Black-Owned Brands Making Waves in 2025

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Where creativity, culture and innovation unite

This Black History Month, we celebrate the incredible creativity, talent, and resilience of Black-owned brands across beauty and beyond. From makeup lines that prioritize inclusivity to skincare brands that prioritize natural beauty, these businesses are shaping industries and empowering communities.

Discover the Black-owned brands at Upper Canada that are making an impact in their respective fields, listed below.

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Briogeo

Briogeo, the Black-owned hair-care brand that made its debut on Sephora shelves in 2014, quickly became a standout in the beauty industry with its clean, effective products like the Don’t Despair, Repair! Conditioner and Deep Conditioning Mask, earning Allure Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Awards. Its rapid growth caught the attention of Wella Company, leading to a strategic partnership in 2022. Although acquired, Briogeo founder Nancy Twine remains as CEO while also joining Wella’s executive leadership team, helping drive future growth and innovation. The partnership promises to elevate Briogeo’s global expansion and success, aligning with both companies’ shared values and vision.

Available at Sephora

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Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna is a brand that revolutionized the beauty industry with its commitment to inclusivity. Launching in 2017, Fenty Beauty made waves by offering 40 (now 50) shades of foundation, ensuring that women of all skin tones could find their perfect match. Rihanna’s vision wasn’t just about creating a makeup line; it was about empowering people of colour and challenging the beauty standards that often sidelined them. Fenty Beauty stands as a testament to the power of diversity and the importance of representation, making beauty more accessible and true to life for everyone.

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FORVR Mood

FORVR Mood is a luxury fragrance brand founded by the talented YouTuber and beauty mogul, Jackie Aina. Known for her unapologetic advocacy for diversity and inclusion, Jackie’s vision with FORVR Mood is to create a brand that celebrates self-care, relaxation, and representation. With a wide array of scents inspired by culture and femininity, FORVR Mood offers much more than just candles and fragrances—it’s a celebration of Black excellence and a commitment to amplifying voices often overlooked in the beauty and lifestyle industry.

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Pat McGrath Labs

Pat McGrath Labs is a brand founded by the legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, whose influence has reshaped the beauty industry. Often referred to as the “mother of makeup,” McGrath’s trailblazing work has made her a global icon, known for her bold, creative vision and commitment to inclusivity. Pat McGrath Labs has pushed boundaries with innovative products that cater to every skin tone, proving that beauty is for everyone. With her passion for diversity and artistry, McGrath has paved the way for future generations of Black creators, and her brand continues to stand as a beacon of empowerment, creativity, and representation.

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PATTERN By Tracee Ellis Ross

Founded by the actress and activist, Pattern was created to address the unique needs of curly, coily, and wavy hair types, offering high-quality products designed to nourish, define, and enhance natural curls. Tracee Ellis Ross has long been an advocate for self-love and embracing one’s natural beauty, and Pattern is a reflection of that mission.

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Adwoa beauty

Founded by Julian Addo, Adwoa Beauty creates products designed to nourish and elevate textured hair while celebrating the richness of Black culture. With a focus on clean ingredients and eco-conscious packaging, the brand emphasizes self-care, self-love, and embracing natural hair textures. Through Adwoa Beauty, Julian has built a space where Black and curly hair is not only celebrated but cared for with products that truly understand its needs.

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This month, and every month, it’s important to recognize the incredible impact Black founders and creators have had on the beauty industry. From Fenty Beauty’s revolutionary inclusivity to Pat McGrath’s artistry and innovation, these brands are not just reshaping beauty standards—they’re empowering individuals to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their heritage. Supporting these brands is a reminder that beauty is diverse, multifaceted, and worth celebrating every day. Let’s continue to uplift and honour the voices that have made beauty more inclusive, authentic, and true to life.

Staff Picks for Holiday Gifting

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With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to think about finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Who would know what to get at Upper Canada Mall more than the office staff? We went straight to the sources to put together their picks for the special people in their lives.

Ready to get inspired? Read on to hear what our very own are gifting this holiday season.

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For the Kids

Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock.

“Lapis Lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone that has been prized for its intense colour.

My daughter is like a rare gemstone that came into my life to stay forever.”

– Catalina, Marketing Specialist

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“Skiing is a great family sport which allows for some great quality time and exercise with the family this winter. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned skier/snowboarder there are plenty of items to choose from at Sport Chek to outfit the entire family.

