Vero Moda

Affordable European clothing stores are taking over Queen West. After the addition of Spain's Zara, then the much anticipated Swedish H&M, the Danish line, Vero Moda decided to open it's first North American store in Toronto. Having over 700 stores internationally, selecting Toronto as its first store location in North America is a bit of a risk considering the city's more conservative relationship with fashion.

Sure, we flocked to H&M and Zara on opening weekends, changing in the middle of the store to avoid the hour long waits at the change rooms, and the same with the recent addition of California chain, Forever 21, but do we really need another cheap knockoff retailer? Even the location gives pause for thought, being more West Queen West than simply Queen West. (The store is located just west of Bathurst at 632 Queen.)

Perhaps being able to boast about having former Victoria Secret model, Gisele as the brand's spokesmodel will help create a buzz, but so far no one seems to be talking about it.