Topshop Invades Canada
Hello Darlings,
The waiting game for Topshop lovers is over! In March, The Bay confirmed its involvement in bringing British fashion giant Topshop and Topman to Canada. Although Topshop did make its first appearance last June at the Jonathan+Olivia store, The Bay claims the exclusive rights for Canada.
The Topshop merger is a part of the revival process for The Bay which stands to receive quite an influx in its cool factor and revenues come October, when the first store opens its doors at the Yorkdale location. With Topshop arrival, it is yet another foreign giant to invade the Canadian fashion industry. What does this mean for the Canadian retail market and price tags?
It is the more the merrier for the fashion lovers but on the opposite side of the spectrum local fashion industry is struggling to make an impact. From Zara, Forever21 to H&M and now Topshop and Target in 2013; it makes it for a tight market for Canadian retailers such as Joe Fresh Style. With international giants dominating the bargain-chic this makes it difficult for Joe Fresh Style-like retailers to survive.
As Canadians, we are famous for paying a price tag mark up. A top that sells in the USA for $9.99 is $19.99 in Canada. And, with import fees and duties often make a small purchase expensive. But Topshop in Canada is not that price savvy, given that the same silk blouse at Topshop UK online store was retailing for €38 was at the Topshop launch for 98CAD. And the same blouse in USA was $76. Given today’s currency exchange rates why do Canadians pay so much more?
I am wearing:
♥ Club Monaco Iman Silk Blouse
♥ Club Monaco Zowie Skirt
♥ YSL Arty Ring in White
♥ Z Spoke by Zac Posen Purse
♥ Marc by Marc Jacobs Dries Wedges
Although the marketing game is not a fair one, the Topshop launch at The Bay was a success. With a shopping soirée, the event with its fun and funky photo-booth made for a great party. However I am not sure as to how comfortable I am to be purchasing the Topshop blouse for the Banana Republic price tag with evident quality differences. But as the Canadian super-Biebs says, “Never say Never!” Topshop might prove me wrong and convert me into a Topshop woman but until that moment comes I think that I will prefer the similar clothing and at more competitive prices of H&M and Zara.
Following the Topshop launch party, E and I had dinner at one of my favorite place's, Lee Restaurant on King Street West, and then headed for a fun evening at Blowfish celebrating their 8th anniversary!
Will you be Topshop Canada customer?
P.S. For more photos from Topshop Event, check out our Facebook page
With Love...
Marta