International retailers that entered Canada in 2023

Each year, a plethora of international retail brands enter Canada with the opening of their first physical stores within the country, further enhancing the Canadian retail environment >>> By Craig Patterson

For this issue of Retail Insider the magazine, we’ve compiled a list of the international retailers that entered Canada in 2023. In total, Retail Insider counted 27 international retailers that entered Canada by opening first store locations — an impressive number following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these newly entered brands plan to open more locations in Canada, and we’ll also discuss that below.

The Greater Toronto Area was the target for the vast majority of international brands entering Canada by opening stores in 2023. Of the 27 international brands that opened first retail stores in Canada, 20 of those were in Toronto or its surrounding communities.

The Greater Toronto Area was the target for the vast majority of international brands entering Canada by opening stores in 2023. Of the 27 international brands that opened first retail stores in Canada, 20 of those were in Toronto or its surrounding communities.

In terms of retail nodes, Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville turned out to be the hot spot for new brands entering the Canadian market in 2023. A total of six international retailers opened stores in the affluent high-density downtown Toronto area, including: Veronica Beard, John Elliott, VRAI, Kith, Alexander Wang, and Roger Dubuis. Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, which over the years has launched more first-to-Canada international retailers than anywhere, saw four new-to-Canada entrants in 2023, including Mango, Qeelin, Ralph Lauren, and Anine Bing.

In terms of retail nodes, Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville turned out to be the hot spot for new brands entering the Canadian market in 2023. A total of six international retailers opened stores in the affluent high-density downtown Toronto area, including: Veronica Beard, John Elliott, VRAI, Kith, Alexander Wang, and Roger Dubuis. Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, which over the years has launched more first-to-Canada international retailers than anywhere, saw four new-to-Canada entrants in 2023, including Mango, Qeelin, Ralph Lauren, and Anine Bing.

Downtown Toronto became home to four first-to-Canada retailers in 2023, two of which were at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Downtown Toronto became home to four first-to-Canada retailers in 2023, two of which were at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Downtown Toronto became home to four first-to-Canada retailers in 2023, two of which were at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

The Greater Vancouver area was home to five first-to-Canada retailer openings in 2023, spread out across the region including Vancouver’s Kitsilano area, Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, and CF Richmond Centre in Richmond. Montreal and Edmonton also each boasted a first-to-Canada retail opening in 2023.

Retail Insider has been tracking international retail entrants into Canada since 2014. In the previous years that Retail Insider published the international entrants’ lists, the number of first-to-market retailers has ranged from 20 to over 50 international retailers that entered the country over a 12 month period. For a breakdown of those years, view a summary at the end of this article.

Below is a breakdown geographically of where the 25 international brands entered Canada in 2023, followed by a description of each of these. Included is a discussion of what Retail Insider is aware of in terms of future expansion plans for these brands, as well.

Where did international retailers open their first stores in Canada in 2023?

Number total: 27 retailers

Bloor-Yorkville (Toronto): 6
Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Toronto): 4
Downtown Toronto/CF Toronto Eaton Centre (TEC): 4 (2 at TEC)
Greater Vancouver, BC: 4
Montreal, QC: 1
Edmonton, AB: 1
Niagara-on-The-Lake, ON: 1
Oakville, ON: 1
Toronto, ON - Ossington Ave: 1
Toronto, ON - North York: 1
Toronto, ON - Markham: 1
Toronto, ON - Vaughan: 1
Mississauga, ON: 1

The following is an overview of the 27 brands that entered the Canadian market by opening stores in 2023, including what’s to come. The list is ordered chronologically according to store opening dates, beginning in early 2023.

Mango - February 2023 (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto): Spanish fashion brand, Mango, entered the Canadian market in February of 2023 with its first store opening at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The brand subsequently opened 7 more stores in 2023 in the Greater Toronto Area including CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Scarborough Town Centre, CF Fairview Mall, Square One (Mississauga), Vaughan Mills (Vaughan), CF Markville (Markham), and Upper Canada Mall (Newmarket). Israel-based Fox Group is the licensee for Mango in Canada.

Given the initial market expansion in Canada, Mango is expected to target opening stores in major shopping centres in cities across Canada such as Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa and possibly others including the Quebec market. Multiple locations in larger cities would be expected with the expansion. Mango is also confirmed to be opening street-front stores including one near the corner of Yonge and Bloor streets in 2024.

Brokerage JLL is handling the expansion.

