This is apparently the case, according to posts on Retail Insider and Style Democracy, and according to them, big names, including Ferragamo (set to open its first Toronto store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre very soon) may be on their way in.  But big names “right” for Hazelton Lanes?  Don’t they want a street front presence?

I’d prefer that major labels be on Bloor.  Ferragamo is probably better off on Bloor, along side Mulberry, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, with more entry level brands such as Theory and Nanette Lepore, as well as boutiques that feature Canadian designers at Hazelton Lanes.  The mall also needs a sit down restaurant.  At one point, it had one, including an outdoor seating area in what’s now “Oval Square.”  Until their last major revamp around 2001, Hazelton Lanes also had a skating rink in the winter.  It was actually fairly busy and home to (affordable) stores like Jacob, Roots and Club Monaco.  Higher end boutiques also called the mall home.  Some time in the late 90s, everyone moved out to Bloor Street and these days, the mall seems a bit quiet – other than Whole Foods, TNT, Andrew’s and the Yorkville Club/Equinox, many storefronts sit empty.  In fact, some have suddenly left (Brown’s Shoes and baby store, La Vie Orange to name two).  Perhaps the (possible) revamp is the reason.

Rendering: Looking down at Oval Square from the second floor

What are your thoughts on this makeover?  Any stores you’d like to see at Hazelton Lanes?  Do you think of Hazelton Lanes as a “shopping destination” or is it just a place to get groceries?

Second image via Kasian/First Capital