With social distancing rules in place, it can be hard to get your shopping fix but luckily, street-facing retailers are now able to offer curbside pickup in Ontario. This contactless service is a great option for those who shop online — not only for health concerns but as a speedier way to get purchases into your hands.
Curbside pickup ensures that your family has everything they need and you can even treat yourself to some luxuries, make staying at home a little easier. And while there are many stores offering contactless curbside pickup, this list features some of our favourite places to shop.
here are stores offering curbside pickup in Toronto.
Cocktail Emporium
Cocktail Emporium boasts an extensive selection of cocktail tools, glassware, bitters, and syrups. Don’t let the closure of bars stop you from creating your own cocktails in the comfort of your home. Ordering your cocktail tools is easy. Just shop the Cocktail Emporium website, fill your cart with all the items you want, and then select curbside pickup at the checkout. All orders will be processed within 24 hours and will be available for pickup at 972 Queen St. West — just wait for a text to let you know when your order is ready.
Dynasty Plants
Spending the majority of your time at home, you may realize that your place could use some sprucing up. Dynasty Plants offers a variety of house plants with a focus on unusual and high-quality tropical plants, cactus, and ceramics. Curbside pickups are available at 146 Ossington Ave. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Gravitypope
Known for its footwear, the Toronto womenswear and menswear shop is now available for curb-side pickup. Check out its site to follow all of the directions on how to do so. Browse through an abundance of shoes, clothing, bags, accessories, home, and beauty.
ARMED
This Toronto-based jewellery and accessory store is offering curbside pickup at its Parkdale location. Shop bracelets, necklaces, rings, sunglasses, and more online at ARMED. Orders take one to two business days to process, just choose the “Pick Up In-Store” option at checkout.
Risqué Clothing
Risqué Clothing has beautiful womenswear clothing for all types of occasions. From dresses, to outerwear, to loungewear, this shop has it all. It’s now offering curbside pickup at its Koreatown store, 660 Bloor Street West.
Pretty Clean Shop
Pretty Clean Shop provides a huge variety of eco-conscious, zero-waste, and refillable products for body, skin, hair, and home. All of the products featured in-store are made with safe ingredients without cruelty and toxins. Available Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., you can shop everything in-store online and take advantage of curbside pickup at the Junction location.
Livestock
The popular sneaker shop has so many awesome kicks to browse through. Curbside pickup is available at select Livestock locations once you have placed your order. This pickup is only available through making an appointment in the website.
Outer Layer
Outer Layer is a card and gift shop offering an enormous selection of over 10,000 products. Looking for a gift for a loved one? Outer Layer has got you covered with gift cards for baby showers, birthdays, graduations, sympathy, and any other occasion, as well as niche gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Curbside pickup is available from Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 577 Queen St. West.
Sole Survivor
Do your shoes needs some TLC? Make an appointment and drop off your footwear at the Noble street shop in Toronto. Sole Survivor specializes in fine leather repair and restoration.
IKEA
While IKEA is starting to reopen stores, most IKEA locations offer curbside pickup. The Curbside Click and Collect service is a completely contactless service. Customers are assigned a parking location and don’t even have to leave their cars until the order is ready. Once the order is ready, shoppers will be asked to show ID through the car window. IKEA has created a safe and secure system for all your home needs for a $5 flat-rate fee.
100% Silk
100% Silk offers a variety of interesting designers and retro-style clothing. Curbside pickup is available at the Queen Street West location in Toronto.
Sport Chek
If you’re looking for some new sportswear or sports equipment, Sport Chek is offering a great free service. Place your order online and Sport Chek will email you when it’s ready. Once you receive the notification, just drive to the designated pickup location and call the team once you have arrived. Once you have given the proper name and order number, an associate will bring the order right to your vehicle.
Common Goods
Order your goods online and head on over to the shop between Wednesday through Sunday during certain time slots posted on the site. Common Goods offer clothing, accessories, and other fun knick knacks.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue offers a wide collection of designer apparel and accessories, and now with its new curbside pickup program, you can order online and have your purchases delivered to your car. This service is completely free and available at all Saks Fifth Avenue locations — just remember to bring a valid ID when you go for your pickup.
Indigo
Place your order at Indigo.ca and choose free ship to a store, and select the store closest to you. Shop books, kids toys, wellness, home, fashion, electronics, and more, all on the online site.
Hudson’s Bay
For extra speedy service, Hudson’s Bay will have curbside pickup orders ready in as little as three hours. Shop apparel, home decor, beauty, and more for women, men, and children. After placing your order and arriving at one the location of your choice, just give the store a call and an employee will bring your order in minutes. You can also specify if you want the order place directly in the trunk or somewhere close by.