Best of all, Upper Canada Mall is located just 45 minutes away from Horseshoe, Snow Valley and Mt. St. Louis/Moonstone.”

– Ryan, Director & General Manager

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“I wanted to gift my daughter with things she loves. The Advent Calendar is the perfect opportunity to try new skincare and make-up products with the bonus of opening up something different every day of the month.

Plus, the earrings are cute, stylish, and something she would reach for. They can be worn every day and are a perfect stocking stuffer.”

– Fil, Property Administration Manager

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For the Parents

“The Teddy Fur PJ set is the perfect PJ set for my mother to keep her warm and cozy on those cold winter nights. The caramel set was my favourite, it’s a beautiful colour and very soft.”

– Karen, Property Administrator

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“Being the great mom that she is, my mom is one of the hardest working women I know and she deserves it all – but what do you get someone who deserves the world? My mom is constantly on her feet at work and these New Balance’s are trendy yet comfortable for her day-to-day tasks.

For my mom’s second gift, Ive got something perfect for her relaxation time! The Roots Plaid Pajama Set is incredibly soft and breathable, boasting that iconic style.”

– Yasmeen, Marketing Manager

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For the Siblings

“My sister is a first-year university student so I wanted to gift her the essentials she’ll need for the rest of the year. Walking around campus during the colder months can be tough which is why I opted for things that will make it easier for her.

UGGs are essential for her walks to class. Plus, they add a cute and comfy flair to her outfits when she’s on-the-go. Similarly, the vest is warm and easy for her to grab when she’s walking out the door.”

– Alessia, Property Administrator

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“My brother spends most of his time commuting to-and-from work and watching sports so I wanted his gifts to reflect both of those things.

AirPods are the best for his commute to listen to music and podcasts on the subway. Plus, a practical yet stylish combination of merchandise from his favourite football team is always a great go-to.”

– Claudia, Digital Product & Community Specialist

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Give the gift of choice this holiday season.

Match the Occasion

Give the gift of choice this holiday season with one of our gift cards. Our physical gift cards are great for the traditionalist, while our e-gift cards give you the option to send a personalized holiday greeting (including photo and video!) to that special someone. You can even team up with family, friends or coworkers for a joint e-gift card for holiday gifting!

GIFT NOW

Mother’s Day Made Easy

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Special gifts to show you care

It’s true: moms should be celebrated every single day of the year. With our curated gift picks, you can show her exactly how grateful you are. Whether she’s due for a beauty re-up or deserving of a self-care experience, our ideas will make shopping for Mother’s Day a cinch.

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A Self-Care Moment

Moms are the first to prioritize everyone else. Help her carve out some recharging time with soul-soothing picks like fresh yoga gear, a face mask and some mood-setting extras.

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A Beauty Refresh

Few gifts will delight as much as a thoughtful trove of beauty essentials. Tried-and-true favourites are a sure bet, but we love the idea of an elevated, exceptional option—something she’d never get for herself—to take your gift giving to new heights.

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Stylish Wardrobe Wins

Want to really show mom how much you know her? A piece (or two!) that speaks to her curated style will do. Opt for seasonal staples or forever jewelry picks to show your appreciation.

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A Happy Home

Welcoming friends and loved ones into her inviting home is a total point of pride. Bring more beauty into mom’s space with standout decor, a signature home scent and unique kitchen staples.

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Discover more personalized gifts for the always-worthy mom in centre or consider an Upper Canada Gift Card—pick one up at Guest Services or send an e-gift card with a personalized message or video. It’s the perfect way to let her treat herself to exactly what she wants!

Everything You’ll Want to Wear This Summer

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The sun is out, the temperatures are rising and summer style is in full swing. To get you started on curating your summer wardrobe, we’ve rounded up this season’s top fashion trends below.

Shop summer fashion trends

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Poplin

Poplin is making big waves this season, perhaps replacing the ever-so-popular summer fave, linen. The beauty of this cotton fabric is that it provides that easy breezy feel for summer but looks slightly more put together than linen. And there are endless options to choose from, such as maxi dresses, the trending bubble skirt and, of course, a summer staple: the matching set.

