Toronto-based athleisure retailer relevé has expanded its footprint with a second location in Summerhill, establishing a new presence in one of the city’s upscale shopping districts just five weeks after opening in early February.
The boutique, which specializes in luxury women’s activewear and loungewear, has created a more intimate retail environment in its Summerhill space compared to its larger flagship location in Leaside, which opened in 2021 during the pandemic.
“I always wanted a second location,” said Gillian Medina, relevé’s founder. “It’s a neighbourhood that has a lot of really nice stores, but there’s nothing like us in that location. Nobody really sells athletic wear over there, so it felt like the perfect location.”
Medina, a Toronto mother of two with a background in dance, didn’t spend long searching for the expansion opportunity. “It was actually the first space that I saw and I just jumped on it because it felt like the perfect opportunity,” she noted, explaining that the timing aligned with the brand’s growing online presence across Canada and into the U.S. market.
The Summerhill location features the same refined aesthetic that has defined the relevé brand, designed again by Shirley Meisels of MHouse Inc. “People really do appreciate the aesthetic. When people walk in, they’re always complimenting how nice it is—bright and airy and welcoming,” Medina said.
Situated near the intersection of Yonge Street and Summerhill Avenue, the boutique benefits from its proximity to a popular bakery and several local fitness centers that have already begun referring clients. The store’s strategic position makes it visible to southbound traffic on Yonge Street despite being just off the main thoroughfare.
Looking ahead, Medina is exploring bringing in exclusive luxury brands to the Summerhill location that aren’t currently available anywhere else in Toronto. “We are looking into a few more luxury brands to carry at that location. I had a call earlier with a specific brand from London, UK,” she revealed, noting that differentiating inventory could help drive traffic to the new store.
The boutique carries sought-after international athleisure brands that are difficult to find elsewhere in the Canadian market, focusing on fashionable pieces designed to transition seamlessly from workout to everyday wear. This curated approach fills what Medina identified as a gap in Toronto’s retail landscape when she launched her first location.
While future product development remains a possibility, Medina indicated she would more likely focus on leisure wear rather than technical athletic apparel if the brand moves in that direction. For now, her priority remains on strengthening relevé’s two physical locations and continuing to grow its online presence.
The name “relevé,” a French ballet term, reflects Medina’s dance background and the brand’s philosophy of elevated everyday style that combines comfort with fashion-forward designs suitable for an active lifestyle.
Relevé Clothing was represented by Daniel Sade and Victoria Bozinovski of Titan York Realty. Carmen Siegel and Hannah Kinney of Cushman & Wakefield represented the landlord.
Dustin Fuhs is the Editor-in-Chief of 6ix Retail. He is the former Editor-in-Chief of Retail Insider, Canada’s most-read retail trade publication. He has over 20 years of experience in the retail, marketing, entertainment and hospitality industries, including with The Walt Disney Company, The Hockey Hall of Fame, Starbucks and Blockbuster.
Dustin was named as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024 and 2025.