- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Holt Renfrew
Category: Shopping Department Stores Shopping Fashion Department Stores Department Stores [Edit]
50 Bloor St WToronto, ON M4W 3L8
Neighbourhoods: Yorkville, Downtown Core
(416) 922-2333
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 10 am - 6 pm
Thu-Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
45 reviews for Holt Renfrew
Review Highlights
"I am a fan of Dior Cosmetics."
(in 8 reviews)
"Jemma Kidd, Bond 9, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, and."
(in 5 reviews)
"The sales staff were professional and quick to teach me..."
(in 2 reviews)
Loading...
45 reviews in English
-
Review from Sara K. P.
Toronto, ON
12/20/2011
Dammit Holt's!
I come here to meet-up with a friend before dinner and you make me drop $60 on my selfish self on luxe soap & lotion within seconds of me being in your stratosphere! I'm not even done all my Xmas shopping yet!
I fully intended to do a quick in and out, pick-up my friend from the Armani men's dept and get the hell out, but nooo, your well merchandised and tempting sights and smells in the form of Laura Mercier's signature delicious smelling concoctions ensnare me in it's olfactory delights.
Special shout out to the SA ( I think her name was Emily?) who was super nice and not the clingy, or looking down their nose type of salesperson. Heck Emily even suggested a great restaurant (Cafe Nervosa) for my friend and I to check out as we were vacillating out loud where we should eat, while she rang up my purchase.
Oh well, at least bathtime has been upgraded from the standard Aveeno oatmeal wash to super indulgent experience by way of Laura Mercier Honey Lemon Tart deliciousness...Maybe my $$$ soap can help me to lather up hubby for a trip to Paris ;)Listed in: Shopoholism
-
Review from Monica F.
2/9/2012
The staff here are really something else (and not in a good way...) It's obvious that the level of customer service you get is based on what you look like and how expensive your clothes are, even though they're the ones working to serve us!
Also- why do they ask for your phone number when you buy something? What is this, Radio Shack?
Stores in the U.S like Bloomingdales and Nordstrom carry the same merchandise without the pretentiousness. -
Review from Mochi M.
12/31/2011
I don't come here often, but I do when I want to try on expensive hand creams and relax in a great atmosphere. The Jo Malone fragrances are heavenly (ask for samples!) and the clothes are just so pretty, especially DvF wrap dresses that I can't afford and promise myself that one day I shall own one.
I went here to buy some jeans because I tried on H&M, F21, Gap and all the other cheap culprits for skinny jeans I could find. Those pants just DO NOT fit on me. I have a very stick straight body with a high, but slim waist. Cheap jeans are usually way too big in the waist if they fit in the legs, and/or too low-rise (ick...)
My body is just made for premium denim (alas) although I loathe paying the price. I'd rather spend $170 on great denim than $30 on something I hate to wear.
I went through their Boxing Day Sales Rack, picked out 50 jeans and narrowed it down to 2. I ended up buying the Citizens for $170 (OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!) but I love them because they're perfect for my body (high waisted works on me to stay on my body and not slide down), and a second pair, which I later returned.
My only reason for not giving a full 5 stars is because the saleslady there was both aggressive and snotty. I was asked my opinion in the dressing room by the saleswoman about another woman trying on jeans.
This poor woman had a fabulous body but in True Religion jeans, her butt looked flat, long and very strange. She said she usually has the opposite problem (perky, big butt which I did not see on her to be brutally honest).
The saleswoman was trying to make her commission by lying to this poor lady, and when they asked me to weigh in, I gave her my honest opinion and told her to put them back on the rack as they were unflattering.
I got the evil eye stare from the saleslady, but a grateful ' THANK YOU' from the lovely woman after that, but hey... don't ask me if you don't want me to dish out honesty to your clients.
I saved that lady $300 and a flat butt look.
At the counter, when I was holding 2 pairs of jeans, she gave me another attitude problem when I couldn't figure out which one I wanted. She wasn't as nice and was LAZY in trying to help me find 26, 27 or 28 sizes of jeans in skinny styles on the rack (okay, so she didn't even try to help, which made it worse because there was NO ONE ELSE THERE).
