The Bay has been under constant renovation for a few years now and the Yorkdale store is one of the best reinvention I've seen of the brand. It's large with more than 3 levels to shop and it has a fairly comprehensive inventory ranging from the really affordable $2 socks to the sublime $4000 Stearns and Fosters mattress (that was the most expensive thing I found so far... though I'm sure there is a 3D LED tv somewhere in that store).
The most recent changes have been the focus. They've scaled back their furniture and large appliances and zero'd in on mid to slightly higher brands for fashion. I personally think it's great as they've brought a lot of great labels to Canada at price points that very competitive. Coach, Not your mother's jeans, See by Chloe, Top Shop, Denim & Supply by Ralph Lauren, BCBG, Michael Kors... as you can tell, lots of brands! I'm really happy as this updated The Bay to my age group and style that I'm interested in. Though the super high end brands are often excluded from the constant Family & Friends or Bay Card sales, you do see them at severely reduced prices at the end of the season.
Back to the store, this particular one competes with Holt Renfrew in the newer areas. It's modern with a touch of luxury and warmth. You'll see it in the finishes of the floor, the lighting, and also decor. It's not completely detached and high end where it alienates most shoppers. The service has been changing *slowly* to reflect the new facade as well. In the newer areas such as Top Shop, Woman's fashion level 2, and the new shoe area, sales associates are plentiful and helpful. They're always willing to grab you another size or offer an alternative. The house ware section is harder to find an associate but when you do, they're quite pleasant as well.
I don't get out here too much as the traffic volume to this mall gives me a headache but it's a super convenient location to the 401 and central to most places. I'd love to come here more often to shop but then my wallet would have died months ago!