Men in Tights

One part retail, one part community space, Lululemon has opened its first Canadian men’s store—The Local Toronto—on Ossington.

Our insider’s tour of the 2,200-square-foot open-concept space revealed a barber stool at the entrance, a coffee bar with cold brew on tap and merchandise galore, making it easy for guys (and the girls who shop with/for them) to linger while browsing the latest running, yoga and casual menswear collections by the Canadian mega-brand. The flagship also features a custom ping-pong table and record player, plus comfy seating in the back, all in a bid to encourage shoppers not just to spend, but to browse, play and hang out together.

To further foster a sweat among and connect its community of customers, The Local kicked off its mid-January grand opening with a series of community races, with plans to host other local run clubs and events soon. —Julia Parfenyuk

The Local, 96 Ossington Ave., Toronto, 416-535-5011, info.lululemon.com