I often call my relationship with Yorkdale Shopping Centre a “Bad Romance”. Everything starts out rosy – the finest retailers, fashion inspiration at every turn and that certain “je ne sais quoi” in the air… but when my credit card statement invariably arrives, sometimes, things turn ugly.
And yet, I keep going back for more. Holt Renfrew. Tory Burch. Pottery Barn. Ron White Shoes.
Yorkdale, I wish I knew how to quit you.
Hence, nothing pleases me more than an expansion. But not just any ol’ expansion – Yorkdale Shopping Centre is bringing shoppers an unprecedented shopping experience with the opening of its 145,000 (!!!) square foot expansion. Yorkdale’s collection of popular and first-to-market retailers delivers the widest range of new and interesting fashion, technology and luxury brands anywhere in Canada.
Think you know Yorkdale? Think again – last Friday, kate spade new york, LOFT, Microsoft, Ted Baker London and Tesla Motors all opened doors to the companies’ first Canadian stores. (Hands up if you felt a little faint at the mention of kate spade new york – I may have lost consciousness for a second or two.)
Other noteworthy retailers within the expansion include Ann Taylor’s second Canadian store, Anthropologie, Best Buy Mobile, David’s Tea, Diesel, JOEY Yorkdale Grill & Lounge, the North Face, L’Occitane, Papyrus, an exclusive Rolex boutique at Raffi Jewellers, Ta-ze and Wilfred Boutique.
(Honourable mentions: Apple, Bell, Bluenotes, Champs, Club Monaco, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Lululemon, Mappins, Starbucks and TELUS now have refurbished and larger locations within the expansion, and Holt Renfrew will be opening a flagship store within the expansion in 2013.)
Last Thursday night, I had the awesome opportunity to gain a sneak peek before retailers opened their doors to the public. Favourite stops include: kate spade new york, Ann Taylor, Diesel and Lacoste.
Above: Yes, I know it’s Club Monaco, so no need to stop the presses. However, I am duly impressed with their new store front; just enough finesse to earn a spot in the new wing. …