With all the construction in Yorkville, I’m amazed people are still coming. But I think the nasty construction in the area is deterring some stores from opening here sooner. That, and, of course, the lack of space (which is an issue in other parts of downtown Toronto as well). But now that Nine West is closing and with Warhol only being a pop-up, why aren’t we hearing any new announcements? Of course, there’s also some empty spots along Yorkville Avenue, prime for renting. Are Cumberland Street and Yorkville Avenue really not as good as Bloor? Kate Spade seems to be enjoying its flagship spot on Cumberland!
A shot of Cumberland Street in Yorkville – which stores should open in this area (or other parts of downtown TO)?
In the past year or so, plenty of new stores have launched in Toronto, mostly opening at Yorkdale or the Toronto Eaton Centre (more likely the former, though), including Joe’s Jeans, Longchamp (both at Yorkdale) and Reiss (Eaton Centre). And while the Eaton Centre is fine for me, a downtown girl (or boy) is NOT going to want to make the trek to Yorkdale unless she (or he) really has to. Especially someone like me who prefers to walk – and longer distances in the summer.
So who would I like to see? Longchamp to open a second store down here (even though I have a love-hate with their Pliage bags. Compartments, people!! The flap is NOT enough) and TORY BURCH!! Dior is already rumoured to have signed a lease (but then again, it’s has been talked about for YEARS), Ferragamo and Diane von Furstenberg (department stores never have her entire collection). Trina Turk, Milly, St. Laurent and Christina Herrera. St. Laurent. Christian Louboutin, though I don’t think people talk about his shoes as much as they used to. As for more accessible brands, perhaps Madewell (it would do well at the old Jacob spot, I think) or Athleta (again, Jacob)? The Jacob spot is far enough away from Lole and Lululemon for Athleta to have a bit of an edge. A Theory boutique would be nice, too. Yeah, I know. Some aren’t even rumoured and are thus, wish list shops. But hey, a girl can dream, right? What I DO NOT want to see along the Bloor-Yorkville strip is another fast fashion spot. Sorry to sound NIMBY-ish and snobby, but it JUST. ISN’T. APPROPRIATE.
I would also like to see a more prominent boutique featuring Canadian designers. Wouldn’t it be great if you could go into one spot and find Rachel Sin, Miik, Greta Constantine and others? Especially one in a more “prime” location (i.e. TTC accessible) and not hidden or a pop-up? Near Ryerson would be great (yeah, I know it isn’t Yorkville, but Yorkville is expensive) – considering their fashion program. Judith & Charles, which has a spot at First Canadian Place (i.e. closed on weekends) will be opening at Yorkville Village (Hazelton Lanes), so it’s not really an issue anymore. I’m personally surprised they didn’t open in the area already, and instead, focused on the financial district.
