Japanese global apparel retailer Uniqlo is accelerating its Canadian expansion with the opening of four new stores this fall, including its first-ever location in Victoria, British Columbia. The brand, known for its functional and affordable LifeWear apparel, continues to target key markets as part of its broader national growth strategy.
By the end of 2025, Uniqlo will operate 37 stores across Canada, strengthening its footprint in British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta, while reinforcing its presence in major urban and suburban shopping destinations.
The highlight of this expansion is Uniqlo’s debut in Victoria, a city with a metro population of about 400,000 residents. This marks an important milestone for the retailer as it taps into a smaller but affluent market on Vancouver Island. The new store will open at Mayfair Shopping Centre, a premier retail destination in Victoria that caters to a mix of fashion, lifestyle, and dining brands.
Victoria’s addition complements Uniqlo’s growing presence in British Columbia, where it already operates several stores in the Vancouver area. The move signals the company’s willingness to explore markets beyond Canada’s largest metropolitan regions, with a focus on communities showing strong retail performance and demand for global apparel brands.
Expansion in Alberta and Quebec
In Alberta, two significant openings are planned. One will be at South Edmonton Common, one of Canada’s largest power centres, known for attracting heavy foot traffic and a diverse retail mix. This will be Uniqlo’s second Canadian location in a big-box power centre, following the success of its store at Heartland Town Centre near Toronto, which opened last year.
The second Alberta opening is at CrossIron Mills, a popular hybrid outlet destination north of Calgary. The centre combines outlet and full-price retail concepts, making it a strategic choice for Uniqlo’s value-driven yet quality-focused product offering.
Quebec City will also see its second Uniqlo location at Galeries de la Capitale, reinforcing the brand’s stronghold in the province. This follows the opening of a store at Place Ste-Foy this summer, marking Uniqlo’s continued investment in Quebec’s growing retail landscape.
Canadian Growth Since 2016
Uniqlo entered the Canadian market in 2016 with two flagship stores in Toronto at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Since then, the retailer has expanded into major markets such as Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, focusing on high-traffic shopping centres.
Over the past two years, expansion has accelerated. Notable openings included CF Rideau Centre in Ottawa, CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, and Royalmount in Montreal.
By fall 2025, with the addition of the four new stores, Uniqlo will have achieved a network of 37 Canadian locations, making it one of the most significant international apparel chains operating in the country.
Why Victoria and Beyond?
The decision to enter Victoria reflects Uniqlo’s confidence in secondary markets with strong consumer spending power. Victoria is regarded as a lifestyle-oriented city with a steady influx of residents and tourists, offering a promising retail environment. The presence of Mayfair Shopping Centre as the region’s dominant mall further enhances the appeal.
Looking ahead, other mid-sized Canadian markets could be on Uniqlo’s radar. Winnipeg, with its population and retail strength, remains a strong candidate for future expansion. Similarly, markets such as Halifax and Saskatoon offer opportunities as the brand continues its national rollout. A downtown Vancouver store announcement is also expected.
Uniqlo’s Canadian site selection and lease negotiations have been spearheaded by Jeff Berkowitz, founder of Aurora Realty Consultants. Berkowitz has represented Uniqlo since its entry into Canada and was instrumental in securing the latest four leases. His firm has consistently guided the retailer toward locations in top-performing shopping centres and high-traffic nodes across the country.
Store Experience and Product Offering
As with its other locations, the new stores will feature Uniqlo’s signature LifeWear line, which emphasizes simplicity, quality, and longevity. Shoppers can expect a full range of apparel for men, women, kids, and babies, as well as seasonal collaborations and the UT collection of graphic T-shirts.
Uniqlo’s Canadian stores integrate a seamless omnichannel experience by combining in-store shopping with the convenience of uniqlo.com. The brand continues to invest in both digital and physical channels to deliver accessibility and consistency across its operations.
Uniqlo is also emphasizing job creation in these new markets. Recruitment campaigns and career fairs will accompany store openings, with roles ranging from sales associates to management positions. The company aims to build inclusive teams that reflect the communities they serve, aligning with its commitment to accessibility and diversity in retail.
A Global Retail Powerhouse
Uniqlo is a core brand under Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., one of the largest apparel companies in the world, operating more than 2,500 stores globally. With its headquarters in Tokyo, Fast Retailing’s portfolio includes other well-known labels such as GU, Theory, and Helmut Lang.
The brand’s continued success in Canada mirrors its global growth strategy of entering major cities while expanding into high-potential secondary markets. Its simple, functional, and affordable approach resonates with consumers seeking value without sacrificing quality.
I swear Uniqlo hates Hamilton. We have a Metro population of 793,000 as of this year and still no store in our city yet. Our city is booming! We also have a huge Asian population both permeant and temporary with our colleges and university. A store here would also serve Brantford and Grimsby and Niagara! Come on Uniqlo what’s it going to take!?
still no store in Vancouver though…what a shame
There is hope that Uniqlo will open a large store in the vacant Nordstrom space in downtown Vancouver. A Uniqlo (40K sqft), Simons (100K sqft), Eataly (50K sqft), and a fourth retailer around 40K sqft would be my preference for the 230K sqft vacant space. Cadillac Fairview and the Daily Hive have already confirmed four tenants will replace Nordstrom, so my guesses are not that far fetched. Time will tell.
I’m not sure if Uniqlo will be able to get 40k sf in the Nordstrom building — I believe the main floor is about 70,000 sq ft, which would include the entrances to Simons on Georgia St. and Eataly on Granville, as well as two tenants facing Robson (which could also be either Nike or Aritzia, depending who actually got those leases). Uniqlo was supposed to open on Robson Street about a decade ago but the deal never happened, so the downtown is well overdue!!
I don’t have the final plans, but the two Robson-facing commercial units probably won’t exceed 30,000 sf each — and I believe Eataly would have a chunk of main floor space (and part of the second level with Simons also having the third).
Interesting thanks Craig
I really wish Masonville got one. London needs it!
Still waiting for Uniqlo to open in Waterloo!
Excluding the former Hudson’s Bay unit, the vacancy rate at Mayfair seems quite low. If I were to guess, Mayfair could be looking at subdividing the anchor box and leasing a portion of it out to other retailers, while still potentially keeping a large space available for Ruby Liu’s new department store concept. That Bay store had a first floor that was larger than the second, and two ground floor mall entrances.
It’s great to see Uniqlo recognizing the potential of secondary markets. Victoria is economically stable, and its position on an island with no fixed link also means that its retail market is somewhat sheltered from outside competition. A $100, two hour ferry each way certainly encourages Victorians to keep their physical shopping local. Uniqlo seems like a really good fit.
We want Uniqlo here in Winnipeg please ASAP..