Can Retail Survive in Canada? HANK, A New Men’s Clothing Store, Says Yes

Attention, shoppers: there’s a new sheriff in town. HANK, an all-new, multi-brand menswear endeavour, will open its doors in 2026.

Caulfeild Apparel Group, one of Canada’s oldest privately-owned apparel distributors, announced the new venture last month. It’s a bold move. Specifics are scant, but with several locations across the Greater Toronto Area slated to debut this year, HANK is sure to make a splash.

“Canadian identity is at the forefront of today’s news,” says Mike Purkis, President of Caulfeild Apparel Group. “What remains clear is that Canadians are proud to be Canadian. Canadian menswear needs environments that drive it forward.”

Is today’s retail market, still reeling from the recent closure of Hudson’s Bay, ready for a new Canadian shopping staple? Purkis thinks so — and he says he has the research to prove it. “The timing is ideal,” Purkis tells SHARP. “The Canadian menswear landscape is undergoing a structural reset.”

While he accepts that e-commerce is here to stay, Purkis maintains that physical spaces like HANK offer something you can’t find online. “Our data shows us that men still value in‑person expertise, trust, and time‑saving guidance, especially when shopping for apparel — something digital channels struggle to replicate,” he says. Plus, Purkis adds, there’s an opening in brick-and-mortar. “With the shuttering of Hudson’s Bay, and the loss of Nordstrom and Saks, a significant portion of consumers are now underserved in physical retail environments.”

But what, exactly, can HANK shoppers expect? In an exclusive Q&A with SHARP, Purkis gives us a taste of what’s to come, including “experiential retail” and HANK’s unique take on Canadian fashion. See excerpts from our conversation below.

You describe HANK as filling the gap left by major department store closures. What do you think the collapse of traditional department stores has revealed about how men actually want to shop today?

Our research makes it clear: men aren’t wired to shop recreationally — they shop with purpose. Department stores historically overwhelmed male consumers with too much space, too many brands, and not enough individualized support. The collapse illuminated that men want a curated rather than cluttered environment, with expertise and guidance delivered through a premium service. One that feels welcoming rather than transactional.

As well, our research shows that greater than 50% of men’s purchases are made by women.  This consumer is accustomed to a better shopping environment for themselves and, with the exception of the luxury market, cannot find it in the men’s space. HANK is intentionally built to solve those pain points by offering expertise, clarity, comfort, and curation.

“We need to champion a uniquely Canadian identity. We cannot just import trends from global brands. Not just in the brands we carry, but in the position we take in understanding the Canadian consumer.”Mike Purkis

The name “HANK” references  “a hank, a coil of thread symbolizing craftsmanship and raw creativity.” How does that concept influence the label’s design or retail philosophy?

A coil of thread, symbolizing craftsmanship, is woven into the very fabric of our story. It reflects how our story began and evolved. At the start of Caulfeild, we had artisanal beginnings that emphasized quality, detail, and the “thread” that connects every garment. Our craft has since modernized, balancing heritage cues and contemporary design. And of course, through classic masculinity — it’s simple, yet versatile, and timeless.

Our purpose shows up in the retail experience through materials, aura, and design. We’ll be featuring natural materials and warm textures, framing a classic menswear environment in an experiential space designed to feel lived-in. We exist as a form of storytelling, not just product-hanging. Our space, and the pieces within it, embody that concept. It’s a philosophy of intentionality — nothing extraneous, everything with purpose.

The reality is that, like a hank, our experience will have a continuous, consistent thread throughout the consumer experience.  From the moment the consumer enters our environment, there will be a consistent dedication to quality and emotion. That creates a comfortable environment and experience, allowing the customer to feel part of the experience rather than part of a transaction.

Caulfeild Apparel Group is among the oldest Canadian apparel distribution companies. With decades of experience in mind, how would you describe Canada’s fashion industry? How does HANK fit into this landscape?

Caulfeild has 140 years of expertise within Canadian menswear, with everything from distribution, to design and sourcing for some of the country’s most iconic brands. From that vantage point, we see Canada’s industry as quality‑driven, service‑oriented, regional rather than centralized. Most importantly, [Canada’s industry is] underpinned by loyalty and trust.

Yet, as a country, it lacks modern multi‑brand menswear destinations that combine premium design, strong service, and elevated yet accessible style. This is why HANK fits the modern landscape. HANK fills a gap that few others are equipped to fill, and through Caufeild’s vertical infrastructure, we will be able to deliver value beyond the consumer’s expectations.

How would you define Canadian style today, and how does it differ from American or European approaches to menswear?

As a country for menswear, Canada is minimal, refined, and functional. People don’t flock to Canada to see experiential fashion the way it’s embraced in Europe or heavy logo-driven, volume-centric fashion that’s prevalent in the USA. Instead, Canada is understated. Modern, but timeless — not over-styled — and rooted in quality and craftsmanship.

Canadian menswear occupies a sweet spot: elevated essentials with quiet confidence, mirroring the design cues in HANK’s interiors and brand visuals.  Canadians are effortlessly confident. We are proud, but without arrogance or ego. HANK will reflect that effortless confidence.

What responsibility do Canadian menswear leaders have in shaping a distinctly local point of view, rather than importing global trends?

Given the vacuum left by large retailers and the heritage of companies like Caulfeild, we need to champion a uniquely Canadian identity. We cannot just import trends from global brands. Not just in the brands we carry, but in the position we take in understanding the Canadian consumer and their respective needs. But, in addition to this, we need to be dedicated to a knowledge-based service experience, to embrace the consumer. Trends come and go, but investing in the consumer brings us back to the purpose we started with.

In your opinion, what does thoughtful service look like?

Our approach frames service as one of the brand’s three pillars, alongside value and curated assortment. To us, thoughtful service is authentic, with passionate associates, not scripted staff, and expert guidance that saves men time and builds trust. This allows them to feel confident in a private‑club atmosphere without exclusivity, with hospitality touches like lounge spaces, cocktail/hifi bars, and tailored assistance.

At the core of it, we’re driven by the details of the experience. We have a consistent obsession with all three pillars — service, value, and selection — at once. HANK will embody a service that anticipates needs rather than just responds to them.

In your own words, how would you describe the HANK aesthetic and identity?

HANK is distinctly heritage-inspired but modern. Minimalist, yet warm. Masculine in a timeless, quiet way. Visually, you can expect complementary natural textures with wood, steel, clay, and plaster designed to make you feel at home. It evokes craftsmanship, confidence, and ease — an elevated environment designed for real men’s lives.

Looking ahead, what do you think the next chapter of Canadian menswear will be defined by?

Canadian identity is at the forefront of today’s news. It is a difficult time, and the future is unclear, but what remains clear is that Canadians are proud to be Canadian. Canadian menswear needs environments that drive it forward. Experiential retail that brings us back to real-life experiences, curation over quantity, craftsmanship and authenticity, and accessible premium goods.

We have great luxury environments, but in the premium space, there is a gap we need to fill. HANK has 140 years rooted in Canada, and we understand how important this subtle difference is to our customer. That is why we are introducing HANK.

FEATURE PHOTO: CAULFEILD APPAREL GROUP, COURTESY OF NBP.

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