Michaels
If you’re looking for art supplies, then check out Michaels. Order online and select curbside pickup at select stores. The curbside pickup is available until 6pm, unless the chosen shop closes earlier. Once your order is placed, you’ll get a confirmation email letting you know when it’s ready to be picked up.
Nordstrom
For over 100 years, Nordstrom has strived to provide the best customer shopping experience and during this time, there’s no exception. Nordstrom’s curbside pickup service makes it easy to shop for all of your favourite products. Just make your order online, wait for a confirmation email, and make your way to Nordstrom. Once you arrive, call the store and your order will be placed into your trunk for a safe simple and contactless service.
Sonic Boom
If you opt for pickup at Sonic Boom, the Spadina Avenue store is available for this service from 12pm until 7pm daily. Each pickup is totally contactless, so you can get your awesome new records safely.
Best Buy
If you require some new tech gear, Best Buy has got you covered with a Reserve and Pickup Contactless service. Find the item you want online and Best Buy will tell you which location that product is available at. After reserving your order, an email will be sent with your pickup reservation information, and you can pay for your item using a cashless payment when you get to the store. Best Buy will hold onto your order for up to 24-hours.
VdeV
Check out VdeV for stylish and chic furniture to jazz up your living space. While ordering online, you have the option of pick-up at the Toronto or Montreal store location, in which this service is totally free of charge. The pickup times are Monday to Sunday from 11am until 6pm.
Scout
Scout is offering curbside pickup at its locations at 405 Roncesvalles Ave. and 1140 Queen St. East. From paper goods and games to bath, beauty, and more, there are tons of products to explore at this independent Toronto store. Orders take up to three days to be fulfilled and shoppers will receive an email confirming when orders are ready to be picked up.
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Father’s Day is just around the corner and things might look a little different this year when it comes to celebrations. This doesn’t mean your gift can’t be just as thoughtful as any other year. Stores have begun to transition to what we assume to be the new norm, or perhaps you can continue to adhere to curbside pick up.
While you may find the thought of where to go to find the best gifts a little daunting, we have good news! We’ve done the research for you so all you have to do it grab your wallet. Whether dad loves a good drink or matching apparel, this list of Toronto stores will have something for everyone.
Here are some of the best Toronto stores to shop for Father’s Day gifts.
Cocktail Emporium
This Toronto-based boutique is a no-brainer when it comes to gifts for the cocktail enthusiast. From fancy barware and glassware to everything you need to make the perfect drink — think garnishes, bitters, recipe books, and beyond — you can find it at this store. Shop online and have the gift sent straight to dad or order for curbside pickup.
Outer Layer
For a gift card that’ll match dad’s personality to a tee, check out the selection that Outer Layer has. This Queen West shop has almost every niche interest covered and nearly 10,000 lifestyle products and gift cards to browse online.
Gotstyle
It’s the 21st century and more men understand the importance of looking good! As they say, “Dress Better, Do Better.” Gotstyle is the perfect go-to for dad’s wardrobe with its broad selection of weekend casual, date night, and business wear. Offering different brands for different body types from both local and international brands at luxury price points, Gotstyle inspires dads to look dapper every day of the week, no matter what the occasion.
MEC
Now that the weather’s warming up, there’s no better excuse to get outside with dad. Help him embrace the outdoors with some new gear, whether it’s a brand new pair of hiking boots, some new summer wardrobe staples, or accessories like a tent, backpack, or fancy water bottle to take on his next adventure.
Heelboy
We strongly believe that no one can ever have enough shoes and this Canadian shoe store has an amazing selection for men. At this shop, you’ll find brands like Cole Haan, Sperry, SWIMS, and more in styles for every occasion. It’s a good store in Toronto to check out if you’re looking to up your dad’s style game this Father’s Day — you can also shop Heelboy online!
Good Neighbour
This east-end Toronto fashion curator has an unbeatable selection of unique and timeless gifts up for grabs. You will find great Father’s Day cards, along with apparel, footwear, skincare, games, and more from so many of your favourite brands. Good Neighbour has something every dad. Check out the “Dad Shop” for great finds like the Truman Shave Set for only $39!
Sonic Boom
If dad has a passion for music, Sonic Boom is the perfect place to pick up records, band tees, headphones, speakers, record players, and more. The store, which is Canada’s largest independent record shop, is open 24/7 online, or you can make a date with dad and browse through rows and rows of music together.
