Two of Italy’s well-known fashion brands, Intimissimi and Calzedonia, are entering the Canadian market in October. Both brands will open their inaugural Canadian boutiques at CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, with ILT Group Inc., the international retail partner of their Italian parent company, Oniverse, leading the expansion. Calzedonia is recognized for its youthful, contemporary approach to legwear, hosiery and swimwear. Its Canadian debut will feature the Fall/Winter collection, including popular products such as sheer thermal tights, Nude Feeling 20-denier tights and stylish, affordable swimwear. Intimissimi, meanwhile, focuses on sophisticated and feminine intimate apparel, offering signature lingerie, silk sleepwear, lace pieces and popular wardrobe basics such as its boat-neck modal cashmere ultralight top. The launch at Sherway Gardens represents the first stage of a wider Canadian expansion. The adjacent boutiques, each at about 950 square feet on the mall’s main corridor across from Aveda and next to Laderach Switzerland, will initially operate as the brand’s physical retail locations, with Canadian e-commerce planned for a later date. Intimissimi will expand further with a second Canadian store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto in 2027. The stores are typically in the 1200 square foot range. Oniverse, which operates more than 5,500 stores in 57 countries, sees Canada as an important growth opportunity, trusts that Canadian consumers are already familiar with the brands through international travel and social media.
ILT Group Inc., Toronto, Ontario (www.intimissimi.com) & (www.calzedonia.com)