Athleta, part of San Francisco-based Gap, Inc., announced it would add five new Canadian stores in 2022 with the June 21 opening of Mapleview Centre in Burlington, Ontario. The 4,260-square-foot store is Athleta’s third company-operated Canadian location.
Last year, Athleta expanded into Canada with the launch of e-commerce in August, followed by opening its first company-operated stores outside the U.S. in September at Park Royal Shopping Centre in West Vancouver and in November at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto.
This fall, Athleta will open four stores at Chinook Centre, Calgary; Sherway Gardens, Etobicoke; West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton; and
1035 Robson Street, Vancouver.
“Since our launch last year, Canadian customers have quickly gravitated toward our offerings. We have a highly differentiated performance lifestyle product unlike anything else in this market. As a certified B Corp., we are filling a need in the market for a sustainable, purpose-driven brand, and we can see how that connects back to our Canadian customer’s focus on health, wellness and active living,” commented Jenelle Sheridan, VP and GM, Athleta Canada. “Athleta’s Canadian business is a key contributor to long-term growth, and we believe our store fleet growth strategy will get us there as we see Canadians return to in-store shopping.”
Athleta’s Canadian entry has had a positive impact on its business. In Q1 2022, its customer acquisition goal exceeded expectations by over 40 percent as its brand awareness continued to increase due to new product offerings, localized marketing, events, the launch of Alicia Keys and Simone Biles collections, and a partnership with the Toronto Six women’s professional hockey team.
Athleta said the Canadian market remains a priority for the strategic growth of the brand and Gap, Inc.’s portfolio of brands which include Old Navy, Gap and the Banana Republic.
Photo courtesy Athleta Yorkdale Shopping Center, Toronto, Canada