Kids Swag
While this is primarily a children’s store, Kids Swag offers matching t-shirts for the fam that are too cute to pass up. This online shop specializes in products that offer mindful representation for Black boys and girls. Our top pick for dad is the Super Friends tee that’s also available in baby and kid sizes.
Muddy George
Embrace the beautiful weather and update dad’s summer hues! This casual contemporary men’s retailer is committed to offering fashion-forward designs that will outlast any trend. Offering brands from all over the world, including an extensive list of Canadian brands, you will find quality pieces that have three things in common: pieces are made to last, wearable, and timeless. What more to want in a wardrobe!
18 Waits
There is nothing cuter than a dad that twins with his kids and that’s why we’ve added 18 Waits to our list of Toronto stores to shop for Father’s Day. Inspired by vintage and European designs, 18 Waits is made and designed in Canada with durability and style in mind. The collections for kids are absolutely adorable and the shop has a pretty sweet last call section, too.
North Standard Trading Post
Whether dad loves the outdoors or casual laid-back apparel, this family-owned and operated Parkdale shop has something for everyone. Let this family style your family with famous worldwide brands as well as Canadian-made designs. You can find unisex clothing, everything from basic t-shirts and hoodies to cozy sweatpants, as well as clothing for the little ones, and accessories! While you’re browsing, check out this shop’s two biggest charitable campaigns: Family Bear and Pride Collections. These campaigns give to the local hospital’s kids clinic and a camp for 2SLGBTQ+ kids.
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Our mission at StyleDemocracy has always been to offer value and to connect shoppers to the brands they love while saving money. During this time of uncertainty, we want to continue to help our shoppers and readers discover new and interesting places to shop right in their own backyards or across town.
Because our team knows from experience how hard it can be to run a store, especially in times like this, we want to lend our voices to support the local businesses that help make the city what it is.
We recently launched #ShopYourCity with the goal to give independent retailers a platform to share their stories and readers a place to discover new stores and brands.
In the upcoming weeks, we’ll be highlighting different shops around the city; some that you may already know and love, and some that you’ve yet to discover.
Now is the time to come together and we’re so excited to share this project with you.
To kick things off, we’ve partnered with seven Toronto-based retailers for an awesome giveaway valued at over $700.
The contest will launch live on Instagram on Tuesday, May 12 at 4 p.m. EST. To enter, all you have to do is head to StyleDemocracy’s Instagram page and look for the image below. Follow all of the participating retailers and @StyleDemocracy, “like” the photo, and tag a friend or two. The winner of the contest will be contacted on Wednesday, May 20 by direct message.
Each #ShopYourCity prize featured in the contest will be sent to the winner direct from the retailer. In order to participate, entrants must have a public profile. The contest is open to all Canadians (excluding Quebec) and is in no way, shape or form associated with Instagram or Facebook. The prizes cannot be redeemed for cash and is non-transferable.
Here’s what the #ShopYourCity prize entails.
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Ho, ho, ho! The holidays are here. And as a special thanks to our readers, we’ve got tons of goodies ready in our gift bag to give out.
This season, we’ve teamed up with some amazing brands for a bunch of exciting giveaways. From the newest tech and cookware, to the best in fashion and beauty, there’s something for everyone in our annual 12 Days Of Holiday Giveaways.
The first contest will kick off on Thursday, December 5 at 8 a.m. EST with 11 more contests launching on the days to follow. Each giveaway will run for three days on Instagram, and the winners will be direct messaged on the days specified below.
All Canadians (excluding those in Quebec) are welcome to enter for a chance to win. In fact, the more the merrier! So help spread the holiday cheer and share with your friends — you never know what they may win.
Take a peek at what you can win from our 2019 12 Days Of Holiday Giveaways below.
We can’t think of a more #PicturePerfect way to kick off the holidays than with a Galaxy A Series smartphone from Samsung Canada! The Galaxy A70 features a 6.7” Infinity U-Display for an enhanced viewing experience, and three cameras with Scene Optimizer that’ll make you the envy of all of your friends. Capturing life’s special moments has never been easier, especially since the Galaxy A70’s 4,500 mAh battery lasts extra long.
With the New Year coming up, it’s time for a new you! And right now, it’s the most wonderful time of the year to upgrade your wardrobe. Thanks to this sweet prize courtesy of RW&CO, you can stock up on chic and cozy sweaters, coats, sophisticated partywear, sharp accessories, and so much more.
Who doesn’t want to look their best and brightest all year round? The Vichy LiftActiv range is designed to counteract daily aging for the visibly firmer-looking skin we all desire. Thankfully, this gift set contains all the products you need to look radiant from Christmas to New Years, and all year long — like creams, serums, masks, and more!