Veronica Beard - March 2023 (Yorkville, Toronto): Upscale New York City-based women’s fashion brand, Veronica Beard, opened its first Canadian storefront at 111 Yorkville Avenue in Toronto in the Spring of 2023. The location features a unique facade in a double-townhouse that was recently renovated.

The new store spans about 1,800 square feet and houses Veronica Beard’s women’s ready-to-wear collection and staples such as the Dickey Jacket, scuba suiting and denim, as well as outerwear, dresses, jeans, tops, skirts, footwear, accessories and other categories.

The lease deal was handled by CBRE. Arlin Markowitz, along with Teddy Taggart and Jackson Turner, represented Veronica Beard in the deal, along with Michael Leifer of Runyon Group. The landlord side of the deal was handled by Arlin Markowitz and team members Emily Everett and Alex Edmison.

FatFace – April 2023 (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON): UK-based fashion brand, FatFace, entered the Canadian market in April of 2023 with a store in the quaint community of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The retailer expanded in Ontario with more locations in Newmarket, Barrie, Halton Hills, Oshawa, Burlington, and Picton, with other stores are planned. FatFace is expected to expand into other provinces in Canada as it gains brand awareness.

The company was founded by friends Tim Slade and Jules Leaver in 1988. Inspired by the name of the black mountain ski run in Val d’Isère, La Face, FatFace was born. Product categories in FatFace stores include womenswear, menswear, children’s fashions, footwear and accessories.

Jennifer Bowyer and Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants represents FatFace in Canada. According to Aurora’s website, FatFace stores will ideally be in the 1,200 to 1,800 square foot range in tourist markets as well as high streets and shopping centres.

Paris Baguette - Spring 2023 (North York, Toronto, ON): International bakery-cafe chain, Paris Baguette, opened its first Canadian location in the spring of 2023 at the Yonge-Sheppard Centre in Toronto’s North York Area. It’s the first of many planned for Canada in the coming years as part of a franchise arrangement. Several locations opened in 2023 in markets including Edmonton, Calgary, and Newmarket, ON. The Canadian flagship will open in 2024 at 110 Bloor Street West in Toronto.

In October 2020, Paris Baguette announced its presence in Canada via a registered Franchise Disclosure Document. At the time, the company said that it was charting the course on a Canadian expansion in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and other “booming” provinces and cities. Paris Baguette said in a statement that its goal is to establish at least 100 bakery branches in Canada by 2030.

Paris Baguette is a global brand owned by South Korean food-and-beverage company SPC Group. The premium bakery-cafe concept focuses on handcrafted breads, pastries and cakes, as well as chef-inspired sandwiches and salads.

Iris Galerie - May 3, 2023 (Distillery District Toronto, ON): Unique eye artwork concept, Iris Galerie, entered the Canadian market in May of 2023 when it opened a location at Toronto’s Distillery District. The company subsequently opened in Niagara Falls, Quebec City, Ottawa and Collingwood, ON, with plans to open about 30 stores in Canada in three years with locations typically being 400600 square feet.

The concept started in 2021 in Paris after the founder, Emeric Wehbe, was inspired to capture the beauty of eyes. Iris Galerie uses state-of-the-art photography to capture the beauty of people’s eyes and create unique artwork and can include up to five different irises. Since opening, Iris Galerie has expanded to over 100 locations worldwide.

Fox Home - June 2023 (CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Toronto): Israel-based home furnishings concept, Fox Home, expanded into Canada in the Summer of 2023 with its first store opening at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto. Seven other locations opened in Southern Ontario in the Greater Toronto Area. Parent company, Fox Group, has indicated that it plans to open more Fox Home stores in other parts of Canada, although it’s not yet confirmed where and how many stores could ultimately open here.

Fox Home was founded in Israel in 2010, and the retailer says that it offers “a wide variety of fashionable home products while providing the consumer with a unique shopping experience, high quality and value for money.” The retailer operates nearly 100 stores, most of which are in Israel.

JLL represents Fox Home as brokerage in Canada.

Vivobarefoot – June 2023 (West 4th Avenue, Kitsilano, BC): Sustainable footwear and natural health brand, Vivobarefoot, opened its first standalone store in North America in June of 2023 on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area.

Vivobarefoot is a certified B Corp whose goal is to connect consumers to the natural world and set a new standard in regenerative business.

Mario Negris, Martin Moriarty and Josh Cochrane of Marcus & Millichap were responsible for negotiating the lease deal.

