If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you might know that I’m a bit of an H&M junkie. I am in that store at least once a week to get some cheap and chic thrills, and so far the store has never failed me in my shopping adventures. Well, imagine my delight, when I received my very own invite to the re-opening of the Toronto Eaton Centre’s H&M location in the mail! Drinks, food, and 25% off clothes? I am so there! The flagship store has been renovated and given a facelift, switching a few things up for shoppers’ benefit and introducing a sleeker design. The darker walls create a more chic atmosphere, but the layout so far is a bit of hit and miss for me. Womenswear floors that have always been separated by the Children’s department are still kept apart, but now it’s by Men’s clothes.
Speaking of the Menswear floor – I loved the new layout there. Loved the Persian-esque rugs, the darker vibe. Very sleek, very cool. Loved it! Children’s department is also quite sprawling and easy to navigate (got the most adorable onesie for my nephew – it’s a Tigger and it’s striped…like auntie, like nephew). The fitting rooms on the lowest floor are a bit tough to find, but once you’re there, there are now more rooms available than before the reno. Huge plus!
The store was packed to the brim with shoppers both on April 28th, and 29th, which made it a bit more difficult to gauge the new collections, but I did manage to spot some cool garb and stylish people! The below bolero has been on many fashionista’s lists ever since it popped up in the H&M magazine. Well I’ve seen a few of them available, so if you’re still waiting…head on over before it’s gone. I also loved the punchy jewelry, the pretty clutches, the funky sunglasses (got a leopard print pair for fun). The basics section seems to have been expanded, and the lingerie section still has its separate room, alas smaller than before and cut in two by the snaking fitting room lineups.
Whatever the changes may be, the store does look better esthetically, but we’ll just have to shop and see whether the layout will be a pain or a gain for this location. I honestly did not see any problems with the old layout, but I will try to embrace the new. What are you thoughts on the new/old Eaton Centre H&M? Which location is your favorite to shop at? Share in the comments!