As we’re the festive season is quickly passing us by, you’re likely trying to finish up your holiday shopping! It can be quite overwhelming with the endless options to gift to your loved ones, so why not narrow it down and shop Canadian? There are so many awesome Canadian brands on the market that will check off everyone’s wish list. Some of these brands are super well-known, while others may be new to you!
Here are our fave Canadian brands to shop for gifts this holiday season.
OKAYOK
OKAYOK was launched in September 2017 by fashion designer Adrienne Butikofer. The brand creates quality, sustainable, creative goods for all kinds of people, produced locally in Toronto. OKAYOK’s playful designs are the ideal gift, celebrating bold printed graphics and true Canadian craftsmanship! Its socks are the perfect stocking stuffer.
Nudestix
Cruelty-free, clean, multi-functional, and Canadian. What’s not to love? The beauty brand Nudestix was founded by sisters Ally and Taylor Frankel with the mission to provide makeup products that provide a “nude but better” look. The brand is known for its multi-purpose products, such as its Nudies collection, which are designed to be applied on the face wherever you wish. Any beauty lover would appreciate a gift from Nudestix!
Mejuri
Since being founded in 2015 in Toronto, Mejuri has grown to be a widely trusted jewellery brand known all over the world. Mejuri provides luxury jewellery at a reasonable price point, releasing new designs each week! It has a ton of classic gift-worthy options to shop for the holidays for both him and her.
Smash + Tess
Smash + Tess has gifts suitable for the whole family! From its bestselling cozy rompers to its cute accessories, you can surely cross some loved ones off your list while shopping the Vancouver-based brand.
Roots
Roots hardly needs an introduction as it has been a Canadian staple brand since 1973. But – just in case, Roots is a Canadian outdoor lifestyle brand that has been offering heritage and quality (and comfort) for generations! Its sweat sets, PJs, and cozy socks are all classic gift options!
Devi Arts Collective
Devi Arts Collective is a women-led jewellery brand born out of the inner-desire and willful purpose to connect with people. Through high-quality craftsmanship, the products are created by sourcing recycled and refined silver and gold, and ethical gemstones. Shop gifts under $70 here and gifts under $40 here!
Lambert
Contemporary, fashionable, and affordable, Lambert’s bags and accessories are made for people on the go who aren’t willing to compromise ethical and sustainable standards for the trendiest of styles. Lambert’s bags and accessories are Canadian-designed, PETA-certified, and authentically stylish.
BonLook
BonLook offers so many incredible designs and styles of frames for everyone’s personal taste. You can shop for sunglasses and prescription glasses, as well as non-prescription too. Glasses always add a nice elevated touch to any outfit, so give the gift of style this year to your loved ones!
Aritzia
Aritzia is a well-known retailer that makes some pretty trendy items with a minimal twist. It offers a mix of casual wear as well as super chic pieces. The brand makes for a perfect holiday gifting choice that’ll fit seamlessly into everyone’s wardrobe.
Easy Tiger Goods
Easy Tiger Goods is a lifestyle concept store that specializes in beautifully designed and well-made products. These products include home décor, accessories, jewellery, and other interesting knick-knacks. The brand curates a selection of goods that are made with integrity by creators, to ensure high-quality pieces.
LEZÉ The Label
LEZÉ The Label was founded in Vancouver back in 2017 by Tanya and Karen. The Canadian brand was created on the basis of wanting workwear that’s recycled, comfortable, and chic, all at the same time. Plus, sustainability is definitely at the forefront of the brand’s practices and manufacturing processes.
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If you’re looking for a fresh wardrobe upgrade, what better way to do it than by supporting local Canadian Toronto designers and labels? Canada is full of incredible, talented designers creating unique pieces that you won’t be able to find anywhere else! From celebrity-approved labels to designers you may have never heard of before, we’ve rounded up 7 Toronto brands that you should definitely have on your radar!
Shop & follow these designers and labels!
MAYER
Toronto designer Ross Mayer founded MAYER in 2018, fuelled by his passion to create collections that meld masculinity and femininity, without restriction. At MAYER, you’ll find everything from sequin cardigans to luxurious shirts, perfect for special occasions. All of its pieces are made to be unisex, and you can shop online on in-store on Bloor Street West in Toronto.
