Hello Darlings,
The waiting game for Canadian shopping lovers is over! Topshop has arrived in Canada— but not quite on its own. 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.
Aside from the survival game is a price tag mark up which we Canadians are famous for paying. The top that sells in United States for $9.99 is $19.99 in Canada. And of course, there is that small thing of import fees and duties that make a small purchase into a grand spending spree. With Topshop—known for its price-savvy apparel—in Canada it is not that savvy. Given that the same silk blouse that was my in my shopping cart at Topshop UK online store was retailing for €38 was also available at the Topshop launch for 98CAD. Meanwhile, the same blouse in United States was $76. Given today’s currency exchange rates where does that leave Canadian price tags and the bargain?
I am wearing: ♥ Club Manoco 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 event, E and I grabbed some dinner at one of my favorite place’s, Lee Restaurant and then headed for a fun evening at Blowfish celebrating the restaurant’s 8th anniversary!
So, what do you think of Topshop and The Bay merger? Will you be Topshop Canada customer?
P.S. For more photos from Topshop Event, check out our Facebook page.
With Love…
Marta
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Dear Marta,
I was glad to read this post, because sometimes I feel I’m the only one who is really concerned about this topic. I live in Spain and in my city there is also a Topshop, but I don’t think about it as a “daily shopping” option because their prices are so increased from the original ones that it’s not really worth. Of course I have some items (the most comfortable ballerinas that I’ve ever got are from there) but at the end of the day I end up getting my clothes from Zara, Mango, H&M or Tommy Hilfiger, for instance. And the same thing happens with other brands as Forever 21, or many brands of make-up (like MAC). Sometimes I think that a trip to USA would be worth it just to go there to shop LOL
Love xx
Hi Anna,
It is so nice to hear from you.
I think that it is very unfortunate as to how different the international prices are in comparison to the prices at the country of the company’s origin.I enjoy going shopping in States as the prices definitely are much better! Therefore a trip there might be a good idea
As well as Anna and you, Martha I a always surprised at the price differences. And let’s face it no matter how much we love fashion, price does affect our decisions. I lived in San Francisco for a month and I was almost in shock of how much we have to pay more, almost $20-$30 more. Nonetheless, I don’t even understand the reasoning of bringing Top Shop here at higher prices, when our customer, no matter of how “fashionable” she is, is very educated these days (quality vs. price).
PS. Lovely outfit!
I think that your opinion is similar to that of many shoppers but at the end of the day they are going to charge those prices because they can. Thank you for the comment Nataliya.
Great piece, Marta. Canadians really do get the short end of the stick. It’s such a pity that we get overly-taxed, and have no say in it. My mind is BLOWN by the prices I’m seeing in Chicago. A lot cheaper for everything! Making well made clothing more affordable should be every woman’s right.
P.S. Even flights are cheaper when they’re bought in the USA. Traveling is as not financially paralyzing as it is for certain Canadian demographics.
P.P.S. With all the taxes we get… I wonder if that’s what’s pulling us through the recession, along with a much tighter economic agenda. I’m extremely proud of us, northerners!
Hi Chantelle,
despite the shopping deprivation! Maybe it’s for the best, as the choices are more limited and we think twice about paying crazy import fees!
I am so excited for your move to Chicago, hope you’re having a blast and best of luck with your studies! Honestly, I think that I am going to resort to shopping in States whenever I visit (which is fairly often now) because importing stuff is become progressively more expensive and the foreign stores are now making their price tags any friendlier. Nevertheless, I do love Canada