After announcing a short list of new stores, many of them first-to-market, on Tuesday, Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre celebrated with media at a cocktail party at Dine on 3 Wednesday where media had the chance to meet with some representatives from stores that will be opening their doors at the mall later this year or will be expanding or moving.  New stores at Yorkdale will include gourmet food and olive oil boutique, TA-ZE (which currently has a location at Sherway Gardens), Kate Spade, Ann Taylor and sister store, LOFT, as well as UK-based Ted Baker, perhaps one of the most anticipated.  They, along with many others, will be opening at Yorkdale in November.

A Ted Baker London store in the UK.  Ted Baker is one of many stores opening at Yorkdale later this year

The event was held outside, on the patio, with delicious food ranging from sliders to seared salmon and salad and mini desserts, was held on the Dine on 3 patio – something that could not be done when the venue held its preview party earlier in the month.  The event also served as a good networking opportunity for the first-to-market stores as they were able to meet with attendees, most of which were from media, giving both parties an opportunity to learn more about each other.

Delicious seared salmon, one of the many yummy items served at the cocktail party

While only a handful of stores were announced this week, more will be listed in the coming months.  In total, Yorkdale is going to see 30 new stores open, as well as several expansions (including Holt Renfrew, Club Monaco and Apple) and moves.

Ted Baker London image: Padmayogini / Shutterstock.com