As part of a move to celebrate Canadian identity and luxury retail, Holt Renfrew is taking its signature magenta brand on the road this summer, reaching customers far beyond its traditional urban storefronts. The luxury department store is bringing curated experiences to popular destinations across the country, culminating in the first-ever Holt Renfrew Muskoka pop-up opening this August.
The initiative reflects Holt Renfrew’s evolving approach to retail, expanding into non-traditional settings and deepening its connection with communities across Canada. From Montreal’s electrifying Grand Prix weekend to the Calgary Stampede and now the tranquil shores of Ontario’s cottage country, Holt Renfrew is embracing its Canadian roots with vibrant seasonal activations.
“We are proud to be Canadian and are leaning more into it this year by celebrating magenta moments across the country,” said Carolyn Wright, Senior Vice President, Product at Holt Renfrew. “We started the summer off with the big race weekend in Montreal, and more recently with our Calgary Stampede debut, now, we are thrilled to bring Holts to Muskoka with a pop-up at the JW Marriott. Our customers can expect a beautiful curation of summer fashion and beauty edits for everyone—right on the lake. We are so excited to connect with the community in Muskoka.”
Holt Renfrew Muskoka Pop-Up to Debut at JW Marriott
From August 1 to 10, Holt Renfrew will welcome shoppers to a lakeside retail experience at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka. This exclusive Holt Renfrew Muskoka pop-up marks the first time the retailer has hosted a dedicated storefront in Canada’s beloved cottage region. The pop-up will operate Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The boutique will offer a curated summer edit of fashion, beauty, and grooming across women’s and men’s categories. Customers can expect to shop luxury labels such as Amiri, Augustinus Bader, Birkenstock, Celine, Citizens of Humanity, Dôen, Fear of God ESSENTIALS, Fendi, Frame, La Mer, La Prairie, Loewe, Marc Jacobs, On, Rag & Bone, and Stone Island, among others.
Further enhancing the Muskoka experience, the pop-up will offer skincare services and a limited-edition capsule collection co-created with Canadian brand House of Blanks. Branded as “Holts Camp Muskoka,” the exclusive merchandise will be available only at this location, reinforcing the sense of place and exclusivity behind the summer campaign.
National Celebrations: Calgary Stampede and Montreal Grand Prix
Earlier this summer, Holt Renfrew made a debut appearance at the Calgary Stampede, bringing the brand’s signature polish to Canada’s largest rodeo. The Grit & Gloss pop-up at the BMO Centre introduced Stampede-goers to a fashion-forward interpretation of western style, with a mix of curated clothing, accessories, and beauty offerings.
Complementing the retail footprint was the Stampede Cellar Champion Wine Experience, a sophisticated lounge that offered panoramic views of Stampede Park. Guests were invited to relax above the midway, sampling wines from the Stampede Cellar Showdown International Wine Competition, accompanied by live music and elevated service. The experience blended Holt Renfrew’s focus on luxury with a culturally immersive atmosphere.
In Montreal, Holt Renfrew’s flagship Ogilvy store aligned with the city’s high-energy Grand Prix weekend, drawing crowds and car enthusiasts alike. McLaren supercars were on display outside the store, while inside, guests discovered an exclusive McLaren-themed pop-up. A variety of additional activations took place on the fifth floor of Ogilvy, featuring brands like Jack Victor, Sugar Blossom, and local partners including MFleurs, New City Gas, and food purveyors CA LEM Crèmerie and Mon Secret Gourmand.
These summer events have demonstrated Holt Renfrew’s ability to adapt the luxury retail model to meet Canadians where they are, creating localized experiences rooted in cultural relevance.
A Canadian Retailer with Deep Roots and Bold Ambitions
Founded in Quebec City in 1837, Holt Renfrew has long been a staple of Canada’s fashion landscape. Originally launched as a furrier, the retailer gained prestige through royal appointments and later transformed into a destination for international luxury brands, offering in-store boutiques from labels such as Chanel, Hermès, Dior, and Prada.
Headquartered in Toronto, the retailer operates six large-format stores across major Canadian cities, including a flagship on Bloor Street West. Known for its commitment to personalized service, sustainability, and diversity, Holt Renfrew continues to modernize its offerings for the 21st-century consumer.
The company was acquired by the Weston family in 1986 and remains privately owned and proudly Canadian. Its recent ventures into seasonal and regional pop-ups reflect a larger retail trend toward experiential shopping and hyper-localized branding, particularly as luxury customers seek more personal and meaningful interactions.
