Two major retailers and a gym are on their way to set up shop at the Georgian Mall in north Barrie. RioCan, the real estate organization that operates the mall, announced Tuesday that it plans to redevelop the space, once taken up by the Hudson’s Bay. Once boasting over 80 stores, last year the historic Canadian retail chain announced it was closing up shop at almost all of its stores across the country. By June of 2025, Hudson Bay’s closed almost every location coast to coast, including Bayfield Street in Barrie. Moshe Batalion, vice president of National Leasing with RioCan, said the company acted quickly to fill the void. “As soon as we realized or we figured that the Hudson’s Bay was leaving or was going to go bankrupt, we basically jumped into action and we managed to fill (the space) very quickly,” said Batalion. RioCan announced the Longo’s grocery store and GYMVMT Fitness Club will be calling Georgian Mall home in 2027. Meanwhile, clothing retailer Mark’s will be relocating to that part of the mall. “Together, these brands will bring sought-after services and everyday essentials to local residents, making Georgian Mall an even more convenient destination for shopping, wellness, and daily life,” Batalion. According to Riocan, Georgian Mall is the largest enclosed shopping centre in Barrie and the greater Simcoe County area. Longo’s will use approximately 35,000 square feet of space while GYMVMT will take up approximately 30,000 square feet, with Mark’s Work Warehouse taking an additional 20,000 square feet. The stores and gym are expected to open in the fall of 2027. “The community wanted a one-stop shop. They wanted one destination where you can go and get your daily needs, you can also work out, you can buy your home goods, your daily, groceries, your furniture or home accessories,” said Batalion. Mall shoppers could see increased construction in the parking lot as building has already begun.
