Predicting the fate of department stores, according to Simon's perspective

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/

Predicting the fate of department stores, according to Simon's perspective

Simons Expands Across Canada with a Focus on Toronto