French luxury brand Longchamp has opened its first free-standing Canadian location at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Sources say that sales have been stellar, and its success could indicate a future Canadian store expansion.

The 1,600 square foot boutique is located alongside luxury tenants including the likes of Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, Bulgari, Moncler, Ferragamo, Cartier and others. Longchamp's Yorkdale location is ideally located across from Holt Renfrew's mall-front concessions for Chanel, Prada and Gucci, and is up the hall from the mall's busy Tesla and Apple stores.

*Click above for interactive Yorkdale Shopping Centre mall map.*

Last year, Longchamp President and CEO, Stephanie Disegni told us that Longchamp's Canadian sales were strong and as a result, it wanted to provide the 'full Longchamp experience'. Ms. Disegni said that Longchamp will evaluate the success of its Yorkdale boutique before announcing future Canadian locations. She said that several Canadian cities are on the brand's radar and that Longchamp generally seeks space in the 1,500 square foot range, though stores can range from as small as 1,000 square feet to as large as 2,500 square feet. Longchamp will evaluate a variety of potential real estate opportunities, including upscale shopping centres and streetfronts.

*Yorkdale lease plan, published with permission.*

Founded in Paris in 1948, Longchamp is primarily known for its leather and canvas handbags, its travel items, and numerous fashion accessories. It recently branched out into ready-to-wear as it evolves to become a lifestyle brand.

Longchamp accessories are also currently carried in several upscale Canadian retailers including, Andrews in Toronto, Blu's in Edmonton, Edward Chapman in Vancouver, and in several Holt Renfrew locations.

Longchamp currently operates 14 free-standing American locations and two outlets. Stores are located in metropolitan New York City (5 locations), Miami (2 locations), and in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Boston, Los Angeles (Costa Mesa), Philadelphia (King of Prussia), and Washington DC. Outlets are at Woodbury Common and Fashion Outlets of Chicago. The brand also retails in selected Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Von Maur locations, as well as various other upscale stores.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: June 8, 2015