Simons to open first Ontario store at Square One Shopping Centre

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Square One Shopping Centre announces the opening of a 113,000-square-foot flagship La Maison Simons store in spring 2016 - the first location of the Quebec fashion specialty retailer to open in Ontario. The two-level Simons store represents a $52 million investment and will occupy a large portion of the existing Sears store as part of Square One's ongoing development projects.  Simons marks another first-to-market premium brand acquisition for Square One and will enhance the first-class shopping experience west of Toronto. 

"We have long admired Simons as a premium retailer of outstanding fashions and home décor. Oxford Properties believes in the strength of the Simons brand and our partnership will build on the Square One success story," says Michael Kitt, EVP Canada, Oxford Properties Group. "Square One's leasing team has been working diligently to attract premium retailers, such as Simons, and adding them to our roster shows that an exceptional retail experience starts here at Square One."

"Simons is excited to bring our passion for fashion, art and architecture to Square One. We share a similar vision and are constantly striving for excellence by providing a unique and memorable shopping experience that exceeds our customers' expectations," says Peter Simons, President and General Manager of La Maison Simons.

Simons is the newest retailer added to Square One's $380 million renovation and expansion project.  Phase One, an $84 million overhaul of the interior, was completed in November 2013, and construction on Phase Two began in September 2013.  Simons joins other flagship stores including a 120,000-square-foot Holt Renfrew that is also set to open at Square One in spring 2016. 

"The power of Square One to attract first-class retailers and provide exceptional guest service is proven in our productivity results, which have surpassed $800 per square-foot and exceeds the Canadian average by 31 per cent," adds Kevin Gray, General Manager, Square One. "We're thrilled to have Simons on board and join our other impressive retailers that opened this year, including Lacoste, Top Shop Top Man, Loft, Ann Taylor and White House Black Market." Microsoft's fourth Canadian store will open at Square One in early 2014, which will be another first for the shopping centre.

About Simons
Originally a dry goods store, La Maison Simons was founded in 1840 by John Simons in Quebec City. Since then, the company has made a name for itself by being passionate about fashion - a value that has been passed down from generation to generation. Today, Simons has nine stores in Canada located in Montreal, Laval, Saint-Bruno, Sherbrooke, Edmonton (Alberta) and three in Quebec City at Place Ste-Foy, Galeries de la Capitale and Côte de la Fabrique in the heart of Old Quebec. Its store in Old Quebec is also home to its head office. For more information, visit www.simons.ca.

About Square One Shopping Centre
Proudly managed by Oxford Properties and with over 360 retailers including Apple, Michael Kors, Crate & Barrel, Harry Rosen, Zara and Whole Foods Market, Square One Shopping Centre is the premier retail destination in the West GTA. Square One is owned by Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) on behalf of its clients and Oxford Properties Group. Dedicated to sustainability, Square One's 1.8 million square feet has been recognized and awarded for creating a balance between sustainable environmental programs and a unique shopping experience. Square One is located at 100 City Centre Drive, (HWY 10 & 403). As the central transportation hub for Peel Region, Square One is accessible via MiWay and GO Bus. Square One is a designated tourist destination and is open on statutory holidays. For details visit www.ShopSquareOne.com or www.SquareOneRedevelopment.com.

About Oxford
Oxford Properties Group is a global platform for real estate investment, development and management with over 1,700 employees and over $25 billion of real assets that it manages for itself and on behalf of its co-owners and investment partners. Established in 1960, Oxford has regional offices in Toronto, London and New York, and the company's portfolio includes approximately 50 million square feet of office, retail, industrial, multi-family and hotel properties. Oxford is the real estate arm of the OMERS Worldwide Group of Companies. For more information about Oxford, visit: www.oxfordproperties.com.

About Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo)
AIMCo is one of Canada's largest and most diversified institutional investment managers. AIMCo was established on January 1, 2008, with a mandate to provide superior long-term investment results for its clients. AIMCo operates independently from the Government of Alberta and invests globally on behalf of 28 pension, endowment and government funds in the Province of Alberta, including the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. For more information about AIMCo, visit www.aimco.alberta.ca.

SOURCE: Square One Shopping Centre

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Erin O'Brien
Veritas Communications
[email protected]
416-646-1841