Quebec-based retailer Simons has officially opened its first Toronto location, located inside Yorkdale Mall. In a time when we see anchor stores shutter, Canada’s oldest private, family-run business has decided to expand. But before it opens for all to enjoy, we got a first look at what the new store has… well, in store for us.
Simons Yorkdale
Are department stores making a comeback? I won’t lie, it hurt to see Sears go, then Nordstrom and now Hudson’s Bay. It was a devastating blow to in-person shopping experiences in Canada. But when we caught wind that Simons planned to open not one, but two locations in Toronto, the shopper in me couldn’t help but get excited.
The retailer took over the lot where Nordstrom once called home, and redeveloped the two-floor, 118,000-square-foot property.
Art meets shopping
From top to bottom, the new store was meticulously designed to stay true to its Canadian roots. It’s inspired by natural elements and features by Lemay-Michaud Architecture and interior design by Toronto-based Gensler Design.
This can notably be seen in the Twik department — just look up at the ceilings and admire the design.
“As with all Simons locations, art plays a vital role in shaping the in-store experience,” says Bernard Leblanc, president and CEO of Simons, in a press release. “Fashion is art, and we see art as the ultimate connector, enabling our customers to meaningfully engage with one another and their surroundings. The design and construction of our stores are often influenced by the local works we feature, and Yorkdale is no exception.”
And all of this, of course, makes shopping here feel like a luxurious experience.
First floor
Now, when you enter through the mall side, you’ll be on the main floor. Here you’ll find a wide selection of women’s clothing, accessories, footwear and additional items like fragrances, conveniently located in certain departments.
See something you want to try on? The fitting rooms can be found behind the cash registers to give you less time to change your mind – at least that’s what I like to think.
This one at the far end of the main floor has the PERFECT lighting if you plan on doing some morning shopping.
The retailer has brought over its exclusive private brands like Twik, Icône, Contemporaine, Miiyu, Le31, Djab, i.FiV5, and Simons Maison to the Yorkdale location.
The store also features the Édito department, a boutique-style selection of nationally recognized brands and top designer names.
Second floor
Once you’ve seen every inch of the first floor, make your way up the escalators to the second floor.
Here is where you’ll find the men’s selection. Whether you’re looking for a new suit or just need to replace some jeans, there’s a bit of everything for any style.
Again, you’ll find accessories here, but you’ll also find the brands Maison collection.
Bedding, home decor, and everything in between — you’ll find it here. At the moment, the selection features fall decor, so yes, it looks like it’s time to start getting ready for Halloween.
And if the Yorkdale store is this good, we can only imagine what’s coming to the Eaton Centre.
In the meantime, I’ll be browsing the selection at Yorkdale, and convincing myself that “yes, my wardrobe does need a makeover.”
This is your warning: start clearing some space in your closet and get ready to redecorate your home. We have a feeling Toronto is going to get pretty cozy with Simons.
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Karen Doradea
Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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