals interested in exploring Irish innovation in retail.
