Welcome To The Future
Happy New Year! 2017 is shaping up to be an exceptional year as we celebrate our 70th Anniversary!
As President of William Ashley, I am thrilled to announce that we are moving to a new home on Bloor Street’s Mink Mile – in the historic Colonnade building – 131 Bloor Street West. As trendsetters, William Ashley continues the tradition of being the most exclusive and unique purveyor of Tableware and Home Décor in the world. Since 1947, we have been setting and accessorizing tables in homes across the continent. As we focus on enhancing an already unrivalled shopping experience, we are looking forward to launching the next generation of state-of-the-art retail technology.
You are going to love what we have in-store! At the center of the Colonnade, the experience is going to be decadent: twenty-three foot ceilings, tons of natural light, sleek fixtures with the latest digital dazzle. It is the perfect backdrop to stage the world’s most prestigious luxury brands. We will continue to be your go-to entertaining destination – whether you are looking for the perfect hostess gift, or selecting a once in a lifetime statement piece. You will have two epic floors with an exquisite assortment to choose from.
When the late Tillie Abrams (fondly known by customers and staff alike as Mrs. Ashley) chose Bloor Street for the first William Ashley store, nearly seven decades ago, her vision was to bring the world’s finest collections of English Bone China dinnerware to Canada. Today, William Ashley proudly carries over 300 global brands. It is our mission to continue the legacy, as we curate our assortments to match today’s evolving lifestyles and service Toronto’s rich multi-cultural diversity.
Our buying team will continue to scour the four corners of the earth looking for leading edge ideas in design and quality to fill the heart of one of Toronto’s most historic buildings. Iconic brands under the flattering light of crystal chandeliers, what could be better? Our new venue will be a spectacular landscape to host all the in-store events you have come to know and love. All our personalized services will be waiting for you, including complimentary underground parking in the Colonnade.
As we prepare for the quintessential experience in Tabletop and Home Décor, William Ashley’s Pop Up Shoppe will open February 2017 in The Colonnade.
I invite you to the next phase of the enduring retail love affair that is William Ashley! COMING FALL 2017
Jackie Chiesa
President, William Ashley China
Statement from Morguard – Retail Division
“We are thrilled to welcome William Ashley to The Colonnade as part of the new line up of luxury retailers at the iconic building. William Ashley is the perfect complement to The Colonnade, adding the world’s finest Tableware and Home Decor brands to our international assortment,” said Scott Harris, General Manager of Retail at Morguard. “The Colonnade was Canada’s first mixed-use building featuring chic retailers. From its opening in 1963 to today, an era of best-in-class retailers continues to serve the demands of Bloor Street shoppers seeking exceptional product.”
Statement from DesignAgency
“DesignAgency is honoured and excited to be working with iconic retailer William Ashley. Over their entire history William Ashley has built a reputation on style, expertise, selection and service. All qualities that are proving to reaffirm themselves key drivers to success in today’s retail environment. We are embracing these pillars and layering onto them to create the new William Ashley experience. A completely re-concepted retail experience showcase and engaging the best global brands in tableware and kitchenware.
The final flagship store is created with a series of modern contemporary fixtures, environments and experiences wrapped and woven over two floors through the heart of the landmark Colonnade Building on Bloor Street. Our goal is to create an enveloping environment that is the very definition of William Ashley – all the while allowing the array of stunning products tell their own unique stories.”
– Matthew Davis, Principal & Founding Partner of DesignAgency