Ellie Mae
Ellie Mae founded her self-labeled brand in 2014 with the goal of creating effortless one-of-a-few pieces, designed to remain in your wardrobe season after season. The brand began with a fringe leather jacket with the phrase “This morning, with her, having coffee”, famously spoken by Johnny Cash, and has since grown into the brand it is today, offering seasonal collections featuring Ellie’s unique and recognizable luxury flare. Shop the collection online or in-store in Toronto!
Sandy Bottom Swimwear
Growing up in St. Luca, Sanya was always surrounded by the tropical landscapes of the island. Sparking her appreciation for beachwear. Now the swimwear designer is based in Toronto, having founded Sandy Bottom Swimwear with the vision to make women feel fashionable, radiant, and sexy through her swimsuit designs. The swimsuits are made by master artisans from around the world, making every piece feel like you’re wearing actual art.
Horses Atelier
Founded in 2012 by best friends and novelists Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka, Horses Atelier built a name for itself thanks to its perfect-fitting jumpsuits, quality wardrobe staples, and artful designs. Every piece is ethically and sustainably sewn in downtown Toronto, and you can experience the label’s designs in person at its Walnut Street location!
Lesley Hampton
Lesley Hampton is an Indigenous-owned, women-led, size-inclusive, Canadian clothing and accessory brand based in Toronto. Founded by Lesley Hampton herself! The self-titled brand is known for creating high-quality fashion of eveningwear and occasionwear as well as athleticwear and leisurewear. Often highlighting Indigenous design elements.
Sid Neigum
Sid Neigum is a Canadian fashion designer who lives and works right here in Toronto! Sid’s designs have notably been spotted being worn by Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber – so it’s safe to say it has a celebrity stamp of approval. While shopping the Sid Neigum website, you’ll find everything from red-carpet-worthy dresses to state-making wardrobe staples.
Hayley Elsaesser
Once upon a time, Hayley Elsaesser had a boutique on Queen West in Toronto. Although the store itself has closed, you can still shop Hayley Elsaesser online, worldwide! Hayley’s designs are known for their unique, bold prints, loud colours, and nostalgic references. The brand strives to be inclusive, body-positive, and artistic, all while not taking itself too seriously.
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Pride Month is a wonderful time to really place an emphasis on supporting LGBTQ+ communities. Of course, we need to be celebrating and showing love to all people all year long, but we can take this as a reminder to reflect. We’ve rounded up our fave LGBTQ+ locally-owned businesses that you can browse and check out. Feel free to DM us on Instagram for any additional recommendations!
Here are LGBTQ+ Canadian-owned businesses to support all year long.
Craig’s Cookies
Craig’s Cookies are definitely a staple in every cookie lover’s dream. There are now five locations in Toronto which include The Village, Parkdale, Leaside, Leslieville, and Yorkdale.
SOAP
SOAP is a Canadian queer-owned apparel company with a social mission to give back to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Not only does it sell premium quality apparel, but 5% of all profits go toward supporting queer charities and advocacy groups.
Toni Marlow
Toni Marlow is a statement undergarment brand founded by Jaymin (Jalisa) Luces-Mendes in Toronto, Canada back in 2015. It places a major focus on using high-quality fabrics and paying attention to detail so that your body is getting exactly what it needs. Toni Marlow is all about inclusivity and finding the right pieces to feel confident.
Bean Around The World
Native to British Columbia, Bean Around The World has 23 locations all around the province. It seeks out the best beans around to offer a delicious cup of joe.
Dew of the Gods
Dew of the Gods is definitely a beauty brand to keep on your radar. Browse all of its products to get your glow on all day every day. It purchases carbon offsets for the air and ocean transport of products, as well as selects packaging made with previously-recycled components and materials. Dew of the Gods promises to always feature LGBTQ+ people in all of its marketing to partnerships—how awesome is that?
Glad Day Bookshop
Glad Day Bookshop is the first queer-focused Canadian bookstore and the oldest queer bookstore worldwide. It first opened in 1970 and continues to offer the widest possible selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, and queer literature.