Calling all at-home chefs! Wanna take your meals to the next level? We’ve got just the prize for you. T-fal’s Sapphire cookware line is super versatile and durable. With its three layers of sapphire-infused non-stick coating, cooking and clean-up is a breeze. Not to mention, T-fal’s Thermo-Spot indicator turns solid red when it hits just the right cooking temperature, ensuring a perfect cook every time. Along with it, you’ll also get T-fal’s new ActiCook & Stir, which is sure to become your new best friend. As the only self-stirring multi-cooker, it makes one-pot meals that much easier.
Prioritize you in 2020 with this amazing wellness and beauty package featuring TMPL Sportswear, Vivier, Viviscal, and Toppik — it’s the ultimate gift set to help you reach your peak form in the New Year!
If you’ve been snoozing on the next big name in sportswear, TMPL Sportswear is a conscious Canadian apparel brand for men and women, dedicated to providing a clean performance sportswear option. Certified performance Pur-Tec fabrics are constructed locally and provides superior feel, comfort, and breath-ability, meaning you can work even harder and look great while doing it.
Get ready for the ultimate in pampering and skin rejuvenation with Vivier’s Hydrated Skin Holiday Gift Set and Ultimage— sure to become your holy grail luxury skin care products. The Hydrated Skin Holiday Gift Set contains three full-size products that work together to ensure your complexion is soothed and calmed all winter long. Top this trio off with Ultimage, the latest innovative skincare breakthrough from the brand, and you’re looking at your best skin yet.
We’re not done taking care of you from head to toe yet: the Toppik Hair Building Fibres and Viviscal Extra Strength supplements and Gorgeous Growth Densifying Range will work together to give you the thicker, fuller-looking hair of your dreams. From starting in the shower to adding touches to your final look, each product helps to add a volume boost, both instantly and over time!
Attention bookworms: The Kobo Forma is the eReader that you’ve been waiting for! This waterproof, lightweight, and portable alternative to heavy print books offers the expanded access of book borrowing, with storage size available in 8GB and 32GB, along with Dropbox integration. You’ll be able to load up on the books on your reading list with this 8GB Kobo Forma and SleepCover, plus a $50 gift card to get you started in the Kobo eBookstore.
Canada’s Evio Beauty is a cutting edge indie line of sustainable cosmetics and skincare that are affordable, inclusive, vegan, and cruelty-free. Evio gives beauty a whole new meaning with ingredients that are natural and good for you. This $400 prize pack has everything you need to look flawless — from lip gloss and mascara, to serum and rejuvenating mask — and fabulous for your holiday celebrations.
If your New Year’s resolution is to upgrade your bar cart, Canada’s Cocktail Emporium is your one-stop shop for unique bar essentials. This Potion House Package — featuring a gold shaker, strainer, decanter, coasters, and so much more — will help you get the party started and kickstart your creativity for creating the best cocktails at home this holiday and beyond!
Dress to impress with a rotating wardrobe of fashionable outfits from designer labels, without spending all of your hard earned cash! As the answer to fast fashion, clothing rentals are the best way to keep your wardrobe fresh, while still being kind to the environment. Thanks to Sprout Collection, you can score not one, but two of the Unlimited Package Subscription boxes to step into the New Year as your most stylish self. Fashion that’s eco-conscious and budget friendly…what’s not to love?!
‘Tis the season for soups, stews, and slow cooking, and there’s no better tool to have in your kitchen than a Staub Cocotte. The brand is known for its top-quality cast iron cookware that ensures even cooking for the ultimate winter braises. This 5.5 quart Cocotte is a great size to have on hand as it’s so versatile — plus it’ll look fabulous as a showpiece on your counter.
If the only thing getting lit this season are your scented candles, then you won’t want to miss out on your chance of winning this baby. Sisley Paris is well known for its high-quality skincare, haircare, and cosmetics but its candles need to be on your radar, too. The brand’s Campagne scented candle is a welcome taste of a sunnier season while we’re stuck in the depths of winter. Its bright green colour and top notes of Oak Moss, Jasmine, Plum, and Vetiver, will brighten up even the gloomiest of winter days. With over 140 hours of burning time, this 950g candle will be your buddy while you snuggle up with a good book, or tuck in for a holiday movie night.
