Halifax Shopping Centre getting a Simons

The Halifax Shopping Centre is getting a Simons.

It will be the department store's first location in Atlantic Canada, and 17th in Canada.

President and CEO Bernard Leblanc said his company has been interested in expanding to the East Coast for a while. 

“And we've selected Halifax, a city that is experiencing a real renaissance along with a significant migration of Canadians and newcomers who want to live in a dynamic city while enjoying the benefits of living near the ocean,” said Leblanc in a news release. 

“As one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, Halifax is a vibrant place with a customer who is interested in travel, style, and a healthy lifestyle. We are excited to be entering the market and confident that our store will attract customers from throughout the Maritimes and beyond.”

The store is expected to open in the spring of 2024.

Its addition is part of a $52 million redevelopment project at the Halifax Shopping Centre, which includes converting the former Sears space into 150,000 square feet of retail and added amenities, including a full-service restaurant.

According to a news release from HSC, the new design will complement the $70 million redevelopment completed in 2017, focusing on natural light and clean, modern finishes. 

“We're thrilled about the exciting retailers we're able to bring to the community with this redevelopment,” said the mall's general manager, Sherri Kelsie.

 “With these new changes, we're confident we'll enhance the overall shopping experience for our patrons and change the face of retail in Halifax.” 

Disruption to businesses is expected to be minimal throughout the project.