Simons Department Stores Plans Expansion

Simons (Montreal), one of Canada’s oldest family-owned department store chains, is planning to extend the brand across Canada, according to Canada’s Global News. 

The 175-year-old Quebec City-based company plans to spend up to $200 million over the next four years on its expansion plan, which will result in eight additional stores openings across the country (it currently operates eight locations). Simons’ ninth location will open next month in Quebec. The company also plans to enter British Columbia and Ontario, as well as expanding its presence in Alberta. The goal of the expansion is to boast its annual sales base of $350 million.

“A lot of retailers, while they’re worrying about Nordstrom and Saks, have got to be equally worried about Simons,” retail analyst Randy Harris of Trendex said, according to Global News.

Harris explains that Simons’ mid-market pricing and product offerings will “resonate with shoppers looking for something new.” Unlike most department stores, Simons does not sell hard goods like furniture and appliances, or cosmetics, reports Global News.

Retail analysts, as reported by Global News, believe Simons must “beef up” its omnichannel and online offerings, as well as focus on its marketing, for a successful expansion.