Founded in 2012 by two seventh-generation cobblers, Galahad and Asher Clark, Vivobarefoot is based on one simple insight - barefoot footwear is regenerative to human health. A Vivobarefoot product or experience is one that literally brings people closer to nature, says the B Corp certified company based in the UK. Concept stores exist in the UK and Germany with distributors in places like Australia, Netherlands, and Tel Aviv. More Canadian locations are expected as the first location gains traction.

Mario Negris, Martin Moriarty and Josh Cochrane of Marcus & Millichap negotiated the lease deal.

John Elliott - Summer 2023 (Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto): Youthful Los Angeles-based brand, John Elliott, opened its first Canadian flagship at 83 Yorkville Avenue in Toronto in the Summer of 2023. The 2,400 square foot store carries the brand’s full range, including artisanal leather pieces, Japanese denim, sportswear, and an extensive Italian-produced footwear collection.

Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants represented John Elliott in the lease deal. Arlin Markowitz of CBRE represented the landlord in the deal.

It’s also the first international location for the brand, which has only six stores globally in markets that include Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, and Aspen Colorado. Designer John Elliott founded his brand in 2012 which features pricey denim and other fashions for men and woman.

VRAI - Summer 2023 (Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto): Los Angeles-based lab grown diamond retail brand, VRAI, opened its first Canadian location at 111 Yorkville Avenue in the summer of 2023, above Veronica Beard in the same building. Customers can have stones custom-cut with private consultation rooms and an elevated experience. Prices are a fraction of a mined diamond.

VRAI was founded in 2014 and has 13 stores globally in the US, UK and Spain. The brand has calculated expansion plans that could eventually include a Vancouver location, according to the company’s CEO.

Brandon Gorman of JLL negotiated the Yorkville lease deal on behalf of VRAI.

Rivian - July 28, 2023 (The Amazing Brentwood, Burnaby, BC): Irvine, California-based Electric vehicle manufacturer, Rivian, opened its first Canadian showroom in July of 2023 at The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby, near Vancouver. The showroom is contained in a ‘glass house’ building in the shopping centre, featuring a futuristic look. Burnaby is the first showroom for Rivian to feature augmented reality, allowing visitors to view any vehicle configuration they choose digitally.

Rivian launched in Canada in late 2022 with its R1T and R1S all-electric vehicle models. The R1T is a pick-up truck, while the R1S is more of a typical SUV. Other models can be purchased in the retail space.

Burnaby is the first international location for the US brand, which has showroom ‘spaces’ in California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Georgia, Colorado and Tennessee.

Insomnia Cookies - Summer 2023 (Edmonton, AB): Philadelphia-based, Insomnia Cookies, expanded into Canada with its first location opening in Edmonton in August of 2023, and more have since opened including one at York University in Toronto. The company was founded in 2003 at the University of Pennsylvania and now has over 250 locations on or near college and university

campuses across the U.S., and now in Canada. The brand specializes in cookies, ice cream and also milk and non-milk products delivered late at night until 1 a.m. or 3 a.m. depending on the days of the week. All Insomnia Cookies locations do dine-in, takeout and delivery. Plans are in place to open 50100 locations in Canada.

Chow Tai Fook - August 2023 (CF Richmond Centre, Vancouver, B.C.): Hong Kong-based, Chow Tai Fook, the world’s fourth-largest jewelry brand, opened its first Canadian store at CF Richmond Centre near Vancouver in August of 2023. A second location opened in Toronto at CF Fairview Mall in December of 2023. The company has further expansion plans, issuing a statement that reads: “We look forward to the growth and expansion opportunities across Canada in the years to come.”

The company, founded in 1929 in Guangzhou, China, has about 7,400 shops, mainly in Asia, and is worth more than US$16 billion, offering gold, white gold and diamond jewelry products.

Hoka - August 2023 (CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Toronto, ON): California-based running shoe brand, Hoka (stylized HOKA), opened its first Canadian storefront in August of 2023 at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto. The store carries athletic shoes for both genders and is gaining popularity after its founding in 2009 in France. Hoka can also be found in multi-brand retailers in Canada, and it’s not known yet if more Canadian stores will open.

Dolce Vita/Steve Madden pop-up - August 2024 (Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby, BC): New York City-based footwear brand, Steve Madden, launched the first Canadian location of its Dolce Vita concept in August of 2024 at the Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, near Vancouver. The almost 1,300 square foot store began as a pop-up and will become permanent in anticipation of a bigger Canadian expansion. The company told Retail Insider that it plans to open at least five locations in Canada.

