Back by popular demand, the first-ever fully Indigenous-owned department store is returning to Toronto for its highly anticipated second edition, just in time for the holidays.
The Indigenous department store named aaniin, which means “hello” in Ojibwe, is anchored in Indigenous language, culture, and entrepreneurship. The retailer announced in an Instagram post last week that it will operate temporarily on the second floor of the Eaton Centre from Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, until January 2026, offering a wide selection of Indigenous-owned brands.
“We are so back Tkaronto. The aaniin POP UP is BACK The aaniin POP UP is BACK and better than ever! Come visit us between 11/01 and New Year’s!” the post’s caption reads.
This year’s lineup of participating vendors includes aaniin, Assinewe Jewelry, Cheekbone Beauty, MINI TIPI, Moccasin Joe Artisan Coffee Roasters, Odemini Giizis Café, Outlier Leather, and Urban Native Era, among other brands from across Turtle Island.
A grand opening celebration will be held on Nov. 1, including giveaways, drinks and snacks, traditional dancing, interactive activities, photo booths, and a chance to meet the founders face-to-face.
This year’s pop-up will also showcase a new addition: the Bimaadiziwin Marketplace, an online bazaar developed through aaniin’s Business Growth Cohort. The platform enables Indigenous entrepreneurs to put their learnings into practice, measure their businesses digitally, and reach customers beyond the Toronto mall.
“It became clear to me at a young age that the strongest and most direct path to reconciliation is reclamation, and this starts and ends with the Indigenous economy,” Chelsee Pettit, founder of aaniin, said in a statement.
aaniiin, founded by Pettit, an Anishinaabe entrepreneur and member of the Aamjiwnaag First Nation, back in 2021, reflects a decolonized approach to business, inviting shoppers to rethink Indigenous retail while supporting economic sovereignty and empowerment.
Last year’s pop-up was deemed a “resounding success,” as aaniin’s one-month sales goals were exceeded within 10 days of opening. This year aaniin is aiming to highlight the artistry, innovations, and resilience of Indigenous creators while offering shoppers a way to support reconciliation in action.
“You can’t get more Canadian than supporting Indigenous businesses.”
To learn more about aaniin, click here.
