Upscale French fashion brand Ami Paris will open its first standalone Canadian storefront this year at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, reinforcing the mall’s status as the country’s leading destination for luxury retail. The new boutique will span over 2,500 square feet in a prominent corner location, taking over space formerly occupied by Nespresso, which recently relocated within the mall.
The deal was arranged by Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants, who represented Ami in the lease transaction. Oxford Properties, which owns and manages Yorkdale, continues to attract first-to-market international brands, expanding the centre’s growing roster of upscale and luxury tenants.
A Modern French Brand Arrives in Canada
Founded in 2011 by designer Alexandre Mattiussi, Ami has become a prominent force in contemporary fashion. Known for blending Parisian elegance with a relaxed, accessible style, the brand has built a loyal following across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
The name “Ami”, derived from Mattiussi’s initials as well as the French word for “friend”, reflects the brand’s ethos of authenticity, inclusivity, and effortless chic. Its collections include men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, and lifestyle items, often recognized by the signature “AMI de cœur” heart logo.
Mattiussi, who trained at the Duperré fashion design school in Paris, honed his skills at Dior Homme, Givenchy, and Marc Jacobs before launching his own label. His focus on tailoring, clean lines, and wearable luxury has helped Ami bridge the gap between casual dressing and elevated fashion.
Global Expansion
Since its first Paris boutique opened in 2012, Ami has expanded rapidly, supported by investment partners including Sequoia Capital China and Felix Capital. The brand operates 78 monobrand stores worldwide as of August 2025, alongside nearly 700 multibrand retail partners in over 100 countries.
Its largest footprint is in Asia, where 60 stores, including 26 in China and 22 in Japan, illustrate its strong momentum in that market. Europe remains a key region with 16 boutiques, including three flagships in Paris. The United States hosts four locations, while recent openings in Southeast Asia, such as Jakarta’s Plaza Senayan, mark a new frontier for the brand.
Recent store concepts highlight natural materials such as Euville stone and oak, paired with gold finishes, creating luxurious and immersive retail environments.
Yorkdale as Canada’s Luxury Epicentre
The decision to open at Yorkdale further cements the mall’s reputation as Canada’s “church of luxury shopping.” With over 270 stores and more than two million square feet of space, Yorkdale attracts more than 18 million visitors annually.
Over the past decade, Yorkdale has developed the country’s largest concentration of luxury and upscale fashion brands. Boutiques for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Prada, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga stand alongside luxury watch and jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co. Recent additions have included Brunello Cucinelli, Loewe, and Maison Margiela, reflecting the mall’s status as the destination of choice for international names.
Ami joins this expanding roster at a time of continued investment in Yorkdale. The mall recently welcomed the first Toronto location of La Maison Simons, spanning 118,000 square feet in the former Nordstrom space. In addition, a new 11,000-square-foot Saint Laurent flagship is under construction in Yorkdale’s luxury wing.
Ami Paris operates within the upper-contemporary price point, offering a more approachable entry into the world of designer fashion while maintaining quality and exclusivity. The brand’s balance of elegance and ease aligns with Toronto’s increasingly international clientele and the city’s appetite for modern, trend-forward labels.
is the zara taking over the old navy space
Yes I believe so. I was told that Zara would be expanding its store — it will be even more grand when it’s finished.