A coalition of Bloor Street retailers have hired high-profile lawyer Clayton Ruby and say they are going to take the city to task over plans to redevelop their street.

The group, which calls itself Concerned About Bloor, said it aims to delay construction on one of Toronto's top shopping streets because the city has failed to carry out economic studies and public consultations.

"The Bloor Street Transformation Project was flawed from the start. It has been planned, and is now being executed without the expertise of retail businesses on Bloor," Ruby said in a prepared statement.

"Not only are retailers paying $20 million of the total $25 million project cost, but when improving a shopping district, it would be common sense to consult with those who know shopping best — the retailers," he said.

The city announced recently it is going ahead with a redevelopment of the sidewalks along Bloor Street from Church Street to University Avenue.

The retailers represented by Concerned About Bloor said they support efforts to improve the street, but want to be involved in the planning.