Fourteen Irish consumer brands were showcased at a ‘Made in Ireland’ pop-up shop at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, one of North America’s busiest retail destinations, as part of Irish Heritage Month in Canada.
The two-week activation, led by Enterprise Ireland in partnership with Tourism Ireland and the Consulate General of Ireland in Toronto, aimed to raise awareness of Irish brands among Canadian consumers while driving sales and tourism interest.
The Eaton Centre attracts around 48 million visitors annually, providing Irish companies with a high-profile platform to introduce their products to the Canadian market. Organisers expect significant footfall throughout the month as Irish Heritage Month celebrations take place across the city.
Participating brands span beauty, fashion and lifestyle categories, including Bare by Vogue Williams, Kinvara Skincare, Foxford Woollen Mills, Ella & Jo, SEA+SOLU, WaterWipes, Celtic Tweed, Hanna Hats, Urban Aran, Aran Woollen Mills and Dingle Distillery.
Located on Level 2 of the Eaton Centre, the pop-up invites visitors to create their “#YourIrishEdit”, an immersive showcase highlighting Irish craftsmanship across beauty, fashion, food and drink, and travel. Visitors can sample products, attend whiskey tastings and enjoy live music performances during the activation.
Tourism partners are also participating in the event, offering travel inspiration and itinerary planning for visitors considering trips to Ireland. Tour operators including CIE Tours, Brendan Vacations and Royal Irish Tours are providing travel advice, while visitors can enter a competition to win a six-night trip to Ireland including flights and a castle stay.
According to Molly Tuite, Trade Development Executive for Retail and Retail Technologies at Enterprise Ireland Canada, Canada represents a significant opportunity for Irish consumer brands.
“Canada is a key market for Irish consumer brands, and activations like this are central to driving real commercial growth,” she said. “Bringing Irish brands directly to Toronto shoppers during Irish Heritage Month gives them access to new customers and the opportunity to convert brand awareness into sales.”
Sandra Moffatt, Country Director for Canada at Tourism Ireland, said the initiative also highlights Ireland as a destination for Canadian travellers.
“Ireland continues to be a top destination for Canadian travellers,” she said, noting the tourism body’s new ‘Ireland Goes Beyond’ campaign.
The pop-up forms part of a wider programme of Irish Heritage Month events across Toronto, including the Global Greening of landmarks such as Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, as well as the city’s annual St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Claire Fitzgibbon, Consul General of Ireland in Toronto, said the event highlights the longstanding relationship between Ireland and Toronto.
“The connection between Ireland and the city is deep and enduring,” she said, noting the historic contribution of Irish immigrants to the region and the continued cultural and commercial links between the two countries.