Colin and Justin: A one stop shop
Unique home improvement destination has everything you need under one roof
torontosun.com
By Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan
April 27, 2017
Fact - we love home exhibitions. Whether info’ packed outings such as The Cottage Life Show, The GTA Home and Reno Show and The Toronto Fall Home Show (large affairs at which we’re often booked to speak) or smaller ‘one off’ trade gatherings in halls around the GTA, we’re often first in line to size up inspiration.
Yup, life without Canada’s home event diary would be a lesser life indeed. But of course these exhibitions are, for the most part, seasonal with the availability of ‘renovation’ fodder, between times, somewhat limited.
Outside event season, tricking out the home requires a degree of plaza-to-plaza stealth, with car rides, bus trips and train journeys - and the attendant hassle of unpredictable weather - serving only to undermine the shopping experience.
But all that is changing, courtesy of an exciting new retail prospect Improve Canada (www.improvecanada.com) a unique home destination where everything you need is available - all year round - under one massive roof. Already up and running (with ongoing development and expansion), the continually improving ‘mega mall’ sees its ‘Grand Opening’ this weekend. Promising a mix of big names and big ideas, the weekend long ceremony boasts a stellar cast.
Preaching from the main stage on Saturday are Sarah Richardson (11 a m ), those (ahem) pesky Scots Colin and Justin at 2 p.m. - and again at 5 p.m. - as well as HGTV luminary Scott McGillivray at 4 p.m. On Sunday, at noon, you’ll have the chance to meet Mike Holmes Junior, home style legend Tommy Smythe at 2 p.m, and Steven Sabados, designer extraordinaire and co-host of CBC’s The Goods, at 4 p.m.
Aside from the stellar line up, what else can you expect? Well, for starters, more than 350 retailers under one roof and 320,000 square feet of floor space crammed with 38 different categories of home improvement. In a nutshell, Improve Canada is the country’s largest dedicated home enhancement destination, a one-stop shop for everything home related.
All things considered, however, it’s way more than just another big box store. From kitchens and bathrooms, to bedrooms and living rooms, and from sofas and artwork to home office and lighting (and much more, besides) the retail outpost boasts a breathtaking inventory. But it isn’t just inventory which will ensure Improve Canada is a success: convenience, too, is sure to make it all the more attractive. Due to multiple on site retailers, shoppers will be able to compare price points and quality (between stores in a similar wheelhouse) without leaving the location. To us, it’s a no brainer - we’re only surprised it’s taken until now for a venture like this to grace these shores. We work extensively in Europe, where similar business models exist, so we’re thrilled that an offering of this type is finally available here.
This weekend’s grand opening will also see a special appearance by Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan (12.15 p.m. on Saturday) as well as around $25,000 in prizes and give aways. It promises to be a fun few days. And besides, it’s Spring. A time when home improvers everywhere are hell bent on making the best of their nests. Whether moving, improving, staging, decorating, building, landscaping or simply looking for some new cushions or a fun piece of artwork as your home’s finishing touch, you’ll find everything you need at Improve Canada (7250 Keele Street, Vaughan) under one - enormous - roof. We’ll see you there! For further information visit www.improvecanada.com. - Watch for Colin and Justin on ‘Cabin Pressure’ (Cottage Life TV) and on ‘Cityline’ (Citytv). Find the ‘Colin and Justin Home Collection’ in stores across Canada.