Little Rainbow Paper Co.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Little Rainbow Paper Co. welcomes all people. The business also focuses on queer and quirky, LGBTQ cards and prints that help us celebrate our lives and relationships in meaningful ways. Plus, check out the super cute pins that are available too!
TRU Tattoo
TRU Tattoo Studio’s objective is to create a safer, sustainable, and functional space for Black, Indigenous, racialized, Queer, and Trans tattoo artists. The studio provides a space where anyone and everyone can feel safe getting tattooed. The shop’s artists also specialize in tattooing Black and dark skin.
Ladies Love Units
Ladies Love Units, founded by Kevin and his partner Willie, was founded on a mission to provide Kevin’s sister, who was diagnosed with cancer, a realistic-looking wig or unit that didn’t need glue to stay on to help her regain confidence. The duo put their heads together and handcrafted a one-of-a-kind wig, fully customized for the wearer – and soon after, Ladies Love Units was born. Today, they continue to offer clients an exclusive, full-service experience that is unmatched in the industry.
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Canadians, rejoice! The highly anticipated launch of the Canadian Bath & Body Works site is officially here.
Now you can shop all of your fave fragrances, candles, hand soaps, and more without surprise duties or having to make a trip to the mall.
The news first broke about a potential Canadian site happening this year when the brand posted on its Instagram account in January teasing a Fall 2021 date.
Plus, this is the most perfect time for a launch, as all of the delicious pumpkin spice scents are available. What more could you ask for?
Bath & Body Works posted on social media that the Canadian site is now open to shop on September 16.
Currently, there is a $9.99 shipping fee and your package will take around three to eight business days to get to your home.
Keep an eye out for any promos happening to score potential free shipping deals too. Happy shopping!
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All of the Bath & Body Works lovers out there will soon be able to purchase their fave candles and body care products without dealing with exchange rates. Fortunately, the brand is launching a Canadian online store this fall.
Bath & Body Works has created a cult-like following with its foamy hand soaps, lovely scented candles, mini hand sanitizers, And so much more.
The company announced its timeline for the launch of its Canadian website on Instagram this week.
Up until this year, Canadians would have to either shop in-store or on the American website. The problem with the current site is that it’s all in U.S. dollars. So, Canadians have had to pay hefty prices and shipping fees if they want to purchase online.
Although there’s no exact date yet, this is definitely exciting news to look forward to for the next season!
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The famous Canadian brand, Aritzia, has officially announced that it’s donating 1,000 of its classic Super Puff jackets to Canadian women and girls in need for the holiday season.
This amazing contribution is part of the brands Community Care Program.
Aritzia will be donating Super Puff jackets to partners such as YMCA Canada, Big Sisters BC, and more, throughout the month of December.
Staff at the associations will be distributing the jackets to local families, and more specifically women and girls who are facing difficult circumstances.
Maya Roy, the CEO of YMCA Canada, said in a press release about the Aritzia partnership, “Whether it’s newcomers to Canada, parents seeking comfort for their kids, or women rebuilding their lives, this support provides people the warmth they need.”
Since the beginning of Aritzia taking part in these amazing initiatives, the brand has given more than $32 million in product and financial donations, plus, volunteering at charities to positively impact over 300,000 women.
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Beloved Montreal-based brand, Kanuk, has officially launched a Heritage collection in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The Canadian capsule collection takes shoppers back in time, featuring four limited-edition coats for both men and women, inspired by the brand’s staple pieces throughout the years.
Paying homage to Kanuk’s archival designs, the coats feature the brand’s signature style with exquisite attention to detail and comfort
Created specifically to combat harsh Canadian winters, each jacket features Kanuk Thermo+ insulation and is coated with durable water repellent. (If anyone knows what it takes to stay warm through Canada’s climate, it’s definitely those who live here.)
The nostalgic collection is now available at kanuk.com or in select Simons and United Arrows locations.
