Shopping in Toronto
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Honest Ed’s
A visit to a quirky Toronto institution, Honest Ed’s is always a laugh. Plastered across this gaudy, light-bulb-encrusted discount emporium are signs saying ‘Don’t just stand there, buy something!’ and, ‘Come this way you lucky people!’ It’s quite a spectacle, and the queues before opening time are insane. The recently deceased owner Ed Mirvish also earned kudos as Toronto’s most beloved theater impresario.
reviewed
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Toronto Antique Centre
A stroll through the well laid out Antique Centre is a welcome respite from the busy streets – and from your run-of-the-mill junk shops and overpriced antique dealers. From low-end collectibles to high-end valuables, connoisseurs have been known to locate some very undervalued treasures from other parts of the world amid the stalls, booths and showcases of this treasure trove. If you have the time, this place is well worth a visit.
reviewed
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Bounty
This contemporary, not-for-profit craft shop can be found inside York Quay Terminal, just west of the Queen's Quay Terminal. Among its wares are creative cards and beautiful dyed scarves, and all proceeds from sales go towards programming at the Harbourfront. Artisans in the adjacent Craft Studio blow hot glass, mould clay, weave textiles, design jewelry and teach classes.
reviewed
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Secrets From Your Sister
Any woman will agree: there's something to be said for the right bra. While most department stores carry a limited range of bra sizes, Secrets from Your Sister carries size 28 through 44, and cup sizes AA to JJ. The friendly staff are trained to fit customers – and the bright colors and fun prints are a far cry from the drab neutral tones usually available in 'unusual' sizes.
reviewed
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Little Chloe's Chic Boutique
Marilyn Monroe would surely approve of this boudoir-style shop…even though it caters to four-legged beauties only. Look forward to being greeted at the door by Johnny Cash (a schnauzer-bichon mix). Inside, leopard print and feather boas abound, as well as humane muzzles, natural foods and treats, dog sweaters, denim jackets and T-shirts worthy of Hollywood celebs.
reviewed
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Preloved
Preloved is all about reusing and recycling, but this is no thrift store: you can find Preloved designs on the runway. Reclaimed vintage fabrics are reassembled to create all-new, one-of-a-kind clothing. Women's items are the main focus, but kids and men will find kicky outfits as well. Items are reassuringly expensive, but not so much as to break the bank.
reviewed
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Boj Décor
If there were such a thing, Boj would be reminiscent of a Parisian boudoir that's traveled through time. With antique European furniture mixed with a seemingly random collection of quirky odds and ends – like a chandelier made of antlers – Boj seems like it would be more at home in a trendier location…but that's part of its charm.
reviewed
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Good for Her
This friendly, cozy shop celebrates women's sexuality and prides itself as a great environment to peruse an impressive array of high quality sex products. The staff are helpful, the reading chairs are comfortable, and you'll find everything from movies and books to erotic art and massage oils. Check the website for frequent sex-positive workshops.
reviewed
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Steve's Music
The mothership for musicians amateur and pro (Colin James stops in all the time), Steve's has been dealing in instruments of every variety, as well as DJ gear and pro recording equipment, for 30 years. The abundance of knowledgeable and extremely helpful staff is always on the ready to answer questions and provide impromptu jam sessions.
reviewed
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Bay of Spirits Gallery
The works of Norval Morrisseau – the first indigenous artist to have a solo exhibit at the National Gallery of Canada – are proudly on display in this atmospheric space, which carries aboriginal art from across Canada. Look for the Pacific West Coast totem poles (from miniature to over 4m tall), Inuit carvings and Inukshuk figurines.
reviewed
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Mountain Equipment Co-Op
A church of sorts for journeyers and lovers of the great outdoors, MEC requires a membership for purchase – it will only set you back $5 and lasts a lifetime, supporting the co-op's not-for-profit status and equitable-sourcing policies. Mountain Equipment also runs workshops, has equipment rentals and offers repair services.
reviewed
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Grassroots
If you're searching for some one-stop shopping for all things earth-friendly, look no further. Grassroots carries environmentally sound household items galore – even hemp coffee filters and organic bed linen are available here. It's also a used battery drop-off depot. And there's another branch in the Annex.
