Holt Renfrew, Toronto

Holt Renfrew, a renowned Canadian luxury department store chain, was established in 1837 by William S. Henderson. Originally known as William Ashton & Co., the store in Quebec City specialized in fur products. In the late 1800s, the company expanded its reach by launching a mail order catalog, catering to customers across North America and Europe. Notably, from 1886 to 1921, Holt Renfrew held the prestigious title of Furriers in Ordinary to several members of the British royal family.

The name Holt Renfrew came into existence through the collaboration of business partner George Richard Renfrew in 1862 and company president John Henderson Holt in 1900. In 1937, with the opening of the Sherbrooke Street store in Montreal, the company transformed into a full-line retailer, offering a wide range of products.

In 1986, Holt Renfrew was acquired by the Weston family and partnered with European department stores Selfridges, Brown Thomas, and de Bijenkorf. But in 2022, the Weston family sold their shares in the Selfridges Group. Currently, Holt Renfrew runs seven stores in four Canadian provinces, including its flagship store in Toronto on Bloor Street West and the former Ogilvy store in Montreal on Saint Catherine Street.

Holt Renfrew stands in the league of prestigious American department stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue. It competes with Saks Fifth Avenue as well as Canadian department stores such as Hudson's Bay and Simons.

The Bloor Street, Yorkdale, Montreal, and Vancouver locations boast the presence of Holts Café, an informal diner-style restaurant concept. One of the café's highlights is the tartine made from authentic Poilane bread directly imported from Paris, France.