Top High-End Department Stores in Toronto

August 16, 2018 | Lifestyle

From complimentary beauty services, personal stylists to fine dining experiences, nothing says luxury like a High-End Department Store. It’s almost like going to a clothing museum.

From stand-alone stores, to retail havens within malls, here are the top high-end department stores in Toronto:

Saks Fifth Ave

Anyone who’s ever been to New York City is familiar with the iconic Saks Fifth Ave located, of course, on Fifth Avenue. However, the world-renowned department store is fairly new Toronto. The Canadian flagship store at 176 Yonge Street opened in February 2016 and a second location in Sherway Gardens opened Spring 2016.

With the flagship location, you get a department store package deal because it’s inside of the Hudson’s Bay Company. It stands out due to its rain-inspired light shows every hour and glass bubble chandeliers. Saks Fifth Ave is additionally home to Leña Restaurante, a restaurant serving South American cuisine. Feast on veal milanesa with duck egg, white anchovies, and yucca fries in between browsing for dresses or a new perfume. There is also the Saks Food Hall by Pusateri’s if you want to bring home some goodies. A grocery store inside a department store? Count us in.

Holt Renfrew

For a high-end department store with a rich history, look no further than Holt Renfrew. It has been a Canadian staple since 1837. It was originally a fur shop that outfitted high-profile clients like Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. It has been an iconic Canadian fashion retailer on the global stage for nearly two centuries.

In 1947, Christian Dior exclusively sold his haute couture in Canada at Holt Renfrew. The current flagship store on 50 Bloor Street West opened in 1975. There is additionally a location in Yorkdale mall and a menswear department store down the street from the flagship at 100 Bloor Street West called Holt Renfrew Men.

Holt Renfrew is perfect for shoppers looking for a really glamorous experience. There is an in-house Holts salon where you can get facials, massages & other body treatments in between trying on Jimmy Choos. If you find a to-die-for dress that doesn’t fit quite right, there is an in-house tailor who can do on-the-spot alterations. Furthermore, if you want to personalize a new jacket or bag, there is a monogramming service on-site!

After you’ve enjoyed the many amenities at Holt Renfrew, be sure to grab a croissant cheesecake or sip on a “The Renfrew” cocktail at Holts Café.

Hudson’s Bay Company

When you think “Toronto department store” it’s likely that the colours green, red, yellow and navy come to mind. These are the colours that adorn the classic Hudson’s Bay Company blanket. The Bay, as it’s colloquially known, similar to Holt Renfrew, started out as fur trading business in 1670. It is the most true-to-form department store on this list. It has a wide range of products that stretch beyond beauty and fashion. The Bay additionally has an assortment of furniture, appliances, kitchen essentials and more.

There are several locations across the Greater Toronto Area but most notably at 176 Yonge Street. During the holiday season in December, the Christmas display windows are not to be missed but we bet you’ll love the wide selection of items inside all year round.