She also tried to tell me that $170 was CHEAP for the jeans, (2 for the price of one!) to get me to buy both of them, but who is she kidding? These jacked up Canadian prices at $270 - $300 each mean that in the U.S. these fake "sales" of 60% off are considered full price at $170 - $180.
Service? Meh. Some associates are great, others are just.. ugh. Too snotty for words because I don't waste my money or my words. -
Review from Lesley W.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2011
I've had both good and bad service here in the past so I'm never sure whether I'm going to be treated like gold or like garbage. As I somewhat hesitantly walked up to the Creed counter, one of the sales associates rushed right past me to ask a well-dressed lady behind me if she needed help. Thank goodness he passed me by because that left his colleague free to assist me instead.
I was just popping in during lunch to pick up a gift for my hubby so I knew exactly what I wanted... but I have a feeling my SA (Alex, I think) would have been very helpful and accommodating if I had questions. I refused a sample for myself (my hubby is much more appreciative of fragrances) but Alex insisted I try a little something. Alex was warm, funny, and friendly, which made my shopping experience very pleasant.
5 stars for Alex but 3 stars overall because I am never sure what type of service I am going to get. -
Review from Roma M.
11/5/2011
Like any other area of Yorkville I avoid this location during TIFF unless I want the tourist experience of celeb-spotting.
Yet, this Holt's location has the. best. cosmetics and perfume section ever. Staff is attentive and walk through the variety of perfumes till you find 'the one'. They are generally friendly and mostly professional.
I try to avoid this location for apparel, as I've scored many better items at the Yorkdale location during Holt sales. Surprise!
Their accessories and shoe department rival Davids and are definitely worth a perusal. You won't find the same variety at any other Holt location in Toronto. -
Review from Sarah A.
12/2/2011
A fashionistas paradise! Amazing brands and merchandise, some affordable and other stuff I can only dream about. It is a very fun store to explore and the merchandise is gorgeous!
Staff is a little hit or miss. The gal in handbags I encountered was great! Super friendly but there were a few people that just looked at me and didn't even say hi. Whatever, get over yourself. Since I used to work in high end retail I have very little patience for people like this but find it laughable because the reality is they are insecure about what they do for work and that is sad.
I did find out sales tax in Toronto is 13% so don't waste your money buying something (like moisturizer or the standard cosmetic lines) that is easily available to you in the US.
So why only 3 stars? When you offer $8000 Tom Ford leather jacket, $50 lipsticks, and $5000 handbags your staff needs to be on point. I'm not saying you need to kiss the hind quarters of your customers but genuineness, a sincere smile and thankfulness go a long way. I did not particularly see anything that could not be purchased somewhere else. Minus 2 stars. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
There is nothing I needed at Holt Renfrew! There is nothing I desire in Holt Renfrew. Please don't get me a gift card here for any occasion, as I would have re-gifted that.....
But, it is fun to browse around as I usually do when I am in the area. I just love to annoy the sales persons and they can size me down as much as they want!
Aside from that, this Holt Renfrew's location has the best selections of everything... and I bet I can find a gift for the Yelp's "Baron" of Holt Renfrew with no problem!! or he can have my gift card!! -
Review from Faye C.
10/24/2011
*My 2 star rating is for the service only*
I was here on the weekend, I was thoroughly unimpressed. The service was shameful, the sales people looked bored and weren`t interested in being helpful at all. I was at the Kiehl`s counter and the woman looked surprised that I wanted to purchase something.
Holt`s does carry a lot of unique items, and high end brands, but with this kind of service, I`m going to stick to shopping abroad. I don`t need the stress.
PS Holt`s - shopping for luxury brands, in the US, UK, Europe and Asia is about a kazillion times better than the experience and service provided in your stores. For a flagship store, you should be ashamed! -
Review from Karl R.
