The best of the British highstreet will soon be available in Canada. Arcadia-owned Topshop is reported to be branching out in North America after its successful New York debut in a franchising deal with local retail group Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC).
The Bay, as it affectionately called, is also Canada's leading department store group.
It is understood that HBC, which also operates discount store chain Zellers, is planning to open the first three Topshop stores in Vancouver and Montreal, with an outlook of 30 to 50 outlets in the next five years.It is seeking standalone units but it is also planning to open Topshop-branded shop-in-shops in its The Bay chain.
The first outlet is expected to open in The Bay Toronto this autumn and sources have suggested that the stores could be up to 15,000 square feet and will include menswear, under the Topman brand, and accessories. There are six Bay department stores at various locations across Vancouver.
HBC, which is expected to confirm the deal later today (March 9), is reported to have bought in David Kutas, a former Gucci vice-president – general merchandise manager, to head the Topshop franchise. It is thought the deal will see HBC buy product from Topshop and pay a royalty based on purchases.
HBC also operates 279 Zellers stores and also operates homewares brand Home Outfitters and value chain Fields.
Image: Topshop SS11
