Yorkdale Shopping Centre continues its evolution as Toronto’s premier luxury retail destination, with major tenant transitions, new openings, and ongoing construction reshaping the mall’s landscape.
Our comprehensive photo tour captures the current state of Oxford Properties’ flagship shopping centre, as of August 15th, 2025, documenting everything from Simons’ highly anticipated build-out in the former Nordstrom space to smaller tenant movements throughout the property.
While individual developments merit detailed coverage, this visual report provides a snapshot of Yorkdale’s retail transformation as the mall adapts to changing consumer preferences and welcomes both established international brands and emerging retail concepts to its 1.8 million square feet of retail space.
Simons Flagship in Full Operation
Simons’ 118,000-square-foot Yorkdale flagship is operating at full capacity following its August 15th grand opening, with the Quebec retailer now showcasing its multi-brand approach across the former Nordstrom space. The store spans two levels with clearly defined departments for Twik, Le 31, and contemporary collections, while featuring Toronto-specific merchandise including Queen Street bridge graphics on sweatshirts. The ground floor features a prominent “Canadian Fashion Destination Since 1840” installation, with fitting rooms branded as social spaces throughout the store.
The Yorkdale location marks Simons’ most significant retail investment in Toronto as part of a $75 million expansion into the Ontario market. Designed by Lemay-Michaud Architecture with Gensler handling interiors, the store takes advantage of the space’s south-facing glass facade and soaring ceilings that Nordstrom vacated in 2023. The opening precedes Simons’ second Toronto location at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, set to open later in 2025, adding to the retailer’s existing Square One presence as they establish a major footprint in the GTA market.
Read about the opening in this separate article
Lisa Gozlan Opens at Yorkdale
Lisa Gozlan has opened its new boutique at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, bringing the contemporary fashion retailer to Toronto’s luxury mall. The store features a clean, modern design with prominent storefront signage positioned in the upper level’s retail corridor, joining the mall’s curated selection of fashion brands. The boutique showcases Lisa Gozlan’s collections in a sleek retail environment that aligns with Yorkdale’s premium positioning.
The addition of Lisa Gozlan represents Yorkdale’s continued ability to attract contemporary fashion retailers as the mall evolves its tenant mix. The brand’s arrival adds to the diverse fashion offerings throughout the shopping centre, complementing both established luxury brands and emerging contemporary retailers. The location positions Lisa Gozlan within Yorkdale’s fashion-focused corridor, providing the brand with access to the mall’s affluent customer base and high foot traffic patterns.
Michael Kors Under Construction
What’s going on: Michael Kors is building out a new 2,160-square-foot location across from Aritzia, taking over the former Marciano space. The brand is relocating from their much larger 5,776-square-foot store, located beside David Yurman and Kate Spade in the Luxury Loop.
Why is this significant? This represents a significant downsizing for Michael Kors at Yorkdale, moving to roughly one-third of their previous square footage. The move away from the prime Luxury Loop location suggests either changing brand strategy or the need to optimize their footprint at the mall. It also frees up a substantial space in Yorkdale’s most coveted luxury corridor for a potentially high-profile tenant.
H&M Renovation
What’s going on: H&M is undergoing a major renovation at Yorkdale, with construction hoarding currently blocking access to the store. The Swedish fast-fashion retailer’s storefront is completely covered while work proceeds behind the barriers.
Why is this significant? This renovation likely represents H&M’s effort to modernize their Yorkdale presence and potentially expand or reconfigure their layout within the mall. Given Oxford Properties’ requirement that tenants renovate during lease renewals, this suggests H&M is committed to maintaining their position at Yorkdale despite increasing competition from luxury and premium brands throughout the shopping centre.
Old Navy Permanently Closed
What’s going on: Old Navy has permanently closed its Yorkdale location, with the storefront now completely empty and covered by generic Yorkdale construction hoarding. The Canadian division of the Gap Inc. brand has vacated the space entirely.
Why is this significant? Old Navy’s closure reflects broader challenges for the brand’s Canadian operations, following their recent closure at CF Toronto Eaton Centre where Winners took over the space. This represents another strategic decision by Gap Inc. in the Canadian market and removes a major fast-fashion option from Yorkdale’s retail mix. The substantial square footage now available could accommodate a larger format retailer, brand expansion, or be subdivided for multiple tenants, continuing Yorkdale’s evolution away from traditional mall anchors toward more specialized retail concepts.