Kith - Fall 2023 (Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto, ON): New York City-based lifestyle retailer, Kith, entered the Canadian market in September of 2023 when it opened its first store at 78 Yorkville Avenue in Toronto. The beautiful store spans more than 11,000 square feet and carries a range of designer and private-label brands for men, women and kids. Also included is a food and beverage component with an ice cream bar concept called Kith Treats, as well as an outpost of New York City-based restaurant Sadelle’s.

Kith operates 12 other standalone stores globally in the New York City area (four locations), Los Angeles area (two locations), Miami area (two locations) and in Honolulu, Aspen, Paris and Tokyo. The retailer also operates concessions at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, Hirshleifers in Manhasset New York, and at Selfridges in London.

Edwin Jeans - September 9, 2023 (Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON): Japanese denim brand, Edwin, opened its first Canadian store in September of 2023 in a 1,000 square foot lower-level space at 2 Ossington Avenue in Toronto. The brand was founded in 1947 and was the first to “translate post-WWII Americana through a Japanese lens and become the first global denim from Japan.” Its name is an anagram of the word “denim.” Products in the Ossington store include jeans, clothing and other items such as hats and footwear.

Retail Insider missed this store opening and there appears to have been little promotion for the new location. It’s not yet known if an expansion is at play as the Toronto store is the first in North America for Edwin. Edwin has stores globally and is also distributed in multi-brand retailers.

Trespass - Fall 2023 (Vaughan Mills, Vaughan, ON): Scottish outdoor clothing brand, Trespass, entered the Canadian market in the Fall of 2023 with a store at Vaughan Mills near Toronto. The brand is opening more stores in Canada and last year also opened at the Outlet Collection at Niagara and Tanger Outlets Cooktown in Ontario. The company plans to build more than 30 stores in Canada over the next two to three years, starting in Ontario and them moving west to markets such as Vancouver as well as eastward.

The brand was founded in 1938 in Glasgow and now has over 300 stores across Europe. Stores are approximately 3,000 square feet.

Alexander Wang - November 2023 (BloorYorkville, Toronto, ON): Upscale New York Citybased contemporary brand, Alexander Wang, unveiled its 2,500 square foot Canadian flagship store at 110 Bloor Street West in Toronto in November of 2019. The store’s interior is metallic and flashy and carries a range of women’s and men’s apparel, footwear, bags and accessories. More locations are anticipated including Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre as well as in Vancouver at Oakridge Park in the spring of 2025.

For the Bloor Street store, Arlin Markowitz and Alex Edmison of CBRE Toronto’s Urban Retail Team negotiated the lease on behalf of tenant Alexander Wang. CBRE co-listed the spaces at 110 Bloor with Philip Traikos and Carmen Siegel of Cushman & Wakefield. Landlord ProWinko Canada owns 110 Bloor.

Being Human – November 2023 (CF Markville, Markham, ON): Indian fashion brand, Being Human, entered the Canadian market in November of 2023 when it opened its first store at CF Markville in Markham, Ontario, near Toronto. It’s part of a larger expansion for the reasonably priced retailer which is opening stores in Ontario before moving to other markets. Fashions for men, women and kids are available across various categories.

The company says that it values “Love, Care, Share, Hope, Help and Joy” with stores in 15 countries around the globe.

Since its inception in 2012, Being Human Clothing is a brand under Being Human - The Salman Khan Foundation, a charitable trust devoted to education and healthcare initiatives for the underprivileged in India.

Anine Bing – Fall 2023 (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto, ON): Los Angeles-based women’s fashion brand, Anine Bing, entered the Canadian market in the fall of 2023 with its first store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Included is Bing’s range of women’s apparel, footwear, bags and accessories. The store’s design and interior appear rather minimalistic compared to some of the more lavish luxury brand storefronts nearby. It’s not known if the brand will open more stores in Canada at this time.

Qeelin - Fall 2023 (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto, ON): Kering-owned luxury jewellery brand, Qeelin, opened its first North American location in the fall of 2023 at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The 700 square foot storefront features the brand’s range of jewellery which has proven popular with its targeted Chinese demographic. Yorkdale has proven itself to be a superstar when attracting affluent clients and the mall has the densest grouping of luxury brands in Canada.

It’s not known if more Qeelin stores will open in Canada, given the newness of the brand in North America. Holt Renfrew introduced the brand in Canada during the pandemic and carries the line in several of its stores.

Ralph Lauren – September 2023 (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto, ON): New York City-based lifestyle brand, Ralph Lauren, opened its first fullpriced ‘luxury’ concept store in Canada at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre in September of 2023. The 5,500 square foot store replaced Club Monaco and is located alongside various other luxury brand stores.