For most Canadians, meals with loved ones play an important role in creating the best holiday memories. And this year, the PC® Insiders Collection™ for Holiday has a selection of new and delicious must-try products that will help at-home cooks and holiday hosts create meaningful moments with family and friends, and entertain with ease. With this $400 gift card, you can get a lot of things, but our suggestion? Let your guests nibble on the PC® Naturally Smoked Salami Trio, perfect for charcuterie boards, while you whip up the PC® Splendido™ Mushroom Ravioli and top with the PC® Stacon™ Steak-Cut Smoked Bacon in a beautiful cream sauce — our mouths are watering already!
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A soft spot for cocktails and vintage design turned into a retail success story for Toronto’s Kristen Voisey. Back in 2010, Voisey was working in the hotel industry and not finding it particularly inspiring. Now, cocktail and décor lovers from all ends of the city and globally hit her specialty cocktail and bar supply store Cocktail Emporium for the latest and greatest in the land of libations (minus the booze, that is).
Then called BYOB, Cocktail Emporium first opened up shop in 2011, right before Toronto’s cocktail culture began to step up its game like never before, and at a time when home cocktail-making was about to have a major (and lasting) moment. Filled with stylish and functional bar tools, bitters of all kinds, glassware, and more, the store was an immediate success.
Currently, the brand’s two storefront locations – at 972 Queen St. W. (the original location) and 20 Kensington Ave. – see a steady stream of cocktail-craving and cocktail-curious customers. A third location will open in early 2020 in the coveted real estate at Union Station Front Street Promenade. Customers around the globe are frequent users of the brand’s e-commerce business to get their hands on Cocktail Emporium’s carefully curated, high-quality inventory.
We caught up with Voisey to hear more about it…
Obviously, a love for cocktails inspired the brand. Do you remember where and how exactly the idea transpired?
“I went to LA to visit a friend and we went to this cool shop called Bar Keeper that sold vintage glassware and bar tools. It was like a light went off inside me. I realized wanted to be creative on my own terms and build something I could be proud of. It was 2010 and I already collected a large collection of vintage glassware (that I kept in my parents basement), so I had a bunch of cool pieces when I opened in 2011. Personally, I’ve always loved well-made cocktails and all things vintage so it just made sense to mix these things together and to open a store of my own (at the time named BYOB, now Cocktail Emporium, on Queen St West in Toronto in 2011). I also recently started my own line called Potion House because I wanted to design and curate a collection of beautiful bar tools and glassware that people would love as much as I did.”
What were the biggest learning experiences in launching the first store, and what do you think has contributed to your success during a challenging time for retail?
“The biggest challenge – well, I really didn’t know anything about operating a retail business when I opened my first store. I had to figure things out along the way, but it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. I have learned so much. I think Cocktail Emporium continues to be successful and grow in the bricks and mortar retail space because our offerings have always been super focused and we have a lot that can’t be found anywhere else. I’ve always concentrated my efforts on finding special items related to all things libations (minus the booze), and staying up with the trends while listening to and watching what goes on in cocktail culture in our city and around the world.”
What, in your words, makes Cocktail Emporium unique?
“When I opened the first store, there was nothing else like it. And have remained the leading retailer for unique, innovative bar essentials, which is wonderful. All of our staff are knowledgeable about our products and cocktails – so they provide premium customer service. They help people find the right products and give expert recommendations. It’s a key part of our business. We are able to help everyone, from the home bartender to top professional bartenders. I also travel a lot to small independent bars, hotels, and stores around the world – so these visits inspire me to innovate and evolve. We source our products from all over the globe, so our collection stays fresh and unique.”
What inspired your recent rebrand?
“I never really built or designed a proper brand when I started – so it was time. We are growing as a business, and I know I needed to create a brand to reflect all of the properties – make them all be Cocktail Emporium. I also wanted our incredible and loyal customers to be able to identify that it was us. Revamping our e-comm store was also very important – making it more visual-based, informative and user-friendly was critical. For the re-brand I worked with the creative team from Kastor & Pollux. They are so talented, and really helped bring my vision to life.”
How do you think bartending has changed in the past decade?
“I think bartending now is much more of an artistic process, and I wanted to new Cocktail Emporium brand to reflect that. So much thought and detail goes into creating the best drinks. People both at home and behind the bar are paying attention to the presentation and quality of the drinks they make and using high-quality ingredients, tools, glassware, garnishes, etc. I’m consistently impressed at the level of detail and innovative in cocktail making these days. It’s true art!”
Why has cocktail making in the home surged in popularity?