Ah. Holts. I bought my all time favorite tie here. A beautiful black and gold Versace tie (http://media1.ct.yelpc...) that I've never seen sold anywhere else since and I've never seen a tie as black and goldy and beautiful. Beyond that rare find, I've never found a tie at Holts I've really liked. Everything is very "office." I dunno.
I've bought underwear here. I need those boxer-briefs for running. That upper, inner part of my thigh rubs against the upper inner part of the matching thigh and sleeping that night is pretty red and painful. I need some kind of lining. I was tired of the Zellers stuff wearing out after a couple months and tried the $50 a pair stuff. Pro-tip: don't try to buy Hugo Boss boxer briefs and Burberry boxer briefs in the days running up to the Gay Pride Parade. You can't find the stuff. But I discovered the Hugo and Burberry boxer-briefs thin and tear just as rapidly as the cheap stuff. Now all my boxer-brief needs are served by Joe Fresh. Sorry, ladies.
They have an awesome sweet vanilla tea that goes on sale before Christmas and makes a good gift for sister in laws and father's new wives.
Their nicer Gucci scarfs sell out quickly before winter really starts. -
Review from Noel D.
4/1/2011
Never would have guessed I would actually be in this place looking to buy something, but I read an article a couple of months ago about men's jeans and they recommended a pair sold at Holt Renfrew for a reasonable price. So when it came time for me to get some new jeans today I thought I would check things out...
First thing I realised when I walked in the store was that I had no idea where anything was. I was greeted with a sea of make-up counters and employees looking at me like I was an alien. I wanted to ask for directions but everyone looked like they didn't want me to speak to them.
Finally wandered around and found some men's clothes. I asked one of the male employees in that section if there were more jeans and he barely looked at me and mumbled "downstairs." Went down some steps and saw a large selection of nice jeans. Saw a couple I even wanted to try on but the THREE employees standing 4-5 feet away from me were busy talking about how scary the movie Paranormal Activity is. At one point an employee actually made eye contact with me, but then continued to ignore.
I could have asked for help but something came over me and I realised I didn't want to give Holt Renfrew any of my money. I muttered "fuck this" under my breath and left. Bought some jeans at The Gap and they were super nice and helpful. Never again, Holt Renfrew. -
Review from Alison B.
1/13/2011
Oh Holts! How I love you!
If only I had an enormous paycheck.. I would dedicate major time and money to you. For now I will just browse and occasionally treat myself to something I apparently can't live without!
As the Canadian version of Bloomingdales and Barneys, this store is legit and has most (if not all) of the offerings of their American counterparts. There are tons of designers, a wide selection of handbags and a great shoe department. If you want anything high end, from expensive hand cream and make up to beautiful boots and fun party dresses - Holt's has it all.
Bonus - I don't find the sales people especially snobby, as my experience with these kind of stores is they usually profile you and treat you accordingly...
So if you have some money and want to look fine - hit up Holts. You WILL find something to spend your dough on!Listed in: For the shopaholic
-
Review from wendy c.
5/4/2011
This is the best Holts in Toronto.
Recently I met up with friends from US who came to look for something "different" from what they can find down south. This gives me a new appreciation for Holts. Yes, it carries a lot of the same brands that you could find in US, but Holts buyers may choose pieces that are different from what their US counterparts would select, presumably more attuned to Canadian taste, More choices are usually good for consumers.
Services are proficient and professional -
Review from Tong J.
I have a love/hate relationship with Holt Renfrew.
+ I love that they have well designed, refined, trendy pieces of clothing and smaller sizes for men.
- I hate pricing on certain items however! For example, a hundred bucks or more on a ordinary graphic tee. Please!
You know what I hate even more? Shopping for a puff jacket. At HR, there is a great selection of scaled down, slim fitted puff jackets and coats. Yes, they are more pricey than other places. But If it doesn't make me look like a Michelin Man, or worse, a Michelin Man wearing an inflated bath rope, wrap that baby up!
In term of service, it's pretty generic; the usual meet and greet and allowing you to browse peacefully. Sale representatives are young, friendly, knowledgable and well trained.