H&M poplin pajamas

H&M Poplin Pajamas

Michael kors stretch organic cotton poplin cropped shirt

Michael Kors Stretch Organic Cotton Poplin Cropped Shirt

H&M Tie-Belt Shirt Dress

H&M Tie-Belt Shirt Dress

Gap Cropped Poplin Shirt

Gap Cropped Poplin Shirt

H&M Tie-detail Bubble-hem Top

Banana Republic Poplin Maxi Dress

Banana Republic Poplin Maxi Dress

Ardene Poplin Tiered Midi Dress

Ardene Poplin Tiered Midi Dress

Gap Poplin PJ Shorts

Gap Poplin PJ Shorts

H&M Boxy Poplin Shirt

H&M Boxy Poplin Shirt

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Bermuda Shorts

In the world of fashion, what goes around comes around, and this season, the once beloved bermuda short is back. Not as short as hot pants and not quite as long as capris (another popular trend this season), the bermuda is perfect for both the office and casual weekend activities.

Ardene bermuda sweatshorts

Ardene Bermuda Sweatshorts

Gap-9 high rise bermuda shorts

Gap 9″ High Rise Bermuda Shorts

Banana republic lido italian wool bermuda short

Banana Republic LIDO ITALIAN WOOL BERMUDA SHORT

Ardene high rise skater jorts in light blue

Ardene High Rise Skater Jorts in Light Blue

Ardene regular rise long cargo shorts in khaki

Ardene Regular Rise Long Cargo Shorts in Khaki

Wilfred thesis bermuda short

Wilfred Thesis Bermuda Short

Gap 8 mid rise 90s loose denim bermuda shorts

Gap 8″ Mid Rise ’90s Loose Denim Bermuda Shorts

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Athletic Prep

Maybe it’s the upcoming summer Olympics or the Zendaya effect, but preppy, athletic ensembles are one of the most popular style aesthetics this season. To get the look, channel your inner prep school student with polo shirts, track jackets and, of course, the tennis skirt. Don’t forget the sneakers!

Gap cropped rugby polo shirt

Gap Cropped Rugby Polo Shirt

H&M drymove™ tennis skirt

H&M DryMove™ Tennis Skirt

Asics womens japan s pf platform sneaker

ASICS Womens Japan S PF Platform Sneaker

Ardene long sleeve zip up polo in black

Ardene Long Sleeve Zip-Up Polo in Black

Gap shrunken polo shirt sweater

Gap Shrunken Polo Shirt Sweater

Aldo hely white womens low top sneakers

ALDO Hely White Women’s Low top sneakers

Sirens active tennis skirt with side pocket

Sirens Active Tennis Skirt with Side Pocket

H&M track jacket

H&M Track Jacket

Adidas originals top ten rb

adidas Originals Top Ten RB at Foot Locker

Roots sporting goods warm up jacket gender free

Roots Sporting Goods Warm Up Jacket Gender Free

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Pajama Party

The pajama trend is still going strong with our fave style stars wearing oversized shirts, relaxed pants and elevated boxer shorts in classic stripes. The key to elevating this trend is by pairing it with unexpected accessories: think a structured bag, bold pieces of jewelry, and a cute pair of flats. The best part? You don’t need to sacrifice style for comfort with this trend.

Gap pleated satin boyfriend shirt

GAP Pleated Satin Boyfriend Shirt

Banana republic ravena delicate curb link bracelet

Banana Republic Ravena Delicate Curb Link Bracelet

Gap waffle cropped pj pants

Gap Waffle Cropped PJ Pants

Rwco earrings with double teardrop pendants

RW&Co Earrings with Double Teardrop Pendants

H&M pajama shirt and pants

H&M Pajama Shirt and Pants

H&M linen blend pajamas

H&M Linen-blend Pajamas

Gap Ballet Flats

Gap Ballet Flats

H&M printed resort shirt

H&M Printed Resort Shirt

Old navy poplin pajama short set

Old Navy Poplin Pajama Short Set

Banana republic mariner jumbo link necklace aureus argent

Banana Republic Mariner Jumbo Link Necklace _ Aureus + Argent

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Butter Yellow

It may not be Pantone’s Colour of the Year, but butter yellow is most definitely the colour of summer 2024. It’s a great alternative to beige that adds a fresh wearable take to the popular summer hue. And since it’s in the same colour family, you can treat it as a neutral and pair butter yellow items into your existing summer wardrobe.

