New addresses in Toronto | The future of department stores, Simons believes in it

While Simons moved to downtown Toronto, a first for the Quebec retailer, the big boss, Bernard Leblanc, still believes in the relevance of department stores, just a few months after the final closure of the bay.

The future of department stores, the president and chief executive officer of Simons believes in it. “Online ease, discovery in store,” said Bernard Leblanc during an interview with The press In videoconference while he was in Toronto for the opening this Thursday of a site of 118,000 square feet at the Yorkdale Shopping Center. A second will open 14 kilometers away in the fall, at the CF Toronto Eaton Center. Project cost: nearly $ 100 million.

“Yes, these are department stores, they are beautiful stores,” added Mr. Leblanc proudly. However, following the closure on 1^is June of the 80 stores La Baie across the country, including 13 in Quebec, the department store model was questioned.

“It is certain that the release of a major competitor turns the industry upside down,” admits the main interested party. You still have to be very aware that it tells us that history and duration are not necessarily guaranteeing future success. »»

However, he wanted to differentiate his stores from those in the bay, which offered both evening dresses, perfumes and pots. He also recalls that two thirds of his turnover come from sales made on site. “I would not qualify us as a department store, as department store properly said. We have a uniqueness that is for us. Almost 70 % of our assortment, these are our private brands. These are products that we develop with our design team in Quebec. We have an offer that is not replicated elsewhere. »»

If he has not answered the question directly when The press Asked if he had observed a migration of the faithful of the bay to his stores, Mr. Leblanc said he was ready to welcome them. “They are a bit orphaned from their favorite store. We will be present. We will try to impress them and make them become loyal customers over the years. »»

And all these vacant premises could represent an interest in Simons? ” Exact. We feel that there is still a densification opportunity. We remain oriented on Canada for the moment. »»

Pan -Canadian retailer

In addition, the arrival of Simons in downtown Toronto somehow reinforces his image as a “pan-Canadian” retailer.

“Toronto is the most dynamic and larger market in Canada. We see it as a new chapter in our history. It establishes us as a pan -Canadian player. Many people pass through Toronto at one point in their year. To see us here in Yorkdale, the best shopping center in terms of performance across Canada, it comes to establish us as a strong brand. »»

After the queen city, it was impossible to know exactly where Simons intended to settle down, but Vancouver would be in the line of sight.