Photo: worth-avenue.com — *Photo: worth-avenue.com*

Saks Fifth Avenue has revealed that its Canadian salons/spas will be operated by North America's largest luxury salon provider, based out of New York City. As well, Saks just launched a short video featuring a real-life Canadian couple as part of its ongoing Canadian marketing campaign.

According to Saks, John Barrett will operate Saks' first two Canadian salons, as well as take over Saks' U.S. salon and spa operations. Hairstylist John Barrett opened his first salon in 1996 in the penthouse of department store Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. The company has grown to become the largest collection of luxury salons in the United States, known for exceptional service and talent. Saks says that John Barrett plans to invest heavily in the infrastructure, equipment and technology for each salon location. Salons will be designed by Tricarico Architecture and Design, and will be run by staff personally chosen and trained by John Barrett.

This week, Saks launched a two-minute film as part of its Canadian advertising launch. Called 'I Left My ♥ in Toronto', the film stars a real life couple, Alyssa Campanella (American actress and model) and Torrance Coombs (Canadian actor, on CW's TV drama series, Reign). The film chronicles the couple's intercontinental romance, with Alyssa living in New York and Torrance based in Toronto. After shopping at Saks' Manhattan flagship, Alyssa flies to Toronto to see Torrance, and they tour the sites before she has to leave. It's a rare example of a film shot in Toronto that actually portrays Toronto, and it can be viewed directly below.

The video above also provides insight into more designers that will be carried at Saks' Canadian stores. While Torrance's clothing in the video was by Saks Fifth Avenue Collection, Alyssa wears clothing from designers Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Proenza Schouler and Valentino, as well as shoes by designer Alexandre Birman.

Saks' first Canadian location, its Canadian flagship, will open on February 18, 2016 within the Hudson's Bay Queen Street building at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. A week later, on February 25, 2016, Saks' second Canadian store will open at Toronto's CF Sherway Gardens. Saks confirms intentions to open stores in Vancouver and Montreal, as well as possibly in Calgary.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: September 30, 2015