La Maison Simons could double the size of its Les Galeries de la Capitale store in Quebec City. The proposed expansion would provide more space for the company's private-label brands, as well as additional mens's and women's designer fashion lines. As a result of the expansion, this Simons store would be comparable in size to its newer locations.

The Simons store in Les Galeries de la Capitale is currently about 45,000 square feet. Sources tell La Presse that Simons could expand, doubling in size to about 90,000 square feet. Even with the proposed expansion, the store would still be slightly smaller than the chain's 100,000 square foot flagship at Place Ste-Foy, though it will be similar in size to its new stores.

La Maison Simons stores have become larger, generally. In the past, most Simons stores have spanned about 45-65,000 square feet. Recently announced Simons stores have generally been in the 100,000 square foot range. These include a 113,000 square foot store at Square One in Mississauga (opening spring, 2016), a 105,000 square foot store at Park Royal in West Vancouver (opening fall, 2015), an 80,000 square foot store in Gatineau, Quebec (opening spring, 2015), and a 105,000 square foot location at Ottawa's Rideau Centre (opening August, 2016). Its Les Galeries d'Anjou (opened August, 2013) and West Edmonton Mall (opened October, 2012) stores are the largest in the chain, occupying about 120,000 square feet each.

Interior of Simons, Les Galeries de la Capitale, Quebec City. Photo: La Maison Simons.

The expanded Simons would provide more space for the company's popular private-label brands, which take up a considerable amount of space in all of its stores. A wider assortment of designer merchandise could also be sold in the store, as Simons now finds customers increasingly receptive to paying higher prices for designer goods. Many of the designers found at Simons, including Mary Katrantzou, Nina Ricci, and Jean Paul Gaultier are difficult to find elsewhere.

Les Galeries de la Capitale is the largest mall in the Province of Quebec. It will undergo a 150,000 square foot expansion, costing about $150 million. Next week we'll provide further details on its expansion, which will include new luxury stores and a reconfiguration of its in-mall theme park.

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