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The evolution of Canada's retail scene: 15 global brands that landed in 2024
Economic uncertainty and an increasingly unpredictable market resulted in fewer international brands entering the Canadian retail landscape in 2024 // By Craig Patterson
The Canadian retail landscape experienced a noticeable shift in 2024, with fewer international brands entering the market compared to previous years. Over the past decade, Canada has welcomed an influx of global retailers catering to an increasingly affluent and diverse consumer base. However, last year signaled a change, as economic uncertainties and shifting market dynamics prompted retailers to take a more cautious approach toward expansion plans and future growth.
Despite this slowdown, several prominent international brands made their Canadian debut, strategically positioning themselves in key cities and retail hubs. Below, we take a closer look at the 15 brands that made their mark on the Canadian retail scene in 2024.
Rodd & Gunn: A Sophisticated Yorkville Debut
New Zealand’s premium menswear label Rodd & Gunn made a stylish entrance into Canada with
its first standalone boutique at 21 Hazelton Avenue in Toronto’s Yorkville. Launched in March 2024, the store embodies the brand’s commitment to timeless craftsmanship and impeccable quality, joining a neighbourhood already rich with global luxury brands.
The boutique offers an immersive shopping experience for customers, showcasing Rodd & Gunn’s full collection of apparel, footwear, and accessories. Jordan Karp of Savills Canada brokered the deal and represents Rodd & Gunn as it eyes further expansion in the Canadian market. The property, located at 19-21 Hazelton Avenue, is owned by Hanard Investments and managed by Greenwin.
Windsor: Bringing Affordable Glamour to Canada
The U.S.-based fashion retailer Windsor expanded north in April 2024, opening its first Canadian store at CF Lime Ridge in Hamilton. Known for its affordable yet stylish apparel, particularly for formal and special occasions, Windsor quickly ramped up its expansion plans, launching five stores across Southern Ontario within the year.
Additional locations opened at Oshawa Centre, Hillcrest Mall (Richmond Hill), Upper Canada Mall (Newmarket), and Dufferin Mall (Toronto).
According to Carm Sivers, VP/Managing Director, Canada, Windsor has ambitious growth plans. “We see the potential for 60-80 stores in Canada, but we want to ensure we meet consumer demand without oversaturating the market.”
Loewe: Luxury Expands at Yorkdale
Spanish luxury house Loewe made its long-awaited entry into Canada with a stunning boutique at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre in April 2024. The strikingly designed space mirrors Loewe’s commitment to artistry and craftsmanship, offering its full range of leather goods, ready-to-wear collections, and accessories.
Retail Insider has learned that Loewe is already planning a second Canadian store at Vancouver’s Oakridge Park in 2025 as well as on Bloor Street in Toronto, further cementing its foothold in the luxury retail market.
Soch: Indian Fashion Finds a New Home
Indian fashion brand Soch made a bold international debut, launching its first-ever overseas store in Brampton in June 2024. Specializing in vibrant ethnic and fusion wear, Soch’s arrival caters to Canada’s large South Asian community, with plans already in motion for further expansion.
CEO Vinay Chatlani shared with Retail Insider, “We’re eyeing Vancouver and Montreal next, with hopes to open three Canadian stores in the next two years.”
SleePare: A New Take on Mattress Shopping
U.S.-based online mattress retailer SleePare introduced a fresh concept to the Canadian market in August 2024, opening a “try-and-buy” showroom in Toronto. The innovative space allows customers to test out leading online mattress brands before making a purchase, bridging the gap between e-commerce convenience and in-person shopping.
CEO Shanir Kol remains optimistic about further expansion: “We’ll assess our success by year-end, but we’re already seeing strong interest from other Canadian cities.”
Yeti: Outdoor Lifestyle Arrives in Calgary
Premium outdoor gear brand Yeti selected Calgary’s CF Chinook Centre for its first-ever international store which opened in August 2024. The Texas-based retailer’s choice of location was the result of its alignment with Calgary’s active outdoor culture and its proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
Real estate expert Sari Samarah of Value Insight Realty facilitated the transaction and hinted at the potential of further expansion for the brand in key Canadian markets.
Wellensteyn: Performance Outerwear Debuts in Niagara
German outerwear label Wellensteyn entered Canada with an outlet store at Niagara’s Outlet Collection in August 2024. Known for its stylish yet functional outerwear, Wellensteyn’s decision to debut in an outlet setting reflects its strategic approach to building brand recognition among value-conscious shoppers.
Broker Tony Flanz of Think Retail is leading the brand’s Canadian expansion, which includes plans to open two to three more stores in 2025, beginning with additional Ontario outlets before eventually targeting British Columbia and Alberta locations.
Selective Growth: International Retailers Entering Canada in 2024
The Canadian retail landscape in 2024 witnessed a measured yet impactful wave of international expansions, with 15 global brands making their debut in the country.
While this figure is lower than in past years, the nature of these entries suggests a highly strategic approach, with brands prioritizing prime urban locations and affluent consumer bases.
Toronto remained the dominant market for international retail growth, with eight of the 15 new entrants establishing a presence in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Notably, two of these brands selected Hazelton Avenue in Yorkville, reinforcing the neighbourhood’s ongoing transformation into a luxury retail destination.
Yorkdale Shopping Centre welcomed two new international brands, further solidifying its reputation as Canada’s premier luxury shopping centre and key entry point for high-end global retailers.
Beyond Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal each saw two new international retailers open, while Calgary, Hamilton, and Niagara-on-the-Lake each attracted one. This geographic breakdown underscores the continued concentration of retail investment in major urban centres, particularly those with affluent, cosmopolitan demographics.
Luxury brands accounted for a significant portion of the new market entrants, with four high-end retailers, including multi-brand watch retailer TimeVallée, setting up shop. Additionally, Founder Brands played a notable role in shaping the retail landscape, introducing two new international franchises to the Canadian market— further highlighting the company’s influence in bringing globally recognized names to local consumers.
Although the number of international entrants setting up shop in the country in 2024 was lower than in previous years, the focus on high-profile luxury brands and strategic locations signals a shift in market dynamics. Global economic uncertainties appear to have prompted a more selective and calculated expansion strategy, with retailers opting for destinations that offer the greatest potential for long-term success. This trend suggests that while overall numbers may fluctuate, Canada remains a key target for international retailers looking to capture the attention of a discerning and increasingly global-minded consumer base.
