Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo opened its doors Thursday morning at Toronto’s Union Station, marking the brand’s first Canadian location within a major transportation hub. The new store at 55 Front Street West represents a strategic shift for the global retailer as it targets high-traffic transit environments to capture commuters and travellers.
Opening day drew significant crowds, with lineups extending around the corner throughout the morning rush period.
The location serves Union Station’s estimated 250,000 daily passengers and positions Uniqlo to tap into Canada’s busiest transit hub. The opening follows successful launches in Quebec, where the retailer recently opened stores at Place Ste-Foy in Quebec City and Galeries d’Anjou in Montreal.
Transit-Focused Retail Strategy
The Union Station store reflects Uniqlo’s global approach of establishing locations in major transportation centers, following models implemented across Asia and other international markets. The format targets grab-and-go customers seeking convenient shopping during commutes.
“It is an important development in the expansion of Uniqlo in Canada,” said Jeff Berkowitz, President of Aurora Realty Consultants, who negotiated the lease on behalf of Uniqlo. “We have been looking for a while at following the lead of our Asian countries and other locations where we are already in major transportation hubs with more of a grab and go customer that passes by in a high volume.”
Berkowitz said Union Station was identified as the ideal location to launch this retail format, though securing appropriate space required significant effort given the high demand for prime locations within the transit facility.
Operational Adaptations for Transit Environment
The Union Station location required operational modifications to accommodate customers with limited time while maintaining Uniqlo’s retail experience. The store features a curated product selection different from larger traditional retail locations.
“What was interesting for us to see is how a brand that is now used to be seen in a major retail environment translates into a transportation area where people don’t have a considerable amount of time,” Berkowitz explained. The focus centered on managing high-volume traffic and identifying products transit customers would purchase, which differs from the full product range available in stores three to five times larger.
Canadian Expansion Momentum
The Union Station opening continues Uniqlo’s accelerated Canadian growth following strong performance in Quebec markets. The retailer’s Quebec City debut at Place Ste-Foy exceeded expectations, as did the Montreal-area location in Anjou.
“Last Friday we had, with the opening of St. Foy, our first store in Quebec City. It was a spectacular launch, well beyond expectations,” Berkowitz said. “Our additional store in the Montreal area, in Anjou, also was well above expectations.”
Uniqlo now operates 34 stores across Canada and expects to reach 37 locations by year-end. The expansion includes new markets and increased density in existing markets throughout British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta.
Union Station Retail Development
The Uniqlo opening forms part of Union Station’s broader retail strategy to transform the transit hub into a shopping destination. Recent additions include Chinese variety retailer Miniso, restaurant concept HARVEST Clean Eats, and French bakery Nord Lyon.
“Welcoming Uniqlo to Union Station marks an exciting step in the station’s evolution,” said Marcelle Rademeyer, Founding Partner and CEO of Beauleigh. “It elevates the tenant mix with a global brand that resonates with so many, while enhancing the customer experience for the millions of travellers who move through Union every year. What’s happening here is more than just retail, it’s about transforming Union into a destination in its own right, and Uniqlo is a strong signal of what’s still to come.”
The tenant mix reflects a strategic partnership between Osmington Inc., which holds a 75-year lease with the City of Toronto, and Beauleigh Retail Consultants. This collaboration has positioned Union Station as both a transit facility and destination shopping corridor, attracting retailers seeking exposure to the station’s role as Toronto’s gateway for UP Express travellers and regional commuters.
Future Growth Plans
Uniqlo has confirmed additional openings scheduled through 2025, with commitments already in place for multiple locations in 2026. The expansion includes both new market entries and increased presence in existing markets.
“We have a few more openings that will be coming up to finish off this year. We are already committed to a number of locations for next year across the country,” Berkowitz said. “We have new markets that are going to be opening as well as existing markets that are going to be densified.”
The Union Station store carries Uniqlo’s complete LifeWear collection for men, women, and children, including signature products such as Ultra-Light Down jackets and HEATTECH items designed for Canadian weather conditions. Store hours align with Union Station’s transit schedule to serve early morning and late evening commuters.
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.