On my bucket list is visiting Canada, starting with Montreal or Quebec (so two trips) to familiarize myself with retailers where Canadians like to shop for clothes. I'm open to both luxury and affordable markets. It's fun to explore shopping districts away from home, and you never know where you'll find inspiration or a steal.
Below is a roundup of where a few Canadian women say they buy their clothes. Some explained why they favor them. The recommendations are 100% theirs. Perhaps one day I'll step foot in the following --
25 Popular Canadian Apparel Shops:
Aritzia - Expensive but I have to say that they really hit the sweet spot of the modern trendy look. I would say Wilfred and Babaton are the house brands that make more sense for a 30-something - Talulah and TNA are more sporty, and casual, which reads younger. Also, check out the Sunday Best line.
Frank and Oak For basics - Women's clothes are online only but pretty well made. I avoid most of their poly stuff, but anything cotton, silk, merino, etc. is very nice and they have decent sales every other month or so.
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Simons - I mostly shop here for the access to other brands and their frequent sales. I'm not a huge fan of their house lines (Twik, Iconé, and Contemporaine). Pretty good loyalty program and easy shipping.
Gap - I buy here for the neverending sales on basics and the occasional really great deal. Also in the USA.
eBay - Especially doing searches and limiting it to Canada to avoid high shipping fees and duties. I like searching for pre-owned Aritzia brands, Theory, Eileen Fisher, Joie, Isabel Marant, Dusen Dusen, Nic and Zoe, and vintage.
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| Silver and Gold |
Street and Saddle - Quality and fitted garments.
Seek Shelter - Clothes made to improve with wear.
Jeska Grue - Silk and linen fabrics.
Beaton Linen - Linen dresses, jumpers, and fabrics too.
Nordstrom Rack - Also in the USA.
Winners - In the USA known as T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods.
Marshalls - Also in the USA. The sister company of T.J. Maxx or T.K. Maxx in UK countries. Canadians named it separately. Don't count the retailers and tell me there are 26 because I didn't count Marshalls twice. It's counted under the Winners corporation. :)
Holt Renfrew - Known for its exclusive designer collaborations and high-end fashion brands.
RW & Co - Classical Canadian clothing.
Reitmans - Good for work clothes.
Ricki's - Trendy and casual clothes
Cleo - Linen pants, blazers, and dresses.
Uniqlo - Also in the USA. Good quality basics and layering pieces that look expensive.
Dynamite - A mix of dresses, tops, and jeans.
Laura's - Slightly pricy, but for clothes that will last for years. Classic Canadian clothing.
Mark's - Great bargains.
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| Hudson Bay |
Blondie Boutique - Online shopping only except in Calgary, Canada.
Wow, most of these merchants have no stores in the US, so are new to me. How about you?
Click the links of the Canadian retailers to check them out!🇨🇦
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Here's a comment from a Canadian left under this post on Facebook that I'm sharing but without the name as the person may not appreciate my posting their name. I was happy to get their positive reaction and they left another retailer:
ReplyDelete"Fab review! So cool too! My son’s ex worked for Aldo, the one brand store you didn’t review! Lol! Out of Montreal in the advertising-photography dept. Then his other gal (ex too!) worked at Aritzia in the marketing office in Vancouver! And yo top it all off, in my very young days I worked for a company called Dylex, a parent company for Many outlets including Reitmans! In the ticketing head office! Just a little info that I thought you’d get a kick out of! Thanks for the reviews too! These days my wardrobe mainly comes from sassy thrift stores though!"
The Canadians quoted in my blog also listed thrift stores as places they bought clothes.
As I recall, Lululemon is based out of Vancouver BC. I am not sure that qualifies for mention in the article, so I am just throwing it out. On my trips through there, I've been in Hudsons Bay- large store it may be their flagship. Sort of old style kind of like Saks / Bloomies or others before they went crazy with designer-chic remodels (....don't get me started...)
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to spend time in shopping districts out of town, Barry.
DeleteDon't get me started either. Macy's is changing and I'm terrified it will go the way of Saks and Bloomingdales. I'd miss the charm and genuine bargains for quality stuff.