CLOCkwISE FROM TOp : SIMONS AT S quARE ONE SHOppING CENTRE ; THE CHAMp AGNE BAR AT S A k S FOOd HALL BY puSATERI ’ S AT CF SHERw AY GARd ENS ; SHOE SALON AT SAk S FIFTH AVENu E
In recent years the city ’ s shopping centres have undergone some significant transformations . Once home to mostly mid-range mass retailers , many malls are now attempting to capture the luxury clientele who would normally frequent Yorkville . One possible explanation for this shift is Toronto ’ s changing demographics . “ Millenials ( 20 to 34 year olds ) have become the fastest growing group of luxury consumers ,” explains Toni Holley , Square One Shopping Centre ’ s marketing director . “ They ’ re driving sales through an earn-to-spend mindset and a strong desire for luxury goods , such as designer clothes , jewellery , watches , and personal accessories .” Not only that , says Holley , but the rise of online shopping has also spurred brick-and-mortar retailers to offer more in order to stay competitive .
One of the first malls to expand its high-end offerings was Yorkdale Shopping Centre , located northwest of downtown . The opening of a Tiffany & Co . store in 2009 represented a major turning point . In short succession , Tiffany ’ s was joined by Canada ’ s first freestanding BVLGARI , Jimmy Choo , and Moncler stores . Not surprisingly , Holt Renfrew also revamped its Yorkdale outpost , creating an extensive main floor and a mezzanine level that houses the elegant personal shopping suites , and the Men ’ s Lounge , which boasts a grooming area , and a Tom Ford fragrance and skin care wall .
Yorkdale receives another upscale boost with the arrival of Nordstrom in the fall of 2016 . The Seattle-based retailer is renowned for its exceptional customer service , and both its Yorkdale and CF Toronto Eaton Centre locations offer personal styling services , alterations and tailoring , valet
44 where . ca // essential toronto 2016-2017