An awesome service I recently discovered: if Toronto HR doesn't have the size you're looking for, they'll track it down from other locations and have it transferred to Toronto location. Now, that's cool! -
Review from Shelly M.
Toronto, ON
10/13/2010 7 Check-ins Here
Love this store! Shu uemura eye lashes are the bomb! Out standing service at this makeup counter..
Priya Malde is outstanding as one of the beauty ad visors at Shu Uemura counter. I highly recommend booking time with her and getting a consultation with her about makeup and beauty products.
I spend way to much in there when ever I go, Khiels is here as well before they opened on queen so I would stock up on my supplies.
The clothing and shoes in this store are out of this world,,grrr...
wait where is my credit card..damn..see you there.!Listed in: Shopping BEST, Salons, Girly things!!
-
Review from Janna S.
11/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
This location is my favorite one in Canada! Best cosmetics section and amazingly, the staff are friendlier here than in the drab Ottawa location (don't get me started on Yorkdale). Gorgeous merchandise - even if I don't buy it, I still enjoy window shopping here.
Great bathroom location if you're needing to freshen up downtown. Very posh :)Listed in: Best Washrooms in Toronto
-
Review from Jonathan S.
York, ON
9/16/2010
Our one truly high-end department store (Holt Renfrew) boasts a floor and a half of menswear, including the usual suspect brand like Armani and Ralph Lauren Black Label, and a competent made-to-measure program.
I bought my first "grownup" suit here, for first-year law firm summer job interviews. I spent the summer poolside instead, but wore the suit to death.
The sales staff were professional and quick to teach me about this new world, but could be pushy.
Continuity of service is an issue here, since they seem to turn staff over very quickly. A computer system records preferences and purchases, but shopping is more of an art than an algorithm, and I appreciate the occasional call from a salesman who knows my tastes and wardrobe, and isn't afraid to take an educated guess about what I might be in the market for. -
Review from yyz a.
Toronto, ON
10/19/2010
Every section at Holts is different - some have great service, others not so much.
It's an important place to hit to be clear on current designers. Probably not a bad idea to check online stores before committing to buy things since the pricing is quite high. -
Review from Lolia S.
8/11/2008
Posh and exclusive, HR is Canada's premiere department store for men and women (the equivalent of Saks or Neiman Marcus). The downtown Toronto location opened in 1979. Unless they've renovated it since my visit, the exterior doesn't impress but the interior definitely has the look of an upscale department store. They carry Alexander McQueen, Imitation of Christ, Temperley, Thakoon, Kate Moss Topshop, Galliano and other brands that appeal to label whores. Like your typical high-end department store, they have a beauty department, shoes, purses, a spa, salon and a fur salon.
HR is in a class of its own, far more prestigious than The Bay and I was going to say Eaton's but I just learned that Eaton's no longer exists.
Ages ago I went to their outlet store in a suburb of Toronto (I'm not sure where I was). It was in a strip mall and didn't look too impressive (it looked like your typical outlet store). That store, called Last Call HR, has moved to Vaughan Mills.Listed in: Where you should buy gifts, Canada, I love you
-
Review from Kat F.
1/21/2010
I feel like such an imposter in this store.
However, nothing gets between me and my NARS & Laura Mercier.
Imagine my surprise when I walked into Holt's today (honestly - is a doorman fucking necessary?) and saw a Shu Uemura counter immediately upon entering.
I shrieked. Audibly. And dropped my bags. It was a scene out of Legally Blonde to be sure.
I am furious with myself - how did I not know that there's been a Shu Uemura counter at Holt's in Yorkville since July 2009?? UGH. I've been traipsing across the continent stocking up on Smoky Layers (http://www.shuuemura-u...), the most amazing falsies of all time. No longer.
Violet, a gorgeous, Amazonian woman with a sweet disposition, hooked me up with a few pairs for $25/apiece. Not cheap, but indispensable and they're a bargain if you reuse them 10x each like I do. Get it sorted, and get your ass down to Holt's. The cosmetics department is daunting, but if you know what you're looking for
P.S.: Nothing at the NARS counter is in stock, ever. I've gone four times in as many months in search of a Red Square lip pencil and the angry looking woman cockney-slash-Arabic accent has sternly told me that "reds are on back order to all of Canada" each time. eBay it is!Listed in: My Favourite Shopping…, Best Places To Stock Up On…
-
Review from Denise S.
