Toronto's Over the Rainbow moving after 35 years

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
May 4, 2017

Toronto-based retailer Over the Rainbow is gearing up to move from its longtime home on Yorkville Avenue to a new flagship store set to open in the soon-to-be transformed landmark Manulife Centre.
 
Founded in 1975 by Joel Carman, Over the Rainbow is an independently owned retailer recognized in Canada as a specialty store for premium denim.

 
Still remaining in the Bloor-Yorkville area, the family-owned business will move from its current location at 101 Yorkville Avenue where it’s been located since 1982, to the new Manulife Centre at 55 Bloor Street West.
 
“This new store has been in the making for many years!” said Carman, in a news statement. “We are so excited to finally reveal our plans, and we can't wait to deliver a bigger, modern space for our customers, in what we view to be a crown jewel of a building in the Bloor-Yorkville area. We believe the dynamic redevelopment plans to Manulife Centre complement our store's vision for the future.”

The new store will span 6,500 square feet and will feature a larger footprint and more innovative design than its previous location. The store design will be made by Award-winning architectural design firm Giannone Petricone Associates Inc. More details regarding the store’s new features and services will be announced at a later date.
 
Greybrook Realty Partners Inc. announced plans to redevelop the property at 101 Yorkville Avenue, into a luxury retail development in September. The Manulife Centre will see a $100 million overhaul that will span three-levels and 50,000 square feet.
 
The new Over the Rainbow flagship is slated to open in late 2018. Meanwhile, its current location will remain open until construction is complete.