Reitmans (Canada) Limited

Reitmans (Canada) Limited, one of Canada’s largest retailers of affordable ready-to-wear, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026. The company’s collections are designed in Canada while the bulk of production takes place outside the country.

The history of Reitmans began in 1926 when Herman and Sarah Reitman, a couple of Romanian origin who had immigrated to Canada, opened Reitman’s Dry Goods General Store on Montreal’s St. Lawrence Boulevard.

Noting the popularity of their clothing department, the owners opened a second store devoted exclusively to women’s fashion. Herman and Sarah Reitman subsequently opened five other stores, one for each of their children—Louis, Sam, John, Dora and Jack. In 1936, the company opened the first Reitmans store outside Quebec, in Ottawa, followed in 1939 by an outpost in Toronto.

Eventually, stores were set up in every Canadian province.

Reflecting its growth and success, Reitmans (Canada) Limited became a publicly traded company on the Montreal Stock Exchange in 1947, as the founders’ eldest son, Louis, took over as president.

As it expanded across the country over the years, Reitmans (Canada) Limited began to create new brands and acquire others. In 2026, the company employs over 5,000 people, of whom 600 work at its headquarters on Sauvé Street West in Montreal. It operates over 385 stores in Canada, under three different banners. Reitmans sells everyday women’s clothing, including Hyba activewear. PENN.Penningtons offers plus-size women’s clothing and accessories, while RW&CO caters to young, urban, working men and women.

Evolution of Reitmans’s head office on Sauvé Street, Montreal. Photo courtesy of Reitmans

Through its choice of partnerships, brand ambassadors, and themed ad campaigns, Reitmans (Canada) Limited positions itself as firmly in step with the times. For example, Reitmans was one of the first Canadian fashion companies to create a capsule collection with a luxury designer. In 2011, renowned designer Marie Saint Pierre lent her name to a dozen or so Reitmans holiday-themed dresses, which flew off the racks the day they launched. In 2012, up-and-coming design duo Danielle Martin and Pao Lim, the talent behind the Martin Lim label, created a line of affordable outfits for Reitmans customers.

Among the high-profile celebrities associated with the company’s three brands is actor Meghan Markle (who became the Duchess of Sussex following her marriage with Prince Harry), at the time she played the character of Rachel Zane on the popular American TV series Suits. International model Ève Salvail, known for a distinctive look that made her a muse for French couturier Jean Paul Gaultier, has also collaborated with Reitmans. Hockey player P.K. Subban, famous for his sense of style and philanthropic endeavours, helped design a menswear collection and starred in an RW&CO campaign alongside his brothers, fellow NHL players.

Thanks to their affordability and extensive range of sizes, Reitmans (Canada) Limited brands aim to cater to a diverse feminine clientele. However, this concern is also reflected in their brand image. Ad campaigns focus on the strength and beauty of customers, regardless of age, body type, background, culture, or life experience.