“Cocktail culture in Toronto has grown so much over the last 5 years. There are extremely talented bartenders creating complex, beautiful, flavourful drinks all over the city. It makes sense that people want to recreate these drinks at home too. A lot of our customers will come in looking for the tools and ingredients to make a cocktail they had a certain bar. The trend of drinking better (not more) is also attributing to this popularity. Taking the time to create a beautiful, tasty drink makes it a special treat – plus making them is really fun.”
What’s next for the brand?
“Our third Cocktail Emporium location is opening in Toronto’s Union Station in early 2020, so that will be an exciting expansion. We are working with the wonderful designers at Iron & Ivory to create a truly beautiful space – and our offerings will focus more on gift-worthy and home bartender items. Online growth will be another focus for us, generating more awareness for the e-comm offerings. I love designing, so I will continue to grow and expand the Potion House line.”
Take a peek inside Cocktail Emporium:
There are only a few weeks left of summer so that means time to top up your bar cart and shine up your glassware. There is no time like the present to host a crew for those artistic cocktails you’ve been meaning to craft. If you need a little inspiration, head to any one of these cocktail supply stores in Toronto which have everything you need to master your mojito or perfect your Pimm’s cup. Do yourself and your squad a favour, and invest in your home bartending situation for the next time you host a gathering.
Keep reading for 6 of Toronto’s best cocktail supply stores!
Cocktail Emporium
Instagram/@cocktailemporium
There are two Cocktail Emporium locations downtown, the painted-pink stores on Kensington Avenue and at Queen and Shaw – both outposts are emporiums in all senses of the word. Here you’ll find everything you need to stock a brand new bar cart, from accessories and mixes, to bitters, tonics, and all types of glassware. This is definitely the place to go if you need to get your creative juices flowing, especially if you’re a sucker for kitsch.
Organic Boutique
Instagram/@organicboutiquetoronto
The cocktail and speciality food shop on Queen West, Organic Boutique has all your party fixin’s, whether you’re doing cocktails and canapés for a dinner party or potluck. It’s a bit of a cabinet of curiosities here and you can tell the shelves are lined with a lot of intention. Stock up on a bar tools, glassware, bitters, and syrups. Plus you can also grab organic treats from across the world, like antipasto and fancy crackers, pickles, and artisan pasta.
Nella Cutlery Kitchen Supply Store & Cooking School
Instagram/@nellacucina
If you’re up for a fairly no-frills shopping experience, Nella is the place to go for bulk purchases to stock your kitchen and home bar, or your catering business. This is a restaurant equipment supply store, so you can bank on finding everything under the sun here, from bar towels and muddlers, to chafing dishes and beyond. If you’re serious about throwing pretty large-scale, full-service parties at home and need the equipment to do it, make Nella your go-to. Plus, you can keep an eye on the workshops roster for opportunities to hone your entertaining skills.
Tap Phong Trading
Instagram/@canadiankas
Tap Phong has been a Chinatown mainstay since the ’80s as it’s been family-owned and operated for 3 generations, and is lauded as the city’s ‘fullest and move loved restaurant supply store.’ Most millenials know it as the place to go in Chinatown to stock your apartment after you move because the store is filled with a selection of super inexpensive, commercial grade kitchen and barware that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Expect to shop staples like ice buckets, liquor pourers, quality knives, and a smattering of fun accessories like skull-shaped highball glasses.
Kitchen Stuff Plus
Instagram/@kspstuff
The housewares and home decor chain, Kitchen Stuff Plus, delivers an easy, no-stress shopping experience with its modern, organized and clean stores with helpful service at a way cheaper price point than other supply stores. There are 7 stores in Toronto and the GTA and you can count on all of them to cater to your adulting needs with modern, high-quality tools for the bar and kitchen, and lots of sales. You’ll likely discover what gadgets you didn’t know you needed.
IQ Living
Instagram/@iq_living
This indie retailer on the Danforth serves the community’s family needs with a range of homeware from toys and backpacks for kids, to bar and tableware for you. What really makes IQ Living shine is its focus on eco-friendly products, so you’ll find brands like PlanetBox, Bumbu, Kikkerland, and more. The shopping experience is so effortless, you’ll be surprised this is an independent shop. Expect big selection, and lots of creativity in the mix.
Featured Image: StyleDemocracy
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Buying gifts for your loved ones is one of the greatest pleasures in life.
Seeing their face light up when they open up the present you expertly selected is almost as good as getting a gift yourself. But where should you go to find those truly unique and one-of-a-kind gifts that will really make their jaw drop? Fear no more readers, we’ve got you covered.
Check out the best places to snag that unique gift in Toronto for your friend, family, or for yourself (because you work hard and deserve it).
