Holt Renfrew bargains still a long drive away

South Bayview and all of Toronto are apparently going to be a long time waiting for the bargain concept from Holt Renfrew. The brand, called hr2, has just opened in the Montreal suburb of Brossard. A second store will open in May in the Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre far from the original HR stores. All of which is fine for those who enjoy the action at Winners and Marshals. These long-time outlets in (and near) the Laird Drive SmartCentre are busy all the time. Reports from Montreal say the hr2 offerings do not duplicate inventory at regular HR stores on Bloor Street and in Yorkdale. HR does say that there will eventually be ten hr2 outlets across Canada but so far nothing more than that.  The  Brossard storefront is said to feature weekend casual looks, including a denim section with brands like Seven and Hudson Jeans, and a display of bright and tropical summer dresses. Prices boast marked reductions, like a pair of AG Premier Skinny-Straight mid-waisted jeans selling for $179 instead of $290, a turquoise Hawaiian dress by Alice + Olivia is $248 instead of $440, and a frilly navy number by Pink Tartan is $279 instead of $695. For more conservative shoppers, there’s a designated area for Giorgio Armani Collezioni suits.