In Canada, high-profile retailer Mexx and Jacob is facing tough time but the 175-year-old fashion retailer, Simons will be spending around US $ 200 million over the next four years to open eight stores. Its move is intended to boost its annual sales base of more than US $ 350 million. It could extend Simons brand across Canada as the retailer will open its ninth Quebec store in Gatineau next month before entering the British Columbia and Ontario markets and expanding its presence in Alberta. An outlet will be opened this Fall in West Vancouver, followed by openings next year in Mississauga, Ont., and Ottawa. A second Edmonton store and a new one in Calgary will be added in 2017, and two more stores are expected to open in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough in 2018 and at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2019. CEO Peter Simons says that Atlantic Canada, the Prairies or Winnipeg could join the list as more stores will be added to reach a maximum of 25 to 30 stores.
