ACBN Marketplace, the retail arm of the Afro Canadian Business Network, has announced interest in taking over one of two vacant Nordstrom retail spaces in the summer.

The organization is currently in talks with mall owners at Yorkdale Mall and the Eaton Centre in Toronto.

More than 400 vendors are needed to take over the space, sources told Black Dollar Magazine. Ryan Knight, co-founder and co-executive director of the Afro Canadian Business Network, is calling on Black businesses to apply.

“As Nordstrom leaves the Canadian market, we see an opportunity to fill the void and provide a new and improved shopping experience for our customers. “Our goal is to make shopping more personal, enjoyable, and community-driven, ensuring we cater to the diverse needs and preferences of our customers.”

He added that with Nordstrom due to leave the Canadian market by the end of June, the opportunity for clothing, beauty, fashion, and home décor businesses to sell their products in a high-traffic area could be a game-changer for Black-owned companies.

For more information about ACBN Marketplace and to sign up to be a vendor, visit the website here.