Will Holt Renfrew Build a New Store on Bay Street?

Craig Patterson
Craig Patterson
Now located in Toronto, Craig is a retail analyst and consultant at the Retail Council of Canada. He's also the Director of Applied Research at the University of Alberta School of Retailing in Edmonton. He has studied the Canadian retail landscape for the past 25 years and he holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws Degrees. He is also President & CEO of Vancouver-based Retail Insider Media Ltd.

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Rendering: architectsAllianceRendering: architectsAlliance

Rendering: architectsAlliance

Submitted plans to rebuild Toronto’s Cumberland Terrace suggest that a 36,754 square foot, three level retail space will connect to the neighbouring Holt Renfrew flagship on Bloor Street. If Holt Renfrew has indeed secured this space, it could be best utilized for a separate men’s store or possibly for a new food concept. 

Oxford Properties recently submitted plans to the City of Toronto’s Planning Department for the new retail podium at Cumberland Terrace, which will be joined by an adjacent 54-storey residential tower. Holt Renfrew’s 185,000 square foot flagship at 50 Bloor Street West sits across the laneway (called Mayfair Mews) from the new Cumberland Terrace. 


Rendering showing the Bay Street frontage of the new Cumberland Terrace. A connection between the retail component and Holt Renfrew at 50 Bloor Street West is circled in red. Rendering: architectsAllianceRendering showing the Bay Street frontage of the new Cumberland Terrace. A connection between the retail component and Holt Renfrew at 50 Bloor Street West is circled in red. Rendering: architectsAlliance

Rendering showing the Bay Street frontage of the new Cumberland Terrace. A connection between the retail component and Holt Renfrew at 50 Bloor Street West is circled in red. Rendering: architectsAlliance

According to plans, the 36,754 square foot Cumberland Terrace retail space will include an 8,090 square foot lower level, an 11,894 square foot ground floor, and a 16,779 square foot second level. The lower level and the second level both appear to connect to Holt Renfrew via passages below and above Mayfair Mews. 


Plan: architectsAlliancePlan: architectsAlliance

Plan: architectsAlliance


Plans indicate a lower-level link between the new 37,000 square foot retail space and the existing Holt Renfrew flagship. Plan: architectsAlliance.Plans indicate a lower-level link between the new 37,000 square foot retail space and the existing Holt Renfrew flagship. Plan: architectsAlliance.

Plans indicate a lower-level link between the new 37,000 square foot retail space and the existing Holt Renfrew flagship. Plan: architectsAlliance.


Plans also indicate a second-level link between the new 37,000 square foot retail space and the existing Holt Renfrew flagship. Plan: architectsAlliance.Plans also indicate a second-level link between the new 37,000 square foot retail space and the existing Holt Renfrew flagship. Plan: architectsAlliance.

Plans also indicate a second-level link between the new 37,000 square foot retail space and the existing Holt Renfrew flagship. Plan: architectsAlliance.

If Holt Renfrew has indeed secured this new retail space, it could be best served for one of two purposes. A new 37,000 square foot Holt Renfrew men’s store could feature a Bay Street entrance, and multiple sources say that Holt Renfrew could be working with Eataly to bring its Italian food concept to Canada. The 37,000 square foot Cumberland Terrace space may be too small for Eataly, however, as its Chicago location measures 63,000 square feet and its New York City location measures in excess of 50,000 square feet


Plans are also in place for a new facade on Holt Renfrew's renovated and expanded 50 Bloor St. W. flagship. Rendering: Morguard/City of Toronto. Plans are also in place for a new facade on Holt Renfrew's renovated and expanded 50 Bloor St. W. flagship. Rendering: Morguard/City of Toronto. 

Plans are also in place for a new facade on Holt Renfrew’s renovated and expanded 50 Bloor St. W. flagship. Rendering: Morguard/City of Toronto. 

Holt Renfrew recently revealed plans to expand and renovate its Bloor Street flagship, including the addition of a new facade. This fall, Holt’s will also open a 14,000 square foot men’s store at 100 Bloor Street West, directly across the street from luxury menswear retailer Harry Rosen. Holt Renfrew is in the process of renovating and expanding its store base as it anticipates increased competition from Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, both opening multiple Canadian locations over the next several years. 



We’ll update you when we learn more on Cumberland Terrace’s new retail component, including whether or not Holt Renfrew has secured this retail space. 

[Link to City of Toronto Cumberland Terrace Application PDF]

Today’s Retail News From Around The Web: September 17, 2014

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