Updated - 2/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Just stopped by the Sherway Gardens location -- they brought back the fantastic Candy Bar idea (from the holidays) AND there were people circulating around the store offering FREE Godiva chocolate truffles for Valentine's Day, perhaps to sweeten the blow of sticker shock. Not a bad idea.
Listed in: Shop 'til you drop
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/21/2010
Yes, this store is ridiculously expensive and the quality of service you receive often depends on… Read more »
-
-
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
4/28/2010
I walk in here knowing I can't afford a single item of clothing or shoes, but it's a great segway from spending too much money, to taking a look at nice things that I cannot afford (and thereby not spending money). This is why I come here.
Other reason is to stock up on my Shu Uemura skincare products (which are not $$$$$ but quite $$$), and I'm so pleased the Holts decided to finally pick them up instead of me buying it via people overseas. They have great free stuff when I buy it, and Priya at the counter is super nice, and always remembers to call me when I think I need to stock up. I can pre pay or pick it up in the store. Makes me feel like a VIP for 10 seconds, and that's kind of nice.
They also have beauty/makeover days, which I haven't yet partaken in, but only require you to buy $70something worth of product (and if it's something you regularly buy, then it's a great deal).
They have free valet parking thurs/fri/sat from 10 til 6pm. A great way to score some free parking if you're in the area.
Also I really like the holts cafe downstairs. -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
9/23/2009
Holt's is a terrific upscale department store. My only experience is with their men's wear so my review doesn't reflect on the Women's part of the store (i.e. 75% of their business).
They have a lot in common with other high-end men's retailers in Canada, including the absurd Canadian mark-up on prices, but the stores feels and looks much better than Harry Rosen. The staff are more informed (which isn't saying much but it is indeed true) and the selection is also better.
Holt Renfrew on Bloor should also be noted as being the sole Canadian distributor of Ralph Lauren Black Label suits in Ontario. Only Holt's in Vancouver has the BL suits. The sales folks in the Ralph Lauren department are more knowledgeable than the non-brand specific associates that roam around. However, as an avoid shopper in the States, I can't help compare prices and I only make large purchases at Holts when they are on sale. A tie here and there is no big deal, but they simply can't touch the retail prices of Saks and Nieman's, and when there is a sale at those two places, forget it, not even close. -
Review from Kelly S.
8/25/2008
The Barney's of Canada, without the attitude. Even though I no longer have tons of cash to splash here (especially now with the loonie hijacking our dollar), I love visiting the sales staff--so nice! so friendly! Or maybe that was just the Prada shopping bag I was carrying. They carry the Madison Ave names (Gucci, Chanel, Missoni, etc), as well as lower-priced but still spendy lines (Theory, DvF, Pringle, etc.)
The shoe department is a MUST. 100% must go. On my quest for perfect wedding shoes, I must have gone in 10-15 times. -
Review from Ro N.
9/5/2008
A girl's dream - the beauty section reminded me of Bergdorf's. It has so many varieties and selection to choose from.
Jemma Kidd, Bond 9, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, and...
I am sad that they no longer keep their private label since I was hoping they still had this one top there.
There's not much else I could say since this is another typical high-end department store.
They carry the same thing in NY and this is why I was hoping they still had their own private label.
If I am going to shop out of the country - I want to get stuff that you won't be able to find back at home.
Not to mention Staff here were all so pleasant! -
Review from ness y.
Toronto, ON
11/29/2008
Every time I feel like quitting school, I go to Holt's.
Holt's reminds me that I can't afford the lux stuff I want all the time. The hope is: finish school and get expensive stuff whenever, if ever, I want. I like expensive stuff now, I just don't tempt the debt-devil by window-browsing. You know how the saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind".
