What: Simons will open its third-largest store in downtown Vancouver in 2027, taking over part of the former Nordstrom space at Pacific Centre.

Why it is important: The opening of Simons in the former Nordstrom space signals renewed confidence in brick-and-mortar retail and the evolving role of department stores in major urban centers.

Simons, the Quebec City-based department store, is set to open its third-largest location in downtown Vancouver in fall 2027, occupying a 92,000-square-foot space within the Pacific Centre mall previously held by Nordstrom. This expansion marks Simons’ 20th store in Canada and reflects a strategic move to secure a prime urban site following the exit of major international competitors. The decision to enter downtown Vancouver, long on Simons’ wish list, was driven by the availability of the right space at the right time, following a successful entry into the market with its Park Royal store in West Vancouver. The new flagship will be one of four retailers dividing the former Nordstrom premises, illustrating a broader trend of mall redevelopment and anchor tenant replacement in response to shifting consumer behaviors. Simons’ continued investment in physical retail, even as the sector contracts elsewhere, underscores the brand’s adaptability and the enduring appeal of experiential, design-driven department stores in Canada’s largest cities.

IADS Notes: Simons’ upcoming opening in downtown Vancouver’s former Nordstrom space is emblematic of a broader transformation in Canadian department store retail, as documented in recent IADS sources. CTV News in July 2025 highlights Simons’ strategic expansion into prime locations vacated by international players, such as Nordstrom, reflecting a careful, opportunity-driven approach to growth. Global News in August 2025 underscores how Simons has capitalized on the disruption caused by the exits of Hudson’s Bay and Nordstrom, leveraging its heritage, innovation, and experiential retail focus to attract Canadian consumers. The Economist in January 2026 analyzes the collapse of Hudson’s Bay, noting how domestic retailers like Simons are seizing prime real estate and responding to evolving shopper expectations in a rapidly changing market. John Ryan Newstores in December 2025 points to a resurgence of physical retail and the importance of flagship investments, with department stores and mall spaces being reimagined as experiential, design-driven destinations. International context from Fashion Network in October 2025 further illustrates how department stores and shopping centers are adapting through mixed-use redevelopment and experiential offerings, a trend mirrored by Simons’ expansion and the subdivision of the former Nordstrom space among multiple retailers. Collectively, these developments highlight the resilience and adaptability of Canadian department stores and the renewed relevance of brick-and-mortar retail in the post-pandemic era.

Simons confirmed to move into old Nordstrom store in downtown Vancouver