Ralph Lauren is expected to open more stores in Canada including in Montreal at Royalmount and in Vancouver, either downtown or at Oakridge Park. The brand could also open a location in Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville area if space is found. Years ago, the brand had stores in Canada under its ‘Polo’ banner, and the company continues to operate a network of outlet stores within the country.

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming - September 2023 (Oakville, ON): Miami-based dog-focused retail concept, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, opened its first Canadian storefront in September of 2023 at 2460 Neyagawa Boulevard in Oakville, ON. Included are gourmet and premium pet nutrition, and luxury spa services for pets.

The brand was founded as a bakery in Florida in 2007 and it now has over 200 locations in the US, with another 200-plus under development. In Canada, the brand will expand “really fast” according to Chairman, Alex Macedo, starting in Ontario and then expanding to Vancouver/West Coast and then other parts of the country. As many as 200 or more Canadian locations could open over the next several years according to Macedo.

Malabar Gold and Diamonds - October 2023 (Heartland Town Centre, Mississauga, ON): In October of 2023, Indian jewellery behemoth, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, opened its first Canadian storefront at the Heartland Town Centre in Mississauga near Toronto. The 7,800 square foot store features over 30,000 designs across 25 brands and collections in gold, diamond and precious gem jewellery, including bridal jewellery and options ranging from casual to formal designs. It’s the first India-based jeweller to open in Canada.

The retailer has almost 340 stores in 12 countries globally, making it one of the largest jewellery chains in the world. The company was founded in 1993 and has sales of about $5.2 billion USD.

MIKAEL D - November 20, 2023 (Montreal, QC): Luxury dress brand, MIKAEL D,. opened its first Canadian showroom location on November 30, 2023 at 433 Chabanel West in Montreal, spanning about 6,750 square feet. The showroom will be fully operational by Spring 2024 with walk-in appointments. The brand features pricey wedding dresses as well as women’s formal wear. Custom-designs are available, and in the spring of 2024 ready-to-wear will be added, as well as dress rentals.

No more showrooms are planned for Canada at this time, though the brand is looking to open an online store for Canada while having a presence in a department store chain. The company is also looking to collaborate with fashion schools for fresh talent.

Paris Saint-Germain: December 2023 (Queen St, Toronto, ON): Parisian football club, Paris Saint-Germain, in collaboration with Fanatics and Lids, opened its first Canadian storefront at 399 Queen Street West in Toronto in December of 2023. It’s the fourth store in North America for the brand and the 14th globally. The Toronto location features an expansive assortment of products including team jerseys, headwear, accessories, a full range of Nike and Jordan teamwear, one-of-a-kind collaborations, and Paris Saint-Germain designs exclusively available for customers of the new Toronto location.

Alex Charlebois of Urban Reform Realty eas responsible for negotiating the lease deal on behalf of Paris Saint-Germain.

The club has announced a partnership with the local NGO Play Forever, focusing on sports and education programs for youth. It’s not known if more locations will open in Canada.

Roger Dubuis - December 2023 (Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto, ON): Richemont-owned luxury brand, Roger Dubuis, opened its first Canadian storefront in December of 2023 at the base of the Park Hyatt Hotel at Bloor Street and Avenue Road in Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville. Watches are priced well into the thousands of dollars. The store, operated in partnership with Toronto-based jeweller, L’ORO, joins two other Richemont brands which opened next to it including Panerai and IWC.

Roger Dubuis has only a handful of stores around the world, and just two in the US (South Coast Plaza and Aspen, Colorado). It’s not known if any more Canadian stores will open with the brand. However, if one did, it would likely be in partnership with an established prestigious jewellery brand.

Editor’s Note on previous years and this study

Retail Insider has been tallying the number of international retailers that have entered Canada with first brick-and-mortarstores since 2014. The following is a breakdown with hyperlinks to previous reports:

In 2022, we reported in Retail Insider the magazine that 21 international brands entered Canada by opening stores, while in 2021, we also saw 21 international retailers enter the country.

In 2020, we counted 13 brands that entered Canada by opening stores.

In 2019, we reported that 30 retailers had entered the country by opening stores, which was about the same number as in 2018.

In 2017, a record-breaking 50-plus international brands entered the Canadian market.

In 2016, Retail Insider wrote a special edition piece for Retail Council of Canada’s publication, Canadi an Retailer, within which we listed 21 international retailers that had come to Canada by opening stores that year.

In 2015, we reported that 28 retailers had opened their first freestanding locations in Canada that year. And, in 2014, we counted 20 international brands that entered Canada by opening stores.