Square One Shopping Centre announces arrival of new Holt Renfrew flagship store

Luxury flagship store set to arrive in the spring of 2016

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 19, 2013 /CNW/ - Square One Shopping Centre announced today the arrival of an approximately 120,000 square-foot flagship Holt Renfrew store, set to open in the spring of 2016. Located in the heart of burgeoning downtown Mississauga, Square One expects the addition of Holt Renfrew to enhance its impressive roster of retailers, restaurants and entertainment offerings. Holt Renfrew's announcement adds to the momentum enjoyed by Mississauga's central shopping district, which is experiencing spectacular residential, education and mixed use growth.

"Oxford and Square One are strong believers in the vision of the City of Mississauga, and we are investing heavily to maintain Square One's position as one of North America's premier shopping destinations for the growing customer base in the region," said Blake Hutcheson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Oxford Properties Group. "It is important to us to grow Oxford's existing long term relationship with Holt Renfrew, and we believe the addition of this world-class luxury retailer will elevate Square One's offerings and further entrench its outstanding reputation. This represents a win for Holt Renfrew, a win for Square One, a win for our customer base and a win for the City."

"We are pleased to announce a new Holt Renfrew at Square One. West Toronto and Mississauga are growing, vibrant areas and this is a strong move forward in our plan for an exciting fleet of luxury stores across Canada," said Holt Renfrew President Mark Derbyshire. "We look forward to leading a new era of extraordinary shopping experiences in Canada."

The addition of Holt Renfrew is a testament to the commitment of Oxford and co-owner Alberta Investment Management Corporation to delivering a premium shopping experience that offers top-notch retail tenants and unmatched variety. The work currently underway and planned to enhance this asset represents an investment of approximately $320 million of new construction. Square One will continue to offer a sophisticated shopping experience while maintaining a commitment to the community through its dedication to sustainability.

Ann Taylor, Loft, White House | Black Market and Top Shop are all slated to open at Square One later this year.  In addition, FOOD CENTRAL will open this August offering an elevated food experience and welcoming several new food retailers including Chipotle, Amaya, Big Smoke, Su & Shi and Szechuan Express.

About Square One Shopping Centre

With 360+ retailers including Apple, Michael Kors, Crate & Barrel, Harry Rosen, Zara and Whole Foods Market, Square One Shopping Centre, proudly managed by Oxford Properties, is the premier retail destination in west Toronto. Square One is owned by Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), on behalf of its clients, and Oxford Properties Group. Dedicated to sustainability, Square One's 1.8 million square feet has been awarded and recognized for creating a balance between sustainable environmental programs and a unique shopping experience. Square One is located at 100 City Centre Drive, (HWY 10 & 403). As the central transportation hub for Peel Region, Square One is accessible via MiWay and GO Bus. Square One is a Designated Tourist Destination and is open on statutory holidays. For details visit www.ShopSquareOne.com or www.SquareOneRedevelopment.com.

About Oxford

Oxford Properties Group is a global platform for real estate investment, development and management, with over 1,400 employees and approximately $22 billion of real assets that it manages for itself and on behalf of its co-owners and investment partners. Established in 1960, Oxford has regional offices in Toronto, London and New York, and the company's portfolio includes approximately 50 million square feet of office, retail, industrial, multi-family and hotel properties. Oxford is the real estate arm of the OMERS Worldwide Group of Companies. For more information about Oxford, visit: www.oxfordproperties.com.

About Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo)

AIMCo is one of Canada's largest and most diversified institutional investment managers. AIMCo was established on January 1, 2008 with a mandate to provide superior long-term investment results for its clients. AIMCo operates independently from the Government of Alberta and invests globally on behalf of 28 pension, endowment and government funds in the Province of Alberta, including the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. For more information about AIMCo, visit www.aimco.alberta.ca.

About Holt Renfrew

Celebrating a 175-year heritage, Holt Renfrew is recognized worldwide for an inspired shopping experience. Once a purveyor of fashion to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Holt Renfrew began in 1837 as a modest hat shop in Quebec City. Over the years the brand developed and expanded across Canada. In the 1930's Holt Renfrew began exclusive accounts with some of the best designers in Europe and in 1947 hosted Monsieur Christian Dior when he launched his "New Look". After many years of foreign ownership Holt Renfrew was bought in 1986 by W. Galen and the Hon. Hilary M. Weston. Under their ownership Holt Renfrew has become Canada's destination for luxury retail. Holt Renfrew has 2,300 employees with nine stores across the country in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and Toronto. Visit us at www.holtrenfrew.com.

Holt Renfrew is part of Selfridges Group Limited. With extensive know-how and experience in operating luxury fashion retail stores, the Selfridges Group owns and operates leading heritage banners in key markets around the world, including Brown Thomas in Ireland; de Bijenkorf in The Netherlands; Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy in Canada and Selfridges in the United Kingdom. Selfridges Group Limited is a family owned business, W. Galen Weston is Chairman.

SOURCE: Square One Shopping Centre