Banana republic livia linen mini dress

Banana Republic Livia Linen Mini Dress

Old navy knit jersey pajama short set

Old Navy Knit Jersey Pajama Short Set

Gap organic cotton vintage t-shirt

Gap Organic Cotton Vintage T-Shirt

Banana republic lina pleated linen short

Banana Republic Lina Pleated Linen Short

Banana republic lina pleated linen short

Banana Republic Lina Pleated Linen Short

Aldo daphnee

ALDO Daphnee

H&M non padded bikini top

H&M Non-Padded Bikini Top

H&M sweatshorts

H&M Sweatshorts

H&M tie back puffy dress

H&M Tie-Back Puffy Dress

Lululemon everywhere belt bag

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

Wilfred twirl pleated skirt

Wilfred Twirl Pleated Skirt

Father’s Day Gift Guide

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Perfect presents he’ll love

Dads aren’t always the easiest to shop for (we’ve all heard the phrase “I don’t need anything!”) but they’re still deserving of something special come Father’s Day. We’ve rounded up our favourite pop-approved gifts for every type of dad—stylish, sporty or otherwise—to feel totally seen and loved.

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The Stylish Set Up

Supe up his everyday style with some specially selected office essentials or a weekend-approved outfit. There’s no doubt he’ll be pleased you brought your sharp eye to his closet.

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The Toiletry Bag Upgrade

Whether you’re sourcing his next favourite scent or leveling up his shaving routine, a new grooming addition is guaranteed to be put to good use.

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The Accessory Add-In

A timeless watch, a standout shoe, a holds-everything bag—the perfect finishing piece can really complete his look. Bonus: every time dad puts it on, he’ll think of you.

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The Athletic Advantage

When his happy place is on the court, in the gym or out on the green, elevate dad’s game with state-of-the-art sports gear and cool activewear options. It’s bound to be a winning gift.

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Still stuck on what to get the worthy father figure in your life? Consider an Upper Canada Gift Card. Head in-centre to pick one up at Guest Experience or send an e-gift card with a personalized message or video. That way, he’ll get to choose something that speaks directly to him!

Your Complete Halloween Shopping Guide

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Costumes, décor, treats & more.

Halloween is the ultimate celebration of creativity, community, and fun—and Upper Canada makes it easy to find everything in one place. From head-turning costumes and festive décor to indulgent treats and seasonal scents, our retailers have everything you need to bring the spooky season to life.

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Costumes for All Ages

Start your Halloween prep with the perfect costume. And whether you’re going classic, creative or trendy, building a great Halloween look doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start with versatile pieces that can be styled into multiple costumes (for all those RSVPs!) or choose pre-made options that let you show up ready to go. Accessories, masks and makeup add personality and help you customize your outfit to stand out. With options for kids, teens and adults, it’s easy to dress the whole family for trick-or-treating, parties or school events.

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Party Décor & Spooky Essentials

Set the scene with décor and accents that make your home Halloween-ready in minutes.

Halloween décor is all about creating an atmosphere. Think moody lighting, playful centrepieces and themed tabletop accents that spark conversation. Adding candles, diffusers and statement décor instantly transforms your space, while reusable serveware and versatile décor pieces transition easily into other fall celebrations. Even a few thoughtful updates—like a new statement piece or festive candle—can make your home feel ready for Halloween night.

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Trick-or-Treat Treats

Halloween isn’t complete without sweets to share with friends, family and trick-or-treaters.

Stocking up early ensures you’re ready for doorstep visitors and seasonal gatherings alike. Whether you prefer gourmet chocolates, big-bag candy or ready-to-eat treats, having a mix on hand keeps everyone happy. A well-stocked candy bowl doubles as festive décor and individually wrapped treats make party favors easy. Our tip? Sweet indulgences also make thoughtful gifts for hosts or teachers during the season.

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Beauty & Fragrance for Spooky Season

Elevate your Halloween experience with bold makeup, dramatic effects and seasonal scents.

Beauty and fragrance are the finishing touches that take a costume—or your seasonal mood—to the next level. Experiment with bold eyeshadow palettes, dramatic lashes or special-effects makeup to complete your look. Seasonal body care and home fragrances help carry the atmosphere beyond October 31st. From everyday wear to costume-specific products, these details ensure you feel confident and completely in the Halloween spirit.