Here are our top picks from the Kanuk Heritage collection:
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2019 proved to be a difficult year for retail and it seems that there’s no end in sight as stores and restaurants are closing left, right, and centre. Another retailer that seems to be struggling is homewares store, Pier 1 Imports.
It’s been reported that the retailer is starting to shutter some of its Canadian stores Among rumours that it’s close to filing for bankruptcy.
According to the Toronto Star, as of March 2019 there are approximately 906 Pier 1 stores in the United States and 67 stores in Canada. While there’s no word yet on which stores will close, one has been confirmed by CTV News that a Winnipeg Pier 1 Imports store is among them.
Bloomberg reports that the closures will result in in the layoffs of 40% of its headquarters staff, or about 300 people.
While this is definitely sad retail news, it isn’t quite a shock. USA Today reports that Pier 1 announced back in April of last year that it was planning on closing 145 stores in the United States.
Bloomberg also reports that Pier 1 Imports has a plan for filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. These plans would allow the retailer to remain in operation while it sorts out a solution. This could include employing a much smaller business operation.
Filing for Chapter 11 doesn’t always mean it’s the end for retailers. It just means that the company is allowed time to create a plan for how to turn business around.
Time will only tell what will happen with Pier 1, we’re hoping it can make a comeback but if not, stay tuned for a #SaleSpy that’ll have your home looking better than ever!
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It seems Vancouver residents aren’t dropping dollars on retail spending compared to other major Canadian cities. At least, not in bricks and mortar stores they aren’t. Figures released by Statistics Canada last month reveal that retail sales in metro Vancouver slumped 0.6 per cent to $3.369 billion in May, compared with the same month in 2018.
While the figure may not sound like a huge deal, this contrasts strong retail gains in Canada’s largest cities including Vancouver
Instagram/@cfpacificcentre
Toronto saw retail sales hit $8.091 billion in May, a figure that had climbed 6 per cent from the same month a year earlier. A contributing factor here could have been the spike in tourism during the Raptors dramatic playoff run (and perhaps even the sales of Raptors gear).
Over in Montreal, however, the city experienced almost as large of an increase as Toronto did, with a 5.2 per cent hike in retail sales for May. Here, retail sales generated $5.477 billion, compared to $5.205 billion in May 2018.
The overall Canadian retail sector experienced a slight 1 per cent increase in May compared to last year; however, B.C.’s retail sales were down 0.1 per cent compared to May 2018.
Instagram/@cfpacificcentre
According to the Central 1 Credit Union, in particular, retail sales for motor vehicles and parts was down (it declined 2.6 per cent), as were sales of building material, garden equipment and related supplies. Electronics and clothing also took a hit, says the company.
The thing is, it wasn’t just the month of May that saw disappointing retail figures.
Compared to last year, Toronto’s retail sales were up 5.2 per cent to $39,586,715 in the first five months of 2019. In Montreal, these figures were even higher, with retail sales up 7.2 per cent to $26,906,435. On the other hand, Vancouver saw $16,727,930 in sales in the first five months of the year – a figure that was almost 1 per cent less than the same period a year ago.
So, why is this the case?
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While it’s no secret that Toronto has some of the highest rent prices in the country, Vancouver is also obviously known for its sky-high real estate costs and has seen better days with the MLS Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties hitting $998,700 – a figure that is down 9.6 per cent compared to June 2018.
A decrease in housing sales means fewer people spending on building-related items for renovations, furniture and landscaping items (i.e. fewer trips to places like Home Depot).
“The sharp decline in housing sales volume has been a driving factor of spending declines in related sectors, while lower prices may also be leading to spending belts being tightened,” reads a report from Central 1 Credit Union.
Additionally, it’s reasonable to question whether record-high gas prices could have played a role in the decline in auto sales.
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Interestingly, B.C.’s lull in consumer demand comes at a time when the province is actually experiencing strong labour market conditions and employment growth.
It should be noted that the retail figures don’t capture the rapidly growing online market, which is increasingly blamed for the shuttering of bricks and mortar stores throughout North America.
With so many of B.C.’s residents taking full advantage of the province’s stunning geography by leading active lives, it isn’t entirely unreasonable to assume that shoppers would rather spend their days hiking or on the water than shopping in bricks and mortar shops.