Just a quick romp through Holt's and I'm back on track to churning out papers with disturbingly long titles. Coincidentally enough, said papers are usually about consumption and hence, Holt's is also a great place to re-align baseline observations of bougie dreams (i.e. gawk at the purchase and display of status). -
Review from jocelyn l.
3/9/2011
A cross between Saks 5th Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Smaller than i expected and really nothing i could feasibly afford here...!
-
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
11/14/2008 1 photo
Holt Renfrew is not my kind of store or more accurately I am not Holt Renfrew's kind of guy. I have never been in a store where virtually everything is out of my price range even if I were be given a blank check and decide to fill it out for $1 000 000. This is the department store for people with more money than they know what to do with and really want to spend $1500 on a shirt (I'm not exaggerating). Inside their mega store on Bloor, they also have the Holt Café which you might think is a reasonably priced little boite, but of course you would be wrong. Perhaps this is a cheap place to eat for people who shop at Holt but for me it's a luxury meal out. The store is very nice and it's fun to go and pretend like you belong, but unless you have a building named after you I wouldn't recommend it.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Rachel S.
Toronto, ON
11/23/2010
Holt's unbelievably stuck up. You walk in there and get instantly judged, followed by the look up look down.
Bought a Chanel lipgoss the other day from the Chanel counter. One lady was doing a womans makeup and the other was free to assist me. She gave me a look and then I guess decided not to help me. So, I stood at next to the register and told her I was ready.
She took the gloss out of the box and dropped it on the floor, I asked if she could get me a new onee because I had done that once before and it ended up cracking and making a terrible mess.
She gave me a nasty look, but got me a new one. No other words were spoken.
Look lady, I can afford to shop at Holts, you work at Holts, drop the attitude. Sheesh.
I wouldn't shop there again, it's just unfortunate that brands of makeup like Chanel an YSL are only carried at Holts. -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
10/4/2008 2 photos
I covet and love everything in Holt Renfrew. There are just so many layers to it and every time something new is revealed, whether it is a new level, a new line or something faint and indistinct, like a new fragrance. Within Canada, Holt Renfrew remains the epitome of style and luxury. This particular branch holds the widest range of designers and styles of cosmetics and apparel.
However, until I can afford those Dries Van Noten shoes, every visit is a masochistic journey. -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
10/8/2008
Oh Holt Renfew, you cruel, vicious lover you.
My love/hate for this place is out of control.
I love the designer clothes I can't afford, I hate the snooty makeup counter girls. I love having an all-Canadian upscale mall with all the trappings of Neimum Marcus and Bergdorff's in the States. I hate that it can sometimes seem dated and a little cheap in that they seem to cut corners.
i love the holiday gift-wrapping service, I hate the price hike for nothing more than it being a Holt Renfrew product.
Ah, but Holt's in the winter, the Christmas shopping, the music, the cozy lighting, the cashmere as far as the eye can see. Even if it's just a $20 candle you can afford, it's about the shopping experience. -
Review from jeremy g.
1/6/2009
At least this season, HR's menswear buyers have outdone their Barneys counterparts. Very well (if tightly) edited -- the small shoe department, in particular, left more to be desired -- but the two men's floors showcased winning selections from a broad range of designers.
Wish I had been there during a sale or when the US dollar had been stronger! -
Review from J H.
Toronto, ON
4/30/2011
in my previous life, i spent a lot of money here. then i discovered ebay and realized i could get the same items (although not brand new, who cares) for much less WITHOUT being treated like sh&t by staff who size me up and down.
a determining moment came for me at the flagship Bloor store when i was trying on sunglasses and jokingly riffed to the sales lady that i just wanted to buy all ten. she looked shocked and horrified, as though i had announced a devious plan to defraud the company by purchasing and returning 10 pairs of sunglasses, since i obbbbbbbbviously couldn't afford to own them. her nasty, dirty look cut through me like a knife. the irony is that i had a ton of disposable income and was deep in the habit of wasting it, and she could have made handsome commission off me if she didn't treat me like shit.