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Timmie Dog Outfitters
Fastidious pooches and fussy cats will do well at Timmie, where top-notch toys, treats and accessories are displayed in a manner befitting of any LA boutique. Things you never knew your pet always wanted include aesthetically pleasing scratching posts, wall-mounted dog bowls and, if the season is right, doggie Halloween costumes.
reviewed
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F/X
The tornado of girliness that hits you upon entering F/X makes it worth just a visit, even if tutus, Hello Kitty paraphernalia, colored wigs and rhinestone jewelry aren't your scene. The store carries its own line of nail polish in every shade of the rainbow, and, on the 2nd floor, gowns to befit every manner of princess.
reviewed
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David Mirvish Books
The only bookstore specializing in new art books in the country, this former gallery is a calm, spacious atmosphere for browsing through books on architecture, photography, cooking, design, graphic arts, film and more. Those in the know come just to view the renowned Frank Stella painting, which adorns the back wall.
reviewed
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Holt Renfrew Last Call
A discount haven for budget-savvy fashionistas, Last Call carries last year's fashions from Bloor-Yorkville's exclusive Holt Renfrew (416-922-2333; 50 Bloor St W; 10am-6pm Mon-Wed, 10am-8pm Thu & Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, noon-6pm Sun; Bloor-Yonge) at up to 60% off. There are monthly promotions, too.
reviewed
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Guild Shop
The Ontario Crafts Council has been promoting artisans for over 70 years. Ceramics, jewelry, glassworks, prints and carvings make up most of the displays, but you could also catch a special exhibition of Pangnirtung weaving or Cape Dorset graphics. Staff are knowledgeable about First Nations art.
reviewed
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Trove
Those who won't suffer to be 'beautiful' will find an oasis from pinching skyscraper heels at Trove. This mother-daughter owned boutique prides itself on a large selection of fashion-forward but comfortable shoes, as well as vintage sunglasses, Canadian-designed jewelry, and leather and vegetarian handbags.
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La di da
This large multileveled space attempts to bring back the glam to the seedy old King St area. The Chesterfield-strewn public house feeds and waters an after-work crowd; downstairs the club hosts a selection of djs who spin commercial house or something much more interesting depending on the night.
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Seekers Books
With a fair-trade shop in the back selling food, T-shirts, and books and DVDs on global issues, this subterranean independent bookstore is one-stop-shopping for the social-justice and politically minded in a relaxed atmosphere. New and used books on every subject are also available.
reviewed
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John Fluevog
Legendary Vancouver-based designer John Fluevog has always marched to the beat of his own drum, and this local favorite now carries bags and a line of hemp Veggie Vogs in addition to the famed granny platform boots and classic footwear. Reheeling and resoling is also done here.
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Courage My Love
Vintage clothing stores have been around Kensington Market for decades, but Courage My Love amazes fashion mavens with its secondhand slip dresses, retro pants and white dress-shirts in a cornucopia of styles. The beads, buttons, leather goods and silver jewelry are handpicked.
reviewed
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Magic Pony
Described as a 'concept shop' by its owners, Magic Pony, which originated as a website, deals in Japanese books, figures, designer toys and T-shirts you have to see to believe. The ever-changing gallery at the back features ultramodern graphic design and illustration exhibits.
reviewed
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Divine Decadence Originals
Never has vintage shopping been so lavish – or so pricey. Akin to stepping into a fairy godmother's walk-in closet – and then some – Divine is filled with gowns befitting Cinderellas and Prince Charmings from every era, all with serious money to spend.
reviewed
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Things Japanese
A Zen garden-like tranquility welcomes visitors to peruse through beautiful tea sets and canisters, calligraphy tools, origami kits and kimonos. Sushiphiles will get their fill of elegant serving plates and chopsticks. Unusual incense brands and scents are also available.
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