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While it’s too early to tell if the West Coast city’s retail slump will stick around, the retail industry is an influential driver on the provincial economy and was worth almost $86 billion in 2018.
So, the decline – while seemingly meager – is a worthy of attention.
Featured Image: Instagram/@isaiahkim_
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It hasn’t been a great start to 2019 for Canadian retailers. According to Statistics Canada, retailers posted an unexpected 0.3 per cent drop in sales for a third consecutive month in January.
Economists had predicted a 0.4 per cent gain.
It was back between April and June 2012 when Canadian retail sales last posted three declines in a row.
Given we’re in a time dubbed as the “retail apocalypse” by experts, this year’s figures aren’t entirely surprising.
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As Bloomberg highlights, the diminishing consumption of retail goods by households could be attributed to higher borrowing costs, moderating housing markets and volatile financial markets. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the perpetually high housing costs — whether you own a home and have joined the “house poor” set or are dishing out ridiculous amounts of money to rent — mean there isn’t a lot of cash left over at the end of the month.
As highlighted in an analysis by Toronto retail consultant Ed Strapagiel, sales for food and drug retail weren’t as disappointing compared to other sectors (but, then again, those are kind of necessities).
For the three months ending January 2019, food and drug retail sales increased 2.4 per cent year-over-year – the highest gain of all the major retail sectors.
Perhaps because cash-strapped Canadians are choosing to dine out less, supermarkets and other grocery stores are leading the way when it comes to sales gains, with an increase of 3.0 per cent year-over-year for three months ending January 2019.
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This was the highest such gain in over a year. Specialty food stores and convenience stores also saw higher than average sales gains.
Things weren’t as positive at Canada’s health and personal care stores, where retail sales gained a disappointing 0.1 per cent year-over-year for the three months ending January 2019, as Strapagiel highlights.
Meanwhile, sales at general merchandise stores fell by 2.4 per cent.
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As Strapagiel points out, a few retail markets struggled going into 2019, including electronics and appliance stores (where sales declined 8.8 per cent year-over-year for the three months ending January 2019), sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores (down 3.5 per cent), jewellery, luggage and leather goods stores (down 2.2 per cent), and home furnishing stores (down 1.7 per cent).
It was, however, a notably weak performance in the auto sales sector that was largely responsible for really bringing down the value of Canadian retail sales.
After gains in four of the five months prior, weakness in new car sales resulted in a 1.5 per cent drop in trade. Excluding the auto sector, retail sales were actually up 0.1 per cent. As Strapagiel suggests, the “collapsing” auto sector is due to both lower gasoline prices and almost no sales growth at the country’s new car dealerships.
In addition to a lack of disposable income for consumers, a widespread availability of ride-sharing apps in major cities, coupled with lack of available parking spaces in dense condo buildings, reduces the need to drop dollars on a car for many young professionals.
According to Strapagiel, the only sector that is doing well is the miscellaneous store retailers group, which saw retail sales climb 9.7 per cent for the three months ending January 2019 – something largely attributed to the addition of cannabis stores.
The country’s legal cannabis stores increased the sector’s sales by 4.0 per cent in that timeframe.
Judging from the lineup outside Toronto’s first pot shop, The Hunny Pot, on its first day of business, the opening of busy pot shops across Ontario will likely keep this figure healthy.
In addition to sky-high commercial real estate costs in many cities, the struggle of bricks-and-mortar stores is made harder with the increased infusion of online shopping into daily lives.
According to Statistics Canada, Canadian e-commerce sales increased 11.6 per cent year-over-year for the three months ending January 2019 and represented about 2.9 per cent of total Canadian retail sales in that time period.
When it comes to the fate of Canadian retail for the remainder of 2019, though experts predict a closing of more physical retail stores, there is some good news.
According to Retail Insider, things like upscale and carefully curated “food halls” and “food markets,” a new found investment in malls and an expansion of both luxury stores (for those who can afford to shop in them) and off-price retailers (for the rest of us) are expected to make a major mark this year and beyond. So, at least there’s that.
Featured Image: Pixabay
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