Love shopping? I do! Surprised? I love quality, style as well as a good sale now and then. I could hardly contain myself when I found out that luxury goods store, Holt Renfrew, announced the introduction of their new concept store hr2.
Once in a while I’ll venture to “Holt’s” when I need that perfect stellar piece for an event or when I’ve earned that coveted bag.
But hr2 is different. The anticipation was killing me as they had mentioned that this is not going to be like any other shopping experience. So, last night I ventured with some of the city’s fashion editorial peeps and style bloggers onboard the shuttle bus from downtown to the new hr2 store at Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre. This would be the second hr2 location opening for Holt Renfrew (first one is in Montreal). Yes, the pink party bus was complete with pink popcorn for the “media sneak peek”! FYI…the Vaughan Mills Shopping Shuttle available daily from downtown Toronto!
How is it different from Holt Renfrew? There is no cross-over in selection. hr2 has their own buying team and they work with well-known brands to feature a healthy selection of goods without compromising on style or quality.
So, is it worth the trek and all the hype? ABSOLUTELY!
hr2 is Canada’s first premium off-price concept store offering leading brands and on trend styles at irresistible prices. Visitors to the 25,000 square foot store in Vaughan Mills can expect a well laid-out store and a FABULOUS selection of well known brands and maybe a few new ones that you will fall in love with very quickly! What really was impressive is the selection of sizes too! You’re not getting something that is from a few season’s ago and praying to the shopping gods that it will fit! Nope…there are ample sizes available in any given style (until they sell out, of course). You’ll find accessories, handbags, shoes (lots of shoes), women’s wear from casual to work and evening, and men’s wear.
Over 150 brands are in store at any given time but you must remember to grab them when you can — once the items are gone..they are GONE! But not to worry, new styles are brought in weekly. It’s just not going to be that kind of place where you go home to “think about it”. I’m telling you… BUY IT RIGHT THEN and don’t wait!
So, what are some of the brands? At last night’s preview I spotted Diane Von Furstenburg, Max Mara Michael by Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Burberry, Gucci, Prada, Michael Stars, Hunter, Anzie, SuperDry, JBrand, Nicole Miller, Elie Tahari, Pink Tartan, Naked and Famous, 7 for All Mankind, John Hardy, Cole Haan, Ray-Ban, Splendid and it goes on! The prices are amazing if you know your stuff. There was a gorgeous Burberry crossbody bag that I saw but when I went back…some other blogger had already scooped it up! Darn it. And I soooo regret not getting the DVF red and white printed wrap dress!
But I was too busy snapping up photos to show you here! I’ve also posted some on Instagram and on Twitter ! You can follow me on both as theculturepearl
hr2 at Vaughan Mills is officially opened on May 10th! As mentioned, this is the second store in Canada. No word yet as to when and where other locations will open but stay tuned!
Okay…here’s are some teaser photos…. start drooling!
I use to LOVE ‘Last Call’ too! I cried when they shut it down. But hr2 is different. It’s worth the drive!
Wow!
wow – thanks for the tip. I used to go to Last Call many years ago. Will check out if I ever see a positve balance in my bank account again xx