Quebec’s Simons department store has plans for two GTA locations

Upper-middle-end department store La Maison Simons is eyeing the spaces at Yorkdale Mall and Square One Shopping Centre that Sears will vacate in March. CEO Peter Simon says he is “actively in discussion” with Oxford Properties Group to secure the stores for the family-run chain, known for its mix of inexpensive in-house brands and designer labels. Simons impressed Albertan shoppers with its first non-Quebec outpost in West Edmonton Mall last fall, and is launching a store in Ottawa’s Rideau Centre in 2015. However, its Canada-wide expansion plans have been slowed by competition from American entrant Nordstrom for retail space. The decision on who wins the leases at Yorkdale and Square One will be announced in a few months. [Toronto Star]