Department Store Simons Expands into Two Toronto Malls

Quebec-based retailer Simons is readying to open another store in its continued national expansion.

The new location is at Toronto Eaton Centre — the second store to launch in the country’s most populous city this year.

“(It) is the perfect place to share our passion for fashion, art and design, and we look forward to building meaningful relationships with Torontonians through the exceptional service and sense of purpose that guides everything we do,” says Simons president and CEO Bernard Leblanc.

Opening Sept. 18, the company’s 19th store spans 112,000 square feet spread across three floors.

True to Simons’ uniquely Canadian approach, the structure is inspired by natural elements, leveraging architecture by LemayMichaud and interior design by Gensler.

In mid-August, the retailer opened its first Toronto store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The two-storey, 118,000-square-foot space was many years in the making.

Simons has invested more than $75 million into the two retail spaces, both previously occupied by Nordstrom prior to its Canadian departure in 2023.

Oxford Properties, co-owner of Yorkdale, has been an important partner in Simons’ expansion into the Ontario market, with the retailer opening its first store at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, in 2016. That same year, Simons launched its second Ontario location in Ottawa, at Rideau Centre.

Simons is Canada’s oldest private, family-owned business, founded in 1840, by John Simons. Originally a dry goods store, the company is known today for accessible and inspired fashion. Simons also carries products for the home, including furniture, rugs, lighting and decor.

The department store has 10 other locations in Quebec, including its head office, three in Alberta, one in British Columbia, and one in Nova Scotia.