Honouring Our Past
To celebrate Yorkdale’s 60th, we are taking a trip down memory lane with some never-before-seen archival photos at the Centre of Style. Join us for a nostalgic journey back in time and see how our shopping centre has evolved over the years. Get ready as Yorkdale will soon be home to even more exclusive and sought-after brands beginning in late 2024.
Follow @YorkdaleStyle to enjoy more of these moments from the past and share your memories with us #Yorkdale60.
The Beginning
Yorkdale Shopping Centre opened its doors on February 26, 1964 welcoming over 100,000 shoppers to the ribbon cutting ceremony. Developed by Oxford Properties Group, Yorkdale was one of the first major shopping centers in the country and quickly became a top shopping destination in Canada.
John David Eaton ribbon cutting ceremony in February 1964.
Yorkdale Shopping Centre, the Eaton’s Department Store.
1970’s
Yorkdale made history as the first Canadian shopping centre to house both Simpson’s and Eaton’s, two iconic Canadian department stores under one roof. Starting in the 70s, Yorkdale began its journey in setting the standard for shopping centres across Canada.
Simpson's Court, 1970's.
Eaton's Court, 1970's.
1980’s
Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 1984.
Aerial view of Yorkdale, 1989. Image via Toronto Public Library.
1990’s
Yorkdale underwent a significant transformation to expand its retail offerings. A Sears Department store, the famous Rainforest Café restaurant, a Famous Players SilverCity movie theatre (now Cineplex Entertainment), and a two-story Indigo Books and Music storefront, attracted visitors seeking dining and entertainment options.
The Rainforest Cafe, 1999.
Indigo Books and Music store, late 1990's.
2000’s
Yorkdale continuously evolved to meet consumer trends and preferences. In 2005, a $60 million expansion added a glass atrium and flagship stores such as Old Navy, Zara, H&M, making it Ontario’s third-largest shopping centre. Yorkdale is becoming the go-to destination for first-to-Canada brands such as Apple, Tesla, Versace, David Yurman, Kate Spade and more.
Old Navy.
Canada's First Apple Store.
H&M.
Canada's First Tesla Store.
2010’s
Since 2012, Yorkdale has continued to build on its reputation with retail expansions and redevelopments.
Yorkdale completed a $220-million expansion that added 40 new luxury stores such as Tiffany and Co, Holt Renfrew, and a new food court – Dine on 3. In 2016, Yorkdale’s East Expansion added an additional 145,000 sq ft with Nordstrom, Canada Goose, Uniqlo and Muji. Then, Yorkdale redeveloped the former Sears location into a four-level Restoration Hardware store and Sporting Life in a West expansion, in addition to welcoming Canada’s first Cheesecake Factory.
Yorkdale's South Wing.
Yorkdale's East Expansion.
The Cheesecake Factory.
Yorkdale's West Expansion: Restoration Hardware.
2020’s
Yorkdale adapted to the changing retail landscape with remarkable innovation by introducing immersive experiences like the Marvel Avengers Station, Friends Experience and The Office exhibit for the shopping experience.
It continues to be a hub for luxury brands making its entry into Canada, with 20 new first-in market brands such as Celine, Alexander McQueen to Anine Bing and Mango while achieving LEED Gold certification for its leadership in sustainability.
Canada's First Celine Store.
Canada's First Alexander McQueen Store.
The Avenger S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Experience.
Yorkdale’s rooftop solar panel installation.
Today & Looking forward to the Future
Yorkdale is Canada’s leading retail destination and one of the most successful shopping centres in the world. Recognized for having the largest collection of luxury labels and most first-in-Canada brands and flagship stores, it has earned the distinction of being known as the Centre of Style with 270 stores offer visitors the latest and best of all possibilities.
Looking to the future, Yorkdale anticipates the arrival of Centre Run, where a dozen new luxury retailers will further elevate fashion and luxury to new heights, exclusively at the Centre of Style.
Yorkdale 2023.
Yorkdale 2023.