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2025 set to be landmark year for international luxury retailers in Canada
A wave of international luxury entrants are expected to establish their presence in Canada throughout 2025, layering an already impressive Canadian luxury market // By Craig Patterson
Canada’s luxury retail sector is poised for a strong year in 2025, with a wave of high-profile international brands making their debut. Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, particularly in light of recent trade tensions with the United States, several luxury retailers have confirmed plans to establish a foothold in major Canadian cities, reinforcing the country’s appeal as a premium shopping destination.
Vancouver: A Major Hub for Luxury Expansion
Vancouver is set to become a focal point for luxury retail, with several prestigious brands entering the market for the first time. The highly anticipated Oakridge Park development will be home to the first Canadian stores of luxury retailers Chaumet, Jacob & Co., Maison Margiela, and Miu Miu. The upscale mixed-use development, which is scheduled to open in summer 2025, aims to establish a second major luxury hub in the city, complementing the already well-established Alberni Street ‘Luxury Zone’ downtown. Meanwhile, CF Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver will welcome the first Marella and Max & Co. stores in Canada. Both Italian fashion brands, part of the Vestis Fashion Group, are set to open in March 2025, further solidifying Vancouver’s growing status as a North American fashion capital.
Toronto: Strengthening Its Position as a Luxury Retail Powerhouse
Toronto’s retail scene is also set to expand with notable luxury openings. Chrome Hearts, the upscale lifestyle brand known for its edgy aesthetic, has confirmed its plans to launch its first Canadian boutique in the city in 2025. Additionally, the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, already one of Canada’s premier luxury shopping destinations, is enhancing its offerings with a 65,000-square-foot expansion dedicated to high-end retail. This new wing will house a Maison Margiela store along with flagship locations for Dior, Saint Laurent, and others.
Adding to the roster of international retail openings, New Zealand-based Fisher & Paykel launched its first Canadian showroom in Toronto in January 2025. The premium appliance brand, known for its innovative kitchen and laundry solutions, has chosen the city as its entry point into the Canadian market. The showroom offers a hands-on experience, allowing consumers and industry professionals to explore its high-end product line in an immersive environment. This move reflects the increasing demand for luxury home appliances in Canada and aligns with the trend of high-end kitchen brands establishing standalone retail spaces.
Montreal: Attracting New International Players
Montreal is also on the radar for international brands looking to expand. French lifestyle retailer La Maison Générale will open its first Canadian store in the city, bringing its signature blend of fashion, home decor, and accessories to the Quebec market. This expansion highlights Montreal’s ongoing appeal as a European-inspired shopping destination with a unique, culture-driven retail landscape.
Trade Tensions and Economic Uncertainty: What It Means for Retail
These exciting developments in Canadian luxury retail come amid economic headwinds caused by escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States. In March of 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, along with an additional 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports. In response, the Canadian government has implemented its own set of retaliatory tariffs on American goods, raising concerns about potential price hikes and supply chain disruptions. Retail analysts warn that these tariffs could lead to increased operational costs for businesses and ultimately higher retail prices for consumers.
The Retail Council of Canada has cautioned that grocery bills may rise, and some retail categories could experience stock shortages as companies navigate new import duties. While the full impact of the trade dispute remains to be seen, luxury retailers with long-term investment strategies may not be deterred, given the resilience and purchasing power of Canada’s affluent consumer base.
Looking Ahead: A Defining Year for Canadian Luxury Retail
Despite economic uncertainties, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for luxury retail in Canada. With at least nine international brands already confirmed to open new stores, Canada’s top shopping destinations continue to attract global retailers seeking a strong foothold in North America. While the trade war could impact consumer confidence, the commitment of these high-end brands suggests a long-term belief in Canada’s retail market stability.
Retail Insider the magazine will return in January 2026 with a full report on international luxury retail expansion in Canada, providing insights into which brands successfully entered the market and how they navigated the year’s challenges.