Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP) opened its first Canadian store yesterday at 49 Ossington Avenue, marking a significant addition to one of Time Out’s 2022 Coolest Streets in the World. The January 24th grand opening establishes the European workwear brand’s first standalone Canadian location, expanding beyond its existing distribution through premium retailers including Holt Renfrew, gravitypope, and Lost & Found.
The new Carhartt WIP space adds to the brand’s global network of over 80 retail locations. With roots in European fashion since 1989, the label is known for reimagining American workwear classics through ongoing collaborations with brands like A.P.C., Junya Watanabe, and Fragment Design.
Between Queen Street West and Dundas Street West, Ossington Avenue has attracted two other notable fashion retailers this winter. Toronto-based Uncle Studios opened its doors at 46 Ossington on December 6th, converting the space into a hybrid concept that pairs clothing retail with a coffee shop. Co-founders Allegra Shaw and Shirin Soltani designed the store as their first physical location since launching in 2019.
This space was previously ECCO and a pop-up for Left On Friday.
At 104 Ossington, Province of Canada unveiled its second Toronto store on December 14th. The Canadian lifestyle brand, founded by designers Julie and Jeremy, focuses on locally manufactured apparel and home goods. Their expansion west of downtown reinforces Ossington’s growing appeal to retailers prioritizing sustainable production and design.
The arrival of these three fashion retailers signals increased confidence in Ossington Avenue’s retail potential. Each brand has customized its storefront to create distinct shopping environments, contributing to the street’s ongoing transformation into a premium shopping destination.
We’ll be working on a photo report on the current state of Ossington in the near future, including additional details on upcoming projects.
Photos from January 25th, 2025 below
Dustin Fuhs is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of 6ix Retail, Toronto’s premier source for retail and hospitality industry news. As the former Editor-in-Chief of Retail Insider, Canada’s most-read retail trade publication, Dustin brings over two decades of expertise spanning retail, marketing, entertainment and hospitality sectors. His experience includes roles with industry giants such as The Walt Disney Company, The Hockey Hall of Fame, The Canadian Opera Company, Starbucks Canada and Blockbuster.
Recognized as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024, 2025 and 2026, Dustin delivers insider perspectives on Toronto’s evolving retail landscape, from emerging brands to established players reshaping the city’s commercial districts.