Tokyo Smoke
Instagram/@tokyosmoke
For the cannabis enthusiast, Tokyo Smoke has the best and most unique items. Crystal pipes, trendy candles, sleek bongs and one-hitters, and even 24K gold rolling papers are all available at the Queen West location, and are sure to make your cannabis-loving friend squeal with joy. As the cannabis industry blooms, the tools we use to consume cannabis are being elevated to suit the growing acceptance and demand, and the best of the best can be found at Tokyo Smoke.
Drake General Store
Instagram/@drakegeneralstore
The ultimate unique gifting hub, Drake General Store is full of oddities and trinkets for all. The second floor (at their Queen West location) is currently home to a collection of second-hand pieces that the Drake General Store team personally scoured the city to find, so you know you’re getting a truly one of a kind piece. The retailer host pop-ups with local creatives on a regular basis, giving them the opportunity to sell their merchandise (so you can snag something truly unique!), and have an eclectic selection of books, puzzles, and Canadiana merchandise.
Black Market
Instagram/@johnnyb2
What’s better than finding your best friend a pair of authentic vintage Levi’s for their birthday? Finding them for $10, that’s what.
Black Market, located at Queen and John, is a thrifters dream. The store has an amazing selection of items, from vintage winter coats to Levi’s jeans to old band t-shirts, and the best part is that EVERYTHING is $10 or less! That’s right, $10 or less. They house a massive selection of sunglasses to play around with (and even stock up on for festival season), a small record store with a selection of new and old tunes, and a barber shop that’s always bustling. Black Market is a Toronto staple and home to some of the best deals in the city.
Blue Banana Market
Instagram/@lac.de.taranteau
Right in the heart of Kensington Market, Blue Banana is a maze that you want to get lost in. Truly embodying the feeling of Kensington itself, as soon as you step inside their doors you’ll feel the beautifully chaotic mix of cultures and ideas colliding. The store is filled with curiosities, from Spock socks (complete with ears) to decorative whale butter dishes, to watermelon keg tapping kits, and they have an incredible hot sauce selection unlike anything else in the city.
They also have a ton of gag gifts, which are always fun! Our favourite is the “tasty buds” package that looks like a bag of cannabis, but is actually just chocolate — if you really want to get Mom’s heart pumping for her birthday this year, include this in her gift bag.
Chapters Indigo
Instagram/@chaptersindigo
Chapters Indigo goes way beyond just books. The company’s selection of home, kitchen, and fashion merchandise is massive, and they’re always adding new unique finds. They keep their finger on the pulse of what their customers are looking for, and are fast to get things to market.
Cocktail Emporium
Instagram/@cocktailemporium
For the loved one that considers themselves a cocktail connoisseur, or just enjoys the beauty of great bar accessories, Cocktail Emporium is a gift destination that shouldn’t be missed. Shop sets for speciality cocktails like Mint Juleps, Tiki Cocktails, Manhattans, and more, or individual items like glassware, coasters and trays, and flasks. Whatever your budget, you’ll find something unique and brag-worthy here.
Featured image: Instagram/@drakegeneralstore
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If you still haven’t finished your holiday shopping (or even started), don’t fret! There are a ton of local stores right here in Toronto that are bursting at the seams with great gifts.
Instead of feeling stressed, feel blessed because we’ve handpicked the best items that will save you from the clutches of procrastination.
Take a look at the best last minute local gifts if you still haven’t finished holiday shopping below, and get to it. Striking those final names off your list (or all of them) will be a total breeze.
Zodiac Necklace, $40
This dainty, gold-plated necklace is the perfect gift for a friend. The individual zodiac adds a nice personal touch, and is available for all signs. Shop Armed at 1380 Queen St. West, 1024 Dundas St. West, or online at upandarmed.com.
Monster Leaf Fan Art Print , $22
Foliage prints are still trendy as heck! This modern leaf print will make a great addition to any millennial’s apartment. Shop this gift at Brika, located at 642 Queen St. West, 768 Queen St. East, or online at brika.com.
Gift Set Tub Tea 3-Pack , $31
Give the gift of pampering and self-love this year, with this luxurious set of bath salts. Who doesn’t love a good soak after a long day? Shop this gift at Brika, located at 642 Queen St. West, 768 Queen St. East, or online at brika.com.
Juniper & White Blanket, $110
They don’t call if cuffing season for any old reason. Made in Lima, Peru of alpaca wool and acrylic, gift this to a significant other, and you’ll be cuddling up together all winter long. Shop this gift at Cambie Design, located at 1048 Queen St. West, or online at cambiedesign.ca.
