Department store chain Simons from Quebec sets Toronto's first store launch date
Quebec-based department store, Simons, is set to expand its presence in Toronto with the opening of its first location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre next month, on August 14, 2023[1][4]. This move marks Simons' second store in downtown Toronto.
The company, which currently operates approximately 17 locations across Canada, has been careful in its expansion strategy[2]. Simons will partially occupy the space previously occupied by Nordstrom at both the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale[3]. Nordstrom exited the Canadian marketplace in 2023.
Retail analyst Bruce Winder described Simons as an "enigma" due to its unique approach to retail[5]. The department store is known for its curated designs, which are considered a bit avant-garde, and for offering price-points that are both high and accessible[6].
While the exact date for the opening of the Eaton Centre location is not yet known, it is expected to open in the fall of 2025 or the winter of 2026[1][2]. The specific details about Simons' expansion strategy beyond Toronto are not provided[7].
There is a risk that Simons may have too many stores in Toronto, given it already has one store at Mississauga's Square One Shopping Centre and plans to open two more in the city[8]. This expansion could potentially lead to oversaturation in the market.
Despite this, Simons has performed well in its operations and has a loyal customer base[9]. The company's second Toronto location at The Eaton Centre will join the first at Yorkdale, offering shoppers a wider range of curated, avant-garde fashion choices[1][4].
[1] https://www.thestar.com/business/retail-marketing/2023/03/20/simons-to-open-first-toronto-store-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-in-august.html [2] https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-simons-to-open-first-toronto-location-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-next-month/ [3] https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/simons-to-open-first-toronto-location-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-next-month-1.1779739 [4] https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/simons-to-open-first-toronto-location-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-next-month-1.5988111 [5] https://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2023/03/simons-to-open-first-toronto-location-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-next-month [6] https://www.thestar.com/business/retail-marketing/2023/03/20/simons-to-open-first-toronto-store-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-in-august.html [7] https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-simons-to-open-first-toronto-location-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-next-month/ [8] https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/simons-to-open-first-toronto-location-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-next-month-1.1779739 [9] https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/simons-to-open-first-toronto-location-at-yorkdale-shopping-centre-next-month-1.5988111
shoppers will have a wider variety of Simons' curated, avant-garde fashion choices when the company opens its second Toronto location at The Eaton Centre, adding to its home-and-garden and lifestyle offerings in the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The retail expansion presents a potential risk of market oversaturation, given Simons' existing locations in Toronto, including one at Mississauga's Square One Shopping Centre and another planned at the Eaton Centre.
