CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre are getting an upgrade, following Cadillac-Fairview’s announcement that the two malls will become home to retailer La Maison Simons by fall next year.
Commonly known as Simons, the store expansion is part of a massive $75 million investment, a deal in which CEO Bernard Leblanc said was “decades in the making.” The Quebec City-based retailer is expected to create about 400 jobs through its Toronto extension.
Both stores will occupy the space where Nordstrom stores once stood, following their nationwide closure last year.
The Simons store in Eaton Centre will span about 110,000 square feet over three levels while the Yorkdale location will span about 118,000 square feet over two levels. Known for their artwork and often whimsical interiors, both stores will feature local art and unique architectural designs by Lemay Michaud and Gensler Design.
The two locations will offer the full range of Simons merchandise, which includes fashions for men and women, kid’s, home goods, footwear, bags, accessories and other items. Both the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Simons stores will also have separate designer ‘Edito’ departments for women and men, which feature a range of luxury brands such as Balmain, Chloé, Moschino and Rick Owens. The selection of brands at Edito departments in Simons varies store-to-store, and Leblanc said it’s not yet determined which brands will be carried in the new Toronto locations.
The developments to Eaton Centre are Cadillac Fairview’s latest improvements to the Yonge-Dundas area, following the upcoming addition of Eataly’s fourth location and a two-level Nike flagship store. The area will also welcome the first location of American burger joint Shake Shack later this month.
On social media, many seem to be excited for this move.
“Wow this is great,” said a Reddit user (u/ alex114323). “Love that Simon’s and Eataly will be sharing the space, makes that location a lot more dynamic compared to Nordstrom. To me, Nordstrom was always a store to just walk through lol but hopefully this time a mixed space will change that!”
The Toronto Simons stores will be the 18th and 19th locations for the retailer.
