For years, there have been Uniqlo Canada rumours. Finally, it’s official. Uniqlo Canada will open in Fall 2016 in not one, but TWO locations in Toronto! Both Yorkdale Mall and Toronto Eaton Centre will welcome the Japanese fast fashion retailer. This will be Uniqlo’s 18th market, and Uniqlo USA and Canada CEO, Larry Meyer said, “Our first two stores in the great City of Toronto will mark the launch of the UNIQLO brand in Canada, which we aim to build upon thereafter with a presence in the lovely city of Vancouver.” The Yorkdale location will be 24,000 sq ft, while the downtown location in the Eaton Centre will take up 28,000 sq ft.
It’s so great that the store is opening in Fall too, so Torontonians can stock up on some of their amazing winter gear. Their Ultra Light Down vests and jackets (which I’ve raved about here), and their Heattech tights are inexpensive, high quality and very practical. I’ve gone to Uniqlo twice in NYC, and each time, I’ve picked up enough tights to last me a year!
The brand also does diffusion lines with other brands (even Alexander Wang back in the day), and cute tee collaborations as well, with Andy Warhol, MoMa, Popeye and Barbie as some recent examples.
With Target closing a couple weeks ago, it’s great to hear of another international brand taking the plunge into the Canadian market. I cannot think of a better market for their practical clothing, and can’t wait to stock up on some of their colourful cashmere sweaters and tees!