As it expands the banner in Canada, Hudson’s Bay Co. will open its first Quebec Saks Fifth Avenue location in Montreal, with plans calling for a fall 2018 debut.
The flagship store will operate within the historic Hudson’s Bay on Boulevard de Maisonneuve. The approximately 200,000 square-foot, multi-level Saks will be the banner’s largest store in Canada. As is the case with the Saks operating at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, the planned store will co-locate with Hudson’s Bay in the same building.
The new Saks store will feature some of the banner’s exclusive offerings, and a full service Fifth Avenue Club, complete with private suites and personal shopping consultants. A Quebec-themed Saks Fifth Avenue food hall will operate as a unique element in the food hall at the Montreal store.
As the Saks is installed, the Hudson’s Bay store will remain open but undergo an extensive renovation that will reconfigure the layout, redefine departments and enhance the overall shopping environment, according to the company. The multi-million dollar investment in the iconic location will involve the entire building.
“We are excited to bring the distinctive Saks Fifth Avenue experience to Montreal, which has long been a destination for fashion in Canada,” said Marc Metrick, president, Saks Fifth Avenue. “Shoppers here are known for their impeccable style and we’re confident that Saks’ superior designer merchandise and exemplary customer service will be as well-received here as it has been across Canada.”
Liz Rodbell, president, Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor, said, “The reimagining of our iconic Montreal location is a significant milestone in the evolution of our Hudson’s Bay store, given the importance of the Quebec customer to our business. In today’s digital world, our store experience is paramount in our mission to entertain and delight our customers. This renovation will keep Hudson’s Bay central to our customers’ shopping experience for years to come.”
Beside the locations in Toronto and Montreal, Saks Fifth Avenue also operates a store at the CF Sherway Gardens in suburban Toronto and has announced plans for a store in Calgary, Alberta.