hmm what else? well, cosmetics/fragrance staff will either harass you or rudely ignore you, depending on how you are dressed that day. many of their items are priced higher than competing stores (eg, Canada Goose jackets - about $20 or so more here). they seem to carry a revolving door of boutique "cool" brands of cosmetics and accessories - stuff that will sell because InStyle magazine writes about it and it's overpriced, not because it's innovative.
oh and prepare to be continually knocked around and huffed at by rich, WASPY, incredibly entitled and perpetually offended women draped in "jewels" if they feel, for whatever bizarre reason, offended and infringed upon by your plebeian presence. oh and expect all the staff to completely accommodate this and confirm the fact that you are less worthy, by taking care of you last (or never), always. a trick to subvert this would be coming dressed as an angry WASP swarthed in "jewels" yourself. your call. -
Review from Erin H.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2008
Of all my friends I consider myself the most ironic and the least naive. So why is it that when I got to Holt Renfrew do I turn into an idealist and can't understand why everyone in the world has to be so mean?
I am not saying that Holt Renfrew is the world, but to the store's regal regulars and employees it is and it seems to me they do everything in their power to make me feel like I don't belong in it.
One Question: What the HELL???
I just want to drop some of Visa's money on a Marc Jacob's purse (of which there is plenty) and get into debt for the rest of my life, why won't they let me?
Okay, I am exaggerating, Holts is more than happy to take my money and they do have a beautiful store and exquisite merchandise, I Just feel uncomfortable in the place and the staff doesn't ease that discomfort at all.
If you're not rolling in it, Holts is at most a special occasions' store or for the shopping masochist it's a great place to tour around and look at all the designer clothing, jewelry and makeup you can never have. -
Review from Liz K.
8/16/2008
As Lolia said, Holt Renfrew is posh--it's the perfect word to describe it. I'd even put in on the caliber of Barney's, because it really doesn't have many branches. The first floor covers handbags, accessories and cosmetics; men's is in the basement, with the women's gallery and boutiques for Chanel, Dolce & Gabanna, Gucci etc on the second and third levels.
They were having their big summer 70% off sales event when I visited so the place was buzzing with both the well-heeled and casually curious shopper. I don't think I've ever touched so much delicious pret-a-porter items in my life. Oh, the desire!
What I really appreciated about HR, though, was that it could have been just another cold and lifeless retail venue but you can see that the management tries to build a different experience. The first floor was showcasing breathtaking work from the final collections of Reyerson's fashion grads, which lent the store a youthful and gallery-like quality. The stately lady who served us at the checkout also was just so personable and said that she'd been working there for years and loved it.
Even if you're not buying, it's worth heading over here just for the experience. -
Review from Lisa G.
Toronto, ON
9/6/2010
Holt's is really not my kind of store. Way to expensive. It's just not something that I can appreciate. Since I don't shop here, I really can review this store. What I would like to review is the massages at Salon and Spa. I went here for the first time a few years ago when I received a gift card for Christmas. The massage was everything a massage should be. Upon arrival you a shown to a change room with lockers, where you cab change into a plush white robe & "slippers". The massage rooms are dimly lit. The 85 minute massage is like heaven. The 85 minute therapeutic massage is $130. But sometimes spoiling yourself is necessary.
-
Review from howard d.
York, ON
1/30/2011
Good department if you got the bank roll for it
Just drop the attitude and remember without the customer you wouldn't have a job
Thanks -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
11/24/2008
Holt's is all we've got in Canada in the realm of classy department stores. In American movies, the kids waltz through the Christmas displays at Macy's and their eyes water because it's so beautiful. In Canada, everyone walks past Holt's and their eyes water, half at the displays and half because they can't afford anything.
But even though the prices might be out of control for some, there's no reason to hate on the staff. If you've been to any other high-end retail store in the world (Harrods, Saks, Barney's, etc) or even to some snooty stores in Yorkville, you'll realize that the majority of the staff at Holt's are nowhere close to as rude as they could be. At least I've never felt overly intimidated by them. But maybe that's because I stick to the "young people" section, and because I've somehow gotten used to paying $240 for my jeans.