Oliver Peoples and Creed Coming to Former Sunglass Hut
What’s going on: Oliver Peoples luxury eyewear is opening in late summer 2025, taking over the former Sunglass Hut location with large-format construction signage already in place. The space will also house Creed, the luxury fragrance house. Sunglass Hut relocated to a new location beside Lisa Gozlan, in the former Craig’s Cookies.
Why is this significant? This upgrades the prominent corner location from Sunglass Hut to two high-end specialty brands – luxury eyewear and fragrance. The change continues Yorkdale’s trend of positioning ultra-premium retailers in high-traffic corner spaces, while Sunglass Hut maintains their presence in the mall from a different location.
Massimo Dutti Relocating to Larger Space
What’s going on: Massimo Dutti is relocating from their current space to a new location, beside ECCO and across from Club Monaco.
Why is this significant? This represents an size expansion for Massimo Dutti at Yorkdale, moving from 6,144 square feet to 7,170 square feet, but could also be seen as a reduction in visibility. The Spanish fashion brand has closed locations in recent years at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and the PATH (the latter now serving as a Harry Rosen pop-up during their First Canadian Place renovation), making their Yorkdale presence more prominent in the Toronto market.
Michael Hill Renovating
What’s going on: Michael Hill Fine Jewellers is undergoing a major renovation at Yorkdale, with construction hoarding displaying “The New Era Coming This Fall.” The Australian jewelry retailer has temporarily relocated to a space opposite Michel’s Bakery Café during the renovation period.
Why is this significant? This renovation represents Michael Hill’s commitment to upgrading their Yorkdale presence, likely bringing their store design in line with its global image and brand standards. The temporary relocation allows Michael Hill to maintain their presence at Yorkdale while completing what appears to be a comprehensive store refresh for the fall reopening.
Hudson’s Bay Permanently Closed
What’s going on: Hudson’s Bay at Yorkdale permanently closed on June 1, 2025, along with all other Hudson’s Bay locations across Canada. The department store chain filed for creditor protection in March 2025 and initially spared six higher-performing stores including Yorkdale, but by April all locations entered liquidation. The store now sits empty with its iconic entrance shuttered, but branding still installed as a reminder to the shopping centre’s visitors about a time gone by.
Why is this significant? This ends Hudson’s Bay’s presence at Yorkdale after operating there since the mall’s early expansion, removing one of Canada’s last traditional department store anchors. The closure creates a massive vacant space in the mall that Oxford Properties will need to fill, with uncertainty around whether it will be subdivided for multiple tenants, leased to a single large retailer, or repurposed entirely. Unlike some other former Hudson’s Bay locations that have attracted confirmed tenants, Yorkdale’s space remains without a confirmed replacement tenant, representing a major opportunity for the mall’s tenant mix planning.
VinFast Closed – Space Available for New Brands
What’s going on: VinFast has closed its Yorkdale location, with the space now covered by large-scale signage advertising “Exclusive New Brands Arriving 2025.” The Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer’s showroom has been vacated and the area is being marketed for future tenants.
Why is this significant? VinFast closed five of its 10 Canadian stores in May 2025, including prominent mall-based showrooms at Yorkdale, Vancouver’s Park Royal, and Laval’s CF Carrefour Laval, as part of a strategic downsizing due to reported poor sales performance and cuts to government EV incentive programs.
Chanel Under Construction
What’s going on: Chanel has construction hoarding up around their Holt Renfrew concession space, with temporary signage directing customers to other luxury brands including Gucci, Fendi, Dior, and Prada that remain “open ahead.” The luxury fashion house is expanding their presence within Holt Renfrew.
Why is this significant? The expansion represents another luxury brand investment at Yorkdale, with Chanel upgrading their concession space within Holt Renfrew.
Former Ted Baker Space Available
What’s going on: The former Ted Baker location remains available with “The Centre of Style Yorkdale” branding covering the storefront while Oxford Properties seeks a new tenant. The space featured elegant botanical-themed construction hoarding and sits in the luxury corridor near Ralph Lauren. Yes, the monkeys on the doors are still visible.