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Make this Halloween unforgettable with costumes, décor, treats, and beauty essentials from Upper Canada’s retailers. Visit in-centre today or check our Halloween Events to plan your perfect spooky season. Don’t forget—a Upper Canada Gift Card is the ultimate treat.

How to Celebrate Mother’s Day at Upper Canada Mall

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This Mother’s Day, celebrate the extraordinary women in your life with an eventful experience at Upper Canada Mall. In honour of this special day, we’ve curated a guide to celebrate the moms and mother figures in your life. From delicious dining to shopping and more, the options are endless to treat mom this Mother’s Day.

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Self-Care Essentials

Treat mom to some pampering so she can unwind, rejuvenate and look and feel her absolute best. Whether it’s a mani-pedi at Nails For You, a facial at LEVEL Laser Med Spa or a brow shaping at Benefit Brow Bar (located in Sephora), there are plenty of opportunities for you and mom to indulge in some TLC.

Want to recreate the spa experience at home? Grab some beauty and wellness essentials from Saje, Bath and Body Works, and L’Occitane so mom can continue her self-care in her own space.

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Sweet Treats and Savoury Delights

While spending Mother’s Day at Hillcrest, don’t forget to refuel with some food and drink! From a morning coffee and pastry at A-Ok Cafe to an afternoon pick-me-up at Amadeus Patisserie and or takeout from Market & Co., Upper Canada has plenty of options to suit every palette.

More dining options

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Heirloom-Worthy Jewels

Jewelry is a timeless symbol of mom’s love and appreciation. Opt for an heirloom-worthy keepsake, a personalized piece or simply a fun accessory that matches mom’s personal style. We recommend checking out Swarovski, Gemlet, Mulu Jewelry and Hillberg & Berk.

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Home

They say home is where the heart is, so why not gift mom all the things she needs to create a space that truly feels like hers? Find homewares, dishwares, decor and more at Winners, Linen Chest and Fox Home.

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Uppercanada gift card

Match the Occasion

If your mom marches to the beat of her own drum, give her the gift of choice with an Upper Canada Mall gift card. Our physical gift cards are great for the traditionalist, while our e-gift cards allow you to attach a personalized message or video that mom is sure to love.

Gift Now

Gifts for Everyone on Your List

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Holiday shopping made easy.

There’s nothing like the joy of finding the perfect gift, that moment when you know it’s just right. Whether you’re shopping for a trend-setter, tech lover, or tiny dreamer, Upper Canada has gifts that bring smiles to every holiday gathering. Thoughtful, stylish, and ready to wrap, these finds make holiday shopping simple and satisfying.

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For Her: Elegant, Effortless, and Thoughtful

This season is all about gifts that blend beauty and comfort, including cozy knits, luxe accessories, and little indulgences that make her feel celebrated. Add a skincare set or timeless jewelry piece for an extra thoughtful touch.

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For Him: Sleek, Smart & Ready for Winter

From tech to tailoring, his gifts strike the perfect balance of practical and cool. Upgrade his look with modern wardrobe staples, essential gear, or sleek headphones to match his everyday rhythm.

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For Kids: Magic, Play & Wonder

Wrap up their excitement with gifts that spark imagination: books, crafts, and cozy pajamas for family mornings are all ace. Choose colourful toys or storybooks that make memories long after the season ends.

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Under $50: Small Gifts, Big Impact

The best surprises come in small packages. Stock up on treats, candles, mugs, or mini décor items that make anyone’s day. Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean extravagant—it just has to feel special.

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The Gift That Always Fits

Still deciding? The Upper Canada Gift Card is your answer. Buy in-mall or online for instant delivery and even personalize it with a photo or video. The most thoughtful gift is letting them choose exactly what they love.

Support Local YYC

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#SUPPORTLOCALYYC

Calgary has an undeniable community spirit that always comes together in challenging times. Our local businesses empower the creativity, passion and community that makes our city thrive.

With over 20 local retailers, Southcentre is dedicated to breaking down barriers by providing opportunities and resources to help our local businesses achieve long term success and sustainability. There has never been a more important time to support, celebrate and up-lift our local businesses.

Southcentre is helping shoppers identify our local retailers with a special sticker located on the retailer’s storefront. Look for the “Love Where You Live” sticker and #SupportLocalYYC at Southcentre Mall.

