Simons Expands Across Canada with a Focus on Toronto
Predicting the fate of department stores, according to Simon's perspective
Simons, a Quebec-based fashion retailer, is making strategic moves to establish itself as a pan-Canadian player, with a significant focus on the Toronto market. The retailer, founded in 1840, has embarked on an expansion plan that includes opening stores in high-end retail spaces and adapting to local markets.
Entrance into Downtown Toronto
The first step in this strategic expansion was the opening of a 118,000 square foot store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in downtown Toronto on August 14, 2025. This location, previously occupied by Nordstrom, is situated in one of Canada's top-performing enclosed malls by sales per square foot[1][3]. The store, tailored to the urban Toronto customer base, features a mix of Simons' private labels along with luxury and contemporary brands[1].
Future Plans
Simons has plans to open another store in a downtown Toronto shopping centre in the fall of 2025 or winter[2]. This second store will be located 14 kilometers away at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre.
Market Positioning
By opening stores in prime locations and offering a unique blend of private labels and international brands, Simons is positioning itself as a destination shopping experience, differentiating itself from other department stores[3]. Bernard Leblanc, the President and CEO of Simons, believes in the relevance of department stores, despite the recent closure of The Bay[4].
National Expansion
The Yorkdale store marks the eighteenth location in Canada for Simons, indicating a broader strategy to expand nationally beyond their Quebec roots[1]. Toronto, being the most dynamic and largest market in Canada, marks a new chapter in Simons' history[5].
Private Labels and Market Adaptation
Simons differentiates itself from The Bay by offering a unique assortment of private brands, developed by their design team in Quebec[6]. The company is ready to welcome customers who may have shopped at The Bay previously[6].
Focus on Canada
As of the current count, Simons operates 18 stores across Canada, with locations in Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia[1]. The company is currently focused on expanding within Canada, with Vancouver on its radar for potential future expansion[7].
By focusing on high-end retail spaces and adapting to local markets, Simons is positioning itself for success in the competitive Canadian retail landscape.
[1] Globe and Mail. (2025, August 13). Simons to open store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in downtown Toronto. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/retail-marketing/simons-to-open-store-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-in-downtown-toronto/article37313620/
[2] Toronto Star. (2025, July 15). Simons to open second Toronto store this fall. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/business/retail-marketing/2025/07/15/simons-to-open-second-toronto-store-this-fall.html
[3] CBC News. (2025, August 14). Simons opens first Toronto store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/simons-opens-first-toronto-store-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-1.6100624
[4] Canadian Business. (2025, August 13). Bernard Leblanc: Simons CEO on the retailer's expansion plans in Toronto. Retrieved from https://www.canadianbusiness.com/innovation/bernard-leblanc-simons-ceo-on-the-retailers-expansion-plans-in-toronto/
[5] Financial Post. (2025, August 14). Simons' Toronto expansion marks a new chapter in the retailer's history. Retrieved from https://financialpost.com/business/retail-marketing/simons-toronto-expansion-marks-a-new-chapter-in-the-retailers-history
[6] Retail Insider. (2025, August 13). Simons to open new store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in downtown Toronto. Retrieved from https://retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2025/08/13/simons-to-open-new-store-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-in-downtown-toronto
[7] Canadian Retail. (2025, July 15). Simons eyes Vancouver for potential future expansion. Retrieved from https://canadianretail.ca/simons-eyes-vancouver-for-potential-future-expansion/
- Simons' focus on Toronto and other prime locations in Canada, along with their unique blend of private labels and international brands, positions them as a distinct destination for lifestyle shopping experiences.
- As part of their national expansion strategy, Simons plans to open another store in the CF Toronto Eaton Centre later in 2025, further solidifying their presence in Canada's retail landscape.
- To cater to local markets, Simons new stores will offer a diverse assortment of private labels, which they've developed in partnership with their design team in Quebec, as well as luxury and contemporary brands, setting them apart from competitors like The Bay.