Why is this significant? Ted Baker Canada closed all 9 Canadian stores in May 2024 following bankruptcy proceedings, along with all 31 U.S. locations. This represents prime retail space in Yorkdale’s fashion-focused area that remains on the market.
Stone Island Opening Autumn/Winter 2025
What’s going on: Stone Island is opening a 3,618-square-foot store beside Apple, with construction hoarding featuring their signature campaign imagery and “Opening Autumn/Winter 025” messaging. This will be Stone Island’s second Canadian store and first Yorkdale location, taking over the former John Varvatos space.
Why is this significant? Stone Island’s arrival brings their cult following and luxury streetwear positioning to Yorkdale for the first time. The substantial footprint beside Apple in a prominent location demonstrates the brand’s confidence in the Yorkdale market, adding to the mall’s growing collection of premium contemporary and streetwear brands alongside traditional luxury offerings.
Campaniae Restaurant Opens
What’s going on: Campaniae, a French-Moroccan champagne lounge and restaurant by the Delysées team, has opened at Yorkdale across from RH and Cafe Landwer. The upscale establishment features dramatic curtained windows, custom crystal chandeliers, and a 24-karat gold leaf wall with 1,200 individually applied leaves.
Why is this significant? Campaniae represents a major dining addition to Yorkdale, bringing the first French-Moroccan concept to the mall from the respected Delysées pastry brand. The restaurant features an exclusive LVMH champagne partnership and focuses on shareable plates inspired by co-owner Fred Naggar’s Casablanca family recipes. This adds to Yorkdale’s strategy of attracting unique, high-end dining experiences that encourage longer visits and appeal to the mall’s luxury-focused customer base, positioning alongside other premium dining options in the RH wing.
Former Wolford Space Awaits New Tenant
What’s going on: Construction hoarding covers the former Wolford location between Sephora and lululemon, featuring Yorkdale’s “The Centre of Style” branding”.
Why is this significant? This space previously housed Austrian luxury lingerie brand Wolford before the company closed both this location and its Yorkville boutique.
Gentle Monster and AMI Alexandre Mattiussi Coming Soon
What’s going on: Large-scale advertising displays for Gentle Monster and AMI Alexandre Mattiussi cover construction areas in the main corridor, with both brands appearing to prepare for upcoming store openings at Yorkdale.
Why is this significant? This section has gone through a massive change over the years, with the highlight being the former Disney Store. The area shifted from pop-ups from Peter Triantos Art Gallery and Kandy Gallery, anchored by Sephora and Nespresso into an area with Acne Studios, OVO, and soon-to-open Gentle Monster and AMI. Nespresso relocated to a new location across from UNIQLO.
Luxury Corridor Expansion Continues
What’s going on: The centre corridor of Yorkdale shows multiple luxury brand developments, with coming soon signage visible for several high-end retailers. Recent openings in this area include Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, Qeelin, Loewe, Jimmy Choo, and Versace, while upcoming additions include Moncler, Dior, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Rimowa, Tom Ford, and Maison Margiela based on construction hoarding and signage visible throughout the corridor.
Why is this significant? The concentration of luxury brands represents a major transformation of Yorkdale’s center corridor into a destination luxury shopping district. The combination of recent openings and planned additions indicates Oxford Properties has successfully attracted a critical mass of ultra-premium retailers to create a luxury retail corridor that positions Yorkdale as a key destination for high-end fashion and accessories in the Canadian market.
Thanks for joining our August 2025 photo tour through Yorkdale Shopping Centre!
We documented the mall’s ongoing luxury transformation, from Simons’ successful flagship opening to the wave of ultra-premium brands reshaping the centre corridor, alongside significant tenant transitions throughout the property. Looking forward to sharing more insights on retail leasing and mall evolution as we continue tracking Toronto’s premier shopping destinations and the brands that define them.
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 leadership roles with industry giants such as The Walt Disney Company, The Hockey Hall of Fame, Starbucks and Blockbuster.
Recognized as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024 and 2025, Dustin delivers insider perspectives on Toronto’s evolving retail landscape, from emerging brands to established players reshaping the city’s commercial districts.