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OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL

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Engage with Businesses Online

Introduce your followers to your favourite local businesses through social media. Sharing with your followers help businesses reach a larger audience and connect with more customers. Offer additional support by liking, commenting, saving, and sharing their content.

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Write Referrals and Reviews

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to introduce new customers to your favourite local shop. Positive reviews let potential customers see that a business is endorsed by real people who have enjoyed their product or service.

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Make your Support Personal

Send a thank-you note or an email to let them know that you see them and you’re thinking of them during this time. Gratitude and connection goes a long way and is encouraging for local retailers!

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The History, Meaning and Importance Behind 17 Different Pride Flags

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Happy Pride month! As you probably know, the rainbow flag is synonymous with this celebratory time that honours and uplifts the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. You’ll often spot it in the windows of people’s homes, on bumper stickers, pins, blowing in the wind on flag poles in addition to apparel like t-shirts and backpacks. This flag symbolizes unity, acceptance, and the fight for equal rights and when it’s displayed, it’s a way of showing support for the Queer community.

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Designed by drag queen Gilbert Baker and dye artist Lynn Segerblom—at the urging of Harvey Milk (one of the first openly gay officials appointed to public office in the U.S.)—the original Pride flag debuted in 1978 at San Francisco’s Gay Freedom Day Parade. This first iteration of the flag (also known as the Gilbert Baker Pride Flag) had eight colours on it with each shade representing its own meaning. Shortly after the flag’s debut, two of the eight colours were dropped from the design (hot pink and turquoise, due to difficulties in manufacturing those shades) to reveal the six coloured flag that’s commonly used today.

While the six striped Pride Flag is often used to represent LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, there are now multiple flags that specifically represent different groups within the community.

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Bisexual Pride Flag

Created by bisexuality activist Michael Page in 1998, this flag has three horizontal stripes—pink, purple and blue—and represents bisexuality. The pink stripe is for attraction to the same gender, blue for the attraction to a different gender, and the purple represents attraction to two or more genders.

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Lesbian Pride Flag

This Pride Flag was created in 1999 by graphic designer Emily Gwen. Her goal was to create a symbol for the lesbian community. This flag has seven horizontal stripes: three stripes of gradient red and orange, one stripe of white and three stripes of gradient pink. The shades of orange represent gender non-conformity and community, the white stripe represents unique relationships to womanhood, while the shades of pink are for serenity, peace and femininity.

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Transgender Pride Flag

Transgender activist and US Navy Veteran Monica Helms created this Transgender Flag in 1999. She created the flag—consisting of five horizontal stripes of blue, pink, white, pink, blue—as a symbol to celebrate and empower transgender people, including the diversity within the community and the rights that transgender folks are still fighting for. The light pink and light blue stripes represent traditional colours for male and female and the white stripe is for those transitioning, are intersex or are non-binary.

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Pansexual Pride Flag

Graphic artist Jasper Vardey created the Pansexual Pride Flag in 2010 as he wanted to create a standalone symbol for the pansexuality community. You can spot this flag by its three horizontal stripes in pink, yellow and blue. Just like the Polysexual Pride Flag with pink and blue representing attraction to those who identify as female and male, the yellow stripe is for attraction regardless of gender.

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Asexual Pride Flag

First introduced in 2010 by a group of asexual activists, this Pride Flag was created to empower the asexual community. Consisting of four horizontal stripes in black, grey, white, and purple, black represents asexuality, gray is for the grey area between asexuality and sexuality, white for sexuality and lastly, the purple stripe represents community.

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Demisexual Pride Flag

While it is not known when the Demisexual Pride Flag was created, it is suspected that its design was inspired by the Asexual Pride Flag which was created in 2010 (see above) as it uses the same colours but in different shapes. Demisexual identity is where a person forms sexual attraction to someone else only after they have established a deep emotional connection to that person. At the top of the flag is a white stripe, which represents sexual attraction, and below it sits a small purple stripe, which represents community, then a large grey stripe at the bottom for demisexuality. Lastly, there’s a black triangle at the left-hand side of the flag which represents asexuality.

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Genderqueer Pride Flag

First introduced in 2011 by genderqueer activist Marilyn Roxie, the Genderqueer Pride Flag was created to represent those who identify as a combination of genders or who have a gender that is outside the traditional male and female binary. The flag consists of three horizontal stripes: purple, white and green with purple representing androgyny and other queer identities, white for agender identities or having no gender and green for those who are non-binary.

