Major retailer replacing former Toys 'R' Us store at Toronto mall
A major clothing retailer is officially setting up shop at Toronto's Dufferin Mall, taking over a space that may evoke nostalgia with many residents in the city.
Dufferin Mall has announced that Old Navy will move into the former Toys "R" Us space later this year, marking a major transformation for one of the mall's most recognizable storefronts.
"We're so excited to finally announce that Old Navy is opening a new store this year at Dufferin Mall!" the mall shared on social media.
Old Navy is known for its affordable clothing, including colourful basics and family-focused apparel, offering everything from activewear to accessories for adults and kids alike.
Like many brands in the city, it experienced a number of closures in recent years, one of which was inside the Eaton Centre.
Toys "R" Us has also had a tumultuous history. The popular brand, once a go-to spot for children's toys, filed for bankruptcy in 2017, marking what many considered the beginning of the end for the retailer in the U.S. market.
Canadian locations tried to keep the brand alive through restructuring, separating from the U.S. chain and its debt. In 2023, it opened a new ocation near Lawrence and Allen in North York.
But Toys "R" Us underwent significant downsizing to remain afloat in Canada, closing dozens of stores in Toronto and across the country in 2025. The Dufferin Mall store officially closed its doors in January 2026, leaving the unit vacant and awaiting a new tenant for the past six months.
According to Dufferin Mall, the new Old Navy store will open in November, though an official opening date has yet to be announced. It will be the second store in Toronto, aside from the one at The Stockyards, while there are others across the GTA and the rest of Ontario.
Dufferin Mall is located at 900 Dufferin St.
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