Rumour mill: Is Uniqlo opening in Toronto?

Toronto is a hotbed for international retailers. That, and international retailer rumours. From the real (Nordstrom) to the still TBD (Bloomingdales), there always seems to be something to talk about. While we don’t like to pander to gossip and industry rumblings (or maybe we do), this latest rumour is too good to ignore. Japanese retailer Uniqlo is apparently in serious talks with Canadian retailers in an attempt to bring their famous $79 cashmere sweaters to our very own Yorkdale Shopping Centre. We don’t wanna jinx it, but we’re seriously giddy.

For those unfamiliar, the Japanese-based megabrand has become an international success hawking fashionable, yet not necessarily trendy, goods for men, women and kids. Their trademark is classic styles, in a variety of colours at an affordable price — the kind of wardrobe staples we have all come to rely on. Sound familiar? The Financial Post noted that the line might face some fierce competition from the much-loved Canadian brand Joe Fresh, or other wallet and wardrobe friendly brands like GAP and H&M. With occasional collaborations with famed style makers such as Ines de la Fressange and Jil Sander, and the upcoming Pharrell collection, the company has a knack for producing highly covetable and timeless pieces that will still be fashionable in five years time. Can the same be said for that impulse buy of that Peter Pilotto x Target vertigo inducing body-con dress? Not likely.

As most other international companies have done, Yorkdale would be prime real estate for Uniqlo’s debut, due to it’s proximity to the downtown core but also the ever-wealthier GTA. Reports are suggesting either a store within the proposed Nordstrom space or an adjacent storefront in the mall. To be continued.

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