Attention, designer-loving mallrats. Major renovations to take place at Holt Renfrew Yorkdale.

Holt Renfrew is publicizing the renovation of its long-standing Yorkdale location. This news comes right after two big moves at the Bay: two days ago the Bay announced the opening of The Room Vancouver, and a week ago it announced renovations at 80 of its stores across Canada. A press release issued this morning announced the expansion of Holt Renfrew’s Yorkdale store for the Holiday 2012 season. The department store will be increasing its space by 40 per cent—which means even more Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang and Balenciaga, as well as some hot new labels (to be announced in the coming months).

The Yorkdale renovation comes at a crucial time. The Bay has become a tough rival for Holt Renfrew and it continues to tap into the luxury market. Adding to the mix: It’s rumoured that American high-end retailer Nordstrom has been searching for Canadian locations (mon Dieu!). J. Crew is also coming up from south of the border, with its first Canadian store opening this fall. What it all boils down to is an expanding post-recession Canadian luxury market, one in which retailers will have to compete for leadership. Yorkdale, meanwhile, means more foolproof designer shopping—coming soon!

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