Holts is great to peruse if you want to get ideas of designer collections you like, and then you can just go to H&M and buy the knock-offs two weeks later. It's also good to know that their make-up bonuses are WAYY better than any other store, so if you need to stock up on Clinique, this is the place to do it during bonus time. They usually have good extras for fragrances, I got a huge beach bag for free once.
As much as everything might seem out of reach, they do have really great sales and their house brand isn't too ridiculously over-priced. There are things us normal people can buy at Holts, you just have to give it a chance :) -
Review from Jason S.
1/8/2011
The Yorkdale location is more than adequate for me. Although the Bloor St. store is larger, I found the men's contemporary/casual department at Yorkdale is better stocked. I would recommend going to Bloor if you want a wider selection of formal wear and shoes. I found the staff are generally helpful and knowledgable - don't be afraid to ask for help! I also appreciate the free valet parking between Thursday - Sunday.
-
Review from S K.
Richmond Hill, ON
11/12/2010
I love HR, but the Yorkdale store is much nicer. Smaller and cozier. I dont understand why the staff are always so snooty....you see, there is a difference between you and "them"...THEY WORK and YOU SHOP. They make 10.00/hr and you probably spend that in 2.5 seconds. They probably have to use the free samples where as YOU CAN AFFORD to BUY them. Please sales staff of HR, get over yourself already "eyeroll".
Still love HR tho.... :) -
Review from Karen M.
Toronto, ON
7/19/2009
Yes Holt Renfrew is expensive. There is absolutely no getting around that but it is still tons of fun. I do think in order to enjoy HR you have to have an interest in the mainstream fashion industry, meaning, you are familiar with the major lux brands and don't feel like discussing whether or not they are worth the price. If you read Vogue, In Style, Elle, etc it is really neat to see the cloths up close that you see in the pages of magazines. I do think the Bloor Street location is an excellent store with friendly staff and an amazing merch selection. Yes I said friendly staff. Having visited all 3 Holt Renfrew's in Toronto as well as the one in Ottawa I find the Bloor Street location to have the friendliest staff and if you genuinely are interested in the products, and not just if you would like to purchase them, then they are helpful. I have had many experiences in the jewelery department where the sales person will show me something clearly out of my price range just because it is a gorgeous piece.
The first floor of Holt Renfrew is handbags, accessories and cosmetics. I think it also has mens wear but I don't bother with that area. The handbag area is fan-friggin-tastic!! During sales time there are tables of bags that are on sale. On boxing day, these tables are crazy and my sister and I totally enjoy seeing women searching for that perfect bag, or in some cases 3, that they are looking for. It is crazy boxing day mayhem and that is how we like to spend our boxing day holiday. For people who love cosmetics this is where you can find brands like Perspectives, Yves St Laurent, Dior, Bobbie Brown, Chanel, etc and I know people who think the cosmetic department is heaven.
The shoes, coats, lingerie and café can be found on a 1.5 floor on the east side of the shop. It is a very sweet mid floor between the first and second that can eat up a lot of your browsing time. Checking out crazy shoes is fun, that cannot be argued.
The second floor is the high end brands like Chanel, Gucci, etc. The items are beautiful but sooo do not fit my budget and lifestyle that I don't spend much time here. Story time... my friend from Ottawa came up with her 8 year old. The Chanel sales lady sees the 8 year old and asks her if she would like treat. She gives her a Chanel shopping bag, catalog and Chanel ribbon. The young 8 year old carried it all day on Bloor Street feeling like a grown up.
The third floor is where we might find something we love and maybe afford. It house the contemporary labels like Marc by Marc Jacobs, See by Chloe, Theory, Teenflo, Catherine Maldandrino, Missoni, Tory Burch, Burrburry, Pink Tarten, DVF as well as the fully stocked denim department. On this floor a change room is never far and you can spend a lot of time checking out the latest arrivals as well as combing the sales racks.
Keep in mind Holt Renfrew does have sales, the end of Summer and Winter sales do give up to 75-80% off. I have noticed that since this recession has hit that the sales are longer and better.
