Over the past year, Yorkville has increasingly become a hub for popular international brands — and that trend appears to be continuing in 2024. New Zealand menswear brand Rodd & Gunn is opening its first independent Canadian location in Yorkville this spring, with the new brick-and-mortar leading the brand’s charge into fully immersing itself into the Canadian market. 

Rodd & Gunn enters Yorkville on the heels of Kith, Veronica Beard and a few other U.S. brands trying to make it in the upscale Toronto neighbourhood.

The luxury menswear brand makes quality fabric sourcing and clothing construction a priority. In fact, Rodd & Gunn is so confident in its quality that the brand offers a two-year guarantee on all its goods. Currently sold in collections at Hudson’s Bay, the Rodd & Gunn store in Yorkville will carry the brand’s ready-to-wear line, along with footwear and accessories. 

The New Zealand label will move into 21 Hazelton Ave., a historic home dating back to 1900. Approximately 3,300 square feet will be at the brand’s disposal, including 1,029 square feet on the ground floor and over 2,000 square feet combined between the basement and upper level.

Rodd & Gunn will be replacing George C., an elevated womenswear retailer whose owner’s retirement prompted the closure of the shop. The brand’s neighbour will still be Atelier Munro, adding to the growing number of menswear retailers on the block.

The Hazelton location is just the first step in Rodd & Gunn’s Canadian expansion. The brand is planning on opening more stand-alone stores across Canada, growing from its e-commerce and department store success, including three to five more in the Toronto area.