Abercrombie & Fitch Expands Canadian Store Network

Abercrombie & Fitch is accelerating its Canadian growth strategy with new store openings and a recently reopened location as the apparel retailer continues to strengthen its presence in key shopping centres across the country. The expansion comes as the brand experiences renewed global momentum and seeks to capitalize on strong consumer demand among younger demographics.

The company has plans to open stores in Winnipeg, Ottawa, Calgary and London, Ontario during 2026. These additions will further broaden the retailer’s Canadian footprint, which currently spans several major urban markets and premium retail destinations. At the same time, the brand has recently reopened its location at West Edmonton Mall following earlier closures during a previous restructuring period.

The developments reflect a broader corporate strategy focused on modernized stores, carefully selected retail environments, and stronger engagement with millennial and Gen Z consumers.

Record Financial Performance Drives Growth

The latest Canadian expansion aligns with Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s strong financial performance globally. On March 4, 2026, the company reported record Fiscal Year 2025 results, surpassing $5.27 billion in annual global net sales for the first time in its history.

The milestone reflects a broader revitalization of the brand, which has spent several years repositioning itself after distancing from its early 2000s identity. Today the company focuses on contemporary fashion assortments, inclusive marketing, and digital integration that appeals to younger shoppers.

Despite acknowledging potential margin pressures related to tariffs and ongoing technology investments, company leadership has indicated that expanding the physical retail network remains a priority for 2026. Canada has emerged as a key market within that strategy.

Current Canadian Footprint Concentrated in Major Retail Centres

Abercrombie & Fitch maintains a targeted network of stores located primarily in high performing regional malls and outlet centres across Canada.

In British Columbia, the brand operates stores at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, CF Richmond Centre in Richmond, and CF Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver. Alberta currently hosts a single location at West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton.

Ontario represents the company’s largest Canadian market. Stores operate at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, CF Sherway Gardens, Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, Vaughan Mills, Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills, and Outlet Collection at Niagara in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Alongside the flagship Abercrombie & Fitch brand, the company also operates related banners including abercrombie kids and Hollister Co., which together create a broader portfolio presence within Canada’s premium retail environments.

New Store to Enter Manitoba Market

One of the most significant announcements tied to the Abercrombie & Fitch Canada expansion is the brand’s first entry into Manitoba. A new store is planned for CF Polo Park in Winnipeg, marking the retailer’s debut in the province.

The City of Winnipeg issued a development permit on January 6, 2026 allowing alterations to a main floor space within the shopping centre. Following the permit approval, recruitment efforts began for store management positions as the company prepares for the opening.

The Winnipeg launch reflects the company’s strategy of expanding into markets where its related brands have already demonstrated strong performance. Hollister has operated successfully at CF Polo Park for years, providing valuable data about local demand for the company’s apparel concepts.

Ottawa Store Planned for CF Rideau Centre

Abercrombie & Fitch has also confirmed that it will open its first store in Ottawa at CF Rideau Centre in the summer of 2026. The new location will occupy the former Eddie Bauer space near the mall’s food court, where construction signage has already appeared.

The move introduces the brand to the Ottawa market, which has long been served by other fashion retailers but has lacked a dedicated Abercrombie & Fitch location.

Rideau Centre is one of Canada’s most productive urban shopping centres and is owned by Cadillac Fairview. Its tenant mix includes a variety of premium and international fashion brands, making it an attractive location for retailers targeting affluent and fashion conscious consumers.

West Edmonton Mall Store Returns After Previous Closure

In Alberta, Abercrombie & Fitch recently reopened its store at West Edmonton Mall. The new location opened in fall 2025 and represents a return to one of North America’s largest shopping centres.

The reopening follows earlier closures during the company’s restructuring period, when it exited several oversized or underperforming stores globally. The new West Edmonton Mall location reflects the retailer’s updated store concept, which emphasizes brighter interiors, streamlined layouts, and a more modern shopping environment.

The opening was positioned as an opportunity for the brand to reconnect with a new generation of shoppers in Alberta while showcasing its redesigned retail format.

Abercrombie & Fitch to Return to Calgary with CF Chinook Centre Store

Abercrombie & Fitch is also preparing to return to the Calgary market with a new store planned for CF Chinook Centre. The upcoming location will occupy the retail space formerly operated by Shoppers Drug Mart within the shopping centre.

Cadillac Fairview confirmed the deal in late February 2026. Darryl Schmidt, Vice-President of National Leasing at Cadillac Fairview, said the retailer is expected to take possession of the space in the spring of 2026, noting during an interview that the transition would occur within the next 60 days.

The opening represents a return to CF Chinook Centre for the American apparel retailer. Abercrombie & Fitch previously operated at the Calgary shopping centre for many years before closing the store in January 2023 as part of a broader fleet optimization strategy. At the same time, the Hollister location at CF Chinook Centre also closed.

Abercrombie & Fitch Planned for CF Masonville Place in London, Ontario

Abercrombie & Fitch is also preparing to open a new store in London, Ontario, further expanding the brand’s presence across the province. The upcoming location will be situated at CF Masonville Place, occupying the second-level retail space previously operated by Laura.

Construction activity is currently underway as crews prepare the unit for the retailer’s updated store concept. While the company has not formally announced a grand opening date, the London location is expected to welcome shoppers later in 2026.

The move introduces Abercrombie & Fitch to another important mid-sized Ontario market. CF Masonville Place serves as one of Southwestern Ontario’s dominant regional shopping centres and already houses a Hollister store, reflecting the company’s pattern of entering markets where its sister brand has established a customer base.

Global Store Strategy Shapes Canadian Growth

The Canadian expansion is part of a broader global real estate strategy outlined during Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s March 2026 earnings call.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the company plans to open approximately 55 new stores worldwide. At the same time, it expects to close roughly 25 underperforming or oversized legacy locations.

The resulting net fleet growth of about 30 stores reflects a selective approach to expansion, focusing on high traffic destinations and right sized store formats. In addition, the company plans approximately 70 remodels and right sizing projects globally to modernize older stores and align them with its updated brand identity.

Canada plays a meaningful role within this strategy because of its concentration of premium shopping centres and strong consumer spending in fashion categories.

Hollister Remains Key Part of Canadian Portfolio

While the Abercrombie & Fitch brand has received significant attention during the company’s recent turnaround, Hollister continues to serve as a major revenue driver in Canada.

As of March 2026, Hollister operates 15 stores across the country, spread across five provinces. Ontario accounts for the majority of these locations, with nine stores in markets including Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Brampton, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Additional stores operate in British Columbia at CF Pacific Centre and Metropolis at Metrotown, in Alberta at West Edmonton Mall, in Manitoba at CF Polo Park, and in Nova Scotia at Halifax Shopping Centre.

Historically, Hollister’s Canadian locations have generated strong productivity, with sales per square foot often exceeding comparable stores in the United States. The brand’s positioning as a casual, Southern California inspired lifestyle retailer resonates with younger shoppers, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.

Recent Canadian activity for Hollister has focused more on fleet optimization than on net new openings.

For example, the brand recently relocated its store within CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver to a more prominent location near the Robson Street escalators. The move placed the retailer in a higher traffic area while allowing it to introduce a newer store concept that features brighter lighting and a more open layout.

These relocations are part of the parent company’s broader effort to modernize its store fleet and ensure that each location aligns with evolving consumer expectations.

More from Retail Insider:

• Abercrombie & Fitch to Open 1st Vancouver Location (2015)
• Uniqlo Entering Winnipeg With Two-Store Launch