Retailer on the 'Express' track in Canada

NEW YORK — Express is taking its brand of specialty retail apparel north of the border this September with the opening of its first location in Canada at Fairview Mall in Toronto.

The company said it plans to open a total six stores in Canada by the end of 2011, and an additional 50 stores across the country over the next five years. In addition to Fairview Mall, Express will also open at Lime Ridge Mall in September. In November, Express will have three locations opening in Calgary at Southcentre, Chinook Centre and Market Mall as well as an additional store in Toronto at Square One.

According to a company press release, the 10,000 sq. ft. store will feature a similar product assortment as Express' U.S. stores.

"Canada is the perfect country for Express' first foray into wholly-owned international bricks and mortar locations thanks to its cosmopolitan cities filled with young, fashionable men and women," said Michael Weiss, president and CEO of Express. "We sincerely appreciate the warm welcome we have already received from the Canadian people and look forward to expanding our reach as a fashion authority and to the growth potential of the brand in this new market."

With the opening of its newest location in Canada, Express now operates more than 600 stores across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.