U.K. luxury jewellery brand Links of London has opened its first freestanding Canadian store at Toronto's CF Toronto Eaton Centre. The beautiful boutique's design was inspired by a 'contemporary London townhouse', and features a variety of jewellery and accessories, including some exclusives and rare pieces. A second Toronto location will open next month at CF Sherway Gardens, making Toronto the only city besides New York City to boast two or more freestanding Links of London stores.

*Looking from the mall-facing front doors into the new store.* *Photo: Tom Sandler*

*Looking towards the back of the store, which features curved walls and a walnut wood cash desk.* *Photo: Tom Sandler*

*Another view of the cash desk, as well as a wall with Links' slogan 'Love London Life'.* *Photo: Tom Sandler*

The impressive CF Toronto Eaton centre boutique features innovative high-quality interiors that were designed by Sheridan&Co. Photos in this article were taken by Tom Sandler, profiling the 858 square foot boutique which features high quality wood and marble accents, as well as decorative features reflecting Links' jewellery designs. Links is located between retailers Club Monaco and Michael Kors on the increasingly upscale third level of CF Toronto Eaton Centre which will be anchored at its north end by a 220,000 square foot flagship Nordstrom, opening on September 16 of this year.

*Marble flooring and glossy display cases.* *Photo: Tom Sandler*

*Circular light fixtures on the ceiling are inspired by Links' three-ring logo.* *Photo: Tom Sandler*

*Book cases provide a residential theme to the 'London townhouse' store.* *Photo: Tom Sandler*

A second Links of London boutique will open next month at Toronto's CF Sherway Gardens. According to Leela Petrakis, North American President at parent company Folli Follie Group, the Sherway store will be about twice the size of the Eaton Centre location and will feature a tea salon within the store. That location was also designed by Sheridan&Co.

*Display cases with men's and women's watches as well as cufflinks and other jewellery pieces.* *Photo: Tom Sandler*

*Light marble floor with with black marble lining, contrasting with the store's rich hardwood flooring.* *Photo: Tom Sandler*

Links of London currently operates seven Canadian shop-in-store concessions. Six of those are at Holt Renfrew (Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto Bloor Street, Toronto Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto CF Sherway Gardens) and at Ogilvy in Montreal. Holt's CF Sherway store will close some time this summer to be replaced with a unit at Mississauga's Square One, and Links of London is confirmed to be opening a concession in Square One's Holt Renfrew this summer, as well.

*Jewellery-inspired display table in the centre of the new store.* *Photo: Tom Sandler*

*Jewellery inspired door handles at the front of the store.* *Photo: Tom Sandler*

Links of London currently operates five freestanding U.S. locations, with stores in New York City (three locations), Las Vegas and suburban Boston. A third New York City location will open this summer at Westfield World Trade Centre. The Links of London brand was founded in 1990 and has grown to become a global luxury brand. In July of 2006, the company was sold to Greek conglomerate Folli Follie SA. The name 'Links' signifies the brand's famous men's cufflinks, though collections include accessories, jewellery, timepieces and gifts for both genders.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: June 17, 2016