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Genderfluid Pride Flag

In 2012, genderfluid activist JJ Poole first introduced the Genderfluid Pride Flag. It was created to celebrate people who have a gender identity that is not fixed and can fluctuate in different circumstances and/or over time. This flag has five stripes in colours of pink, white, purple, black and blue and each one represents a different part of the genderfluid community. Pink is for femininity, white for neutrality, purple for a combination of male and female genders, black for the absence of gender and blue for masculinity.

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Polysexual Pride Flag

In 2012, Tumblr user Samlin created the Polysexual Flag, and it was introduced to differentiate polysexuality from bisexuality and pansexuality. This flag has three horizontal stripes in pink, green and blue. Pink represents attraction to female-identifying people, the blue for attraction to those who identify as male, and the green stripe is for attraction to people who identify as non-binary or other genders.

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Intersex Pride Flag

This Intersex Pride Flag was designed by intersex activist and organization founder Morgan Carpenter in 2013. This flag was created to empower the intersex community which consists of people who are born with reproductive traits or sexual anatomy that are outside of the male-female binary. There have been changes made to the Intersex Flag over the years, but this version is yellow with the outline of a purple circle on it—two colours that are seen as gender neutral.

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Nonbinary Pride Flag

The Nonbinary Flag was created in 2014 by nonbinary activist Kye Rowan to represent people who don’t identify with either binary gender or those who don’t identify within the binary in general. With stripes of yellow, white, purple and black, each colour has a different meaning: yellow for gender outside the binary, white for those who have multiple or all genders, purple for those who are both female and male identifying while the black stripe represents those with no gender.

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Agender Pride Flag

Salem X created the Agender Pride Flag in 2014 and it represents people who don’t identify with any gender, are gender neutral or have no gender. The flag has seven horizontal stripes, two black stripes at the top and bottom of the flag, two grey stripes above and below the black, two white stripes next to grey and a green stripe in the middle. The black and white stripes represent the absence of gender, the grey stripes are for those who are semi-genderless, and the green stripe represents non-binary folks.

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Bigender Pride Flag

Currently, there are multiple variations of the Bigender Pride Flag. This flag, created in 2014 by Tumblr user ‘no-bucks-for-this-doe,’ is one of the more commonly used versions. It represents those who identify with two genders, whether that’s male and female or outside of the gender binary. This flag has seven horizontal stripes in two shades of pink, two stripes in one shade of purple, one of white and two shades of blue. While there’s currently no written explanation to explain what each colour means, it is widely thought that the pink and blue stripes represent the feelings of identity, the top purple stripe is for good relationships, the white stripe is for unique bigender experiences, and the bottom purple stripe is for pride.

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Androgyne Pride Flag

There’s more than one Androgyne Pride Flag, but this one was believed to be introduced in 2014 by a Tumblr user by the name of ‘saveferris.’ The Androgyne Pride Flag represents individuals who display a combination of masculine and feminine characteristics or someone who’s gender identity is androgynous. Androgyny may be referring to gender identity or expression or biological sex. The flag consists of three vertical stripes in pink, purple and blue with the meaning of the pink stripe being femininity, the blue stripe being masculinity and the purple stripe in the middle representing a blend of both genders.

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The Two-Spirit Pride Flag

This flag represents Indigenous American that identity as two-spirit individuals meaning they fall outside of the M-F binary. Tumbler user ‘2Sanon’ developed the most seen two-spirit flag and was submitted to ask-pride-colour-schemes on December 17, 2016. The feathers represent masculine and feminine identities. The circle signifies the unification of both identities into a separate gender while the rainbow represents modern queer identities.

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Trans-Inclusive Gay Men’s Pride Flag

This version of the Gay Men’s Pride Flag is the second iteration, and its time of creation is unknown. It has seven horizontal stripes in different shades of green and blue, along with a white stripe in the middle. The flag now includes representation for non-cisgender gay men.

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Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag

This flag has had a few iterations. In 2018, Portland-based artist Daniel Quasar designed the Progress Pride Flag, which was the rainbow stripes of the Pride flag, plus triangle stripes of white, pink and blue for the transgender community, along with black and brown triangle stripes to represent marginalized people of colour. In 2021, it received an update by Valentino Vecchietti to include a yellow triangle and purple circle to call back to the original 2013 Intersex Pride Flag.