Hazelton Lanes

Hazelton Lanes is an upscale shopping mall located in Yorkville, an affluent neighbourhood in Toronto.

History

Hazelton Lanes opened in 1976 with convert|60000|sqft|m2 of retail space. It was positioned as a luxury shopping centre and attracted some of the world's most prestigious retailers. Hazelton Lanes became so well-stocked with luxury retailers that it became known as one of the most prestigious and comprehensively stocked luxury shopping areas in North America.Fact|date=April 2007 It underwent an expansion that tripled its size in 1988/1989.

Stores in Hazelton Lanes in the late 1970s to early 1990s included Hermes, Emanuel Ungaro, Fogal of Switzerland, Alfred Sung, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Chez Catherine, Krizia, Gianni Versace, Aquascutum, Valentino, Turnbull & Asser, Penhalligan's, Caroll Paris, Brown's shoes and Club Monaco, among others.

Residence

Hazelton Lanes has condominium above both the original and new Hazelton Lanes they range in size from convert|800|sqft|m2 to over convert|4000|sqft|m2

Tough Times: Recession of the early 1990s

Hazelton Lanes began to experience difficult times in the early 1990s with the recession that gripped Toronto and much of Canada. Many of the upscale stores in Hazelton Lanes closed their doors, and some of them moved to Bloor Street. One theory behind the many upscale store closures in Hazelton Lanes was the awkward design of the shopping centre, low ceilings, and poor-quality materials used in the construction of the new section.Fact|date=April 2007 Currently, brick-work on parts of the complex's exterior are in disrepair.

Modern Times at Hazelton Lanes

Hazelton Lanes has re-emerged as a 'neighbourhood shopping centre', albeit with some luxury brands still in place. Stores such as Hugo Nicholson, Nanni, and Contrasta carry world-class luxury brands, some of which are exclusive to Toronto and even Canada. Carolina Herrera, Cole Haan, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Hugo Boss, Manolo Blahnik, Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman, Valentino, and Versace are all international brands that can be found inside retailers at the mall. Hazelton Lanes is also home to a fitness spa and the first (and one of only three) Whole Foods Market natural foods grocers in Canada. All in all there are more than 64 high-end boutiques and services spanning fashion, beauty, jewellery, home decor, and restaurants.

The mall is located in the heart of the Bloor-Yorkville area, Toronto's renowned shopping and entertainment district. It is a short walk away from five star hotels and the city's best restaurants, museums, and galleries and thus Hazelton Lanes has regained much of the status it had before the recession.

Celebrity sightings at Hazelton Lanes have included: Carmen Electra, Mischa Barton, Carson Kressley from Queer Eye For the Straight Guy, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Nelly Furtado, Dustin Hoffman, Hillary Duff and Mira Sorvino, in addition to many other rock stars, teen idols, athletes, and Hollywood celebrities. [http://www.hazeltonlanes.com/welcome.html]

External links

* [http://www.hazeltonlanes.com/ Hazelton Lanes Official Website]