Brass Coffee Spoon, $35
Any coffee aficionado will appreciate this sleek and fancy looking coffee spoon. It’s great for french presses and coffee machines too. Shop this gift at Cambie Design, located at 1048 Queen St. West, or online at cambiedesign.ca.
Dipped Mug, $48
Add some hot chocolate or coffee beans to this handmade mug, and the receiver of this gift will think of you whenever they take a sip. Shop this gift at Cambie Design, located at 1048 Queen St. West, or online at cambiedesign.ca.
Deluxe Steel Bar Tools Set, $125
With all the festivities come many drinks! Gift this to an aspiring bartender or somebody who just loves crafting up different drinks. Shop this gift at Cocktail Emporium, located at 972 Queen St. West, or online at cocktailemporium.com.
Banana Flask, $34.95
Any friend or person who loves kitschy gifts will go bananas over this adorable stainless steel banana flask. Shop this gift at Cocktail Emporium, located at 972 Queen St. West, or online at cocktailemporium.com.
Backcountry Sub Zero Socks, $28
There’s a funny meme floating around on the internet that says as your age increases, so too does your happiness when being gifted socks. We love this pair from Muttonhead, and we bet all your friends will, too. Shop this gift at Muttonhead, located at 337 Roncesvalle Ave., or online at muttonheadstore.com.
Mutt Scruff Mountain Man Beard Oil – $18
Lumberjack style and beards are still all the rage right now. Anyone with a beard will be completely smitten with some new beard oil. Shop this gift at Muttonhead, located at 337 Roncesvalle Ave., or online at muttonheadstore.com.
Toronto -Vs- Everybody Sweater, $69.99
Give the gift of Toronto pride with this iconic slogan sweater from Peace Collective. One can never have enough sweaters to cozy up in over the colder months. Shop this gift at Peace Collective, located at 131 Ossington Ave., 65 Front St. West, or online at peace-collective.com.
Bodum Tea for One, $20
Tea drinkers will absolutely love this bodum, sized for one. The design is perfect for those who enjoy a cup in the morning or before bed. Shop this gift at Drake General Store‘s multiple locations across the city, or online at drakegeneralstore.ca.
Andy Warhol Colouring Book, $12.99
Adult colouring books make a great gift for the crafty friends you might have. Colouring all of the Warhol classics is a great way to pass the time and relax. Shop this gift at Drake General Store‘s multiple locations across the city, or online at drakegeneralstore.ca.
Boy Smells Candle, $50
This candle is a millennial gals dream; from the “Boy Smells” name, to the black and matte pink packaging, this candle is so trendy it hurts. Shop this gift at Easy Tiger Goods, located at 1447 Dundas St. West, or online at easytigergoods.com.
Rey Ring, $60
Anyone will appreciate this classic gold ring from Vitaly because nothing says style like sleek finishing touches. Shop this gift at Vitaly‘s multiple locations across the city, or online at vitalydesign.ca.
It’s never just about the merchandise… customers still flock to traditional retail stores for in-store experiences that online merchants just can’t mimic. These one-of-kind experiences are built upon superior service levels and strong store designs that strive to excite all of a customer’s senses. We kept our eyes peeled across the city and spotted 10 stores with the best design in Toronto.
Aesop Skincare
We are obsessed with this Aesop store on Queen Street West in Toronto. With luxurious samples on hand before even stepping into the store, you know you’re in for a great retail experience inside. This store’s design is spa-like, modern and uber minimal. Test out any product of your choosing at the luxurious sink in the centre of the store. 880 Queen St. W
Inside Aesop (Image: Instagram/@aesopskincare)
Lululemon
We love this new Lululemon concept store on Queen Street West in Toronto. Not just a retail space, here you’ll find a cafe, interactive gallery, lounge area and studio space (not to mention, there’s an Instagram-worthy shot around every corner!) Our fave spot? It’s a tie between the oversized marquee sign at the entrance and the Toronto mural by the hemming station. 318 Queen St. W.
Inside Lululemon Queen St. (Image: Instagram/@lululemon)
The Local
Lululemon is at it again with another new store concept. Located on Ossington Avenue in Toronto, this one is just for the boys. The Local is half retail store, half community space. Strolling through this modern and masculine shop, you won’t spot a flashy red logo in sight. You will, however, find art on display, a bar, barber services and gaming area. 6 Ossington Ave.
Inside the Local (Image: Instagram/@c_mille)
Black Rooster Decor
Get ready to be wowed! Hop on over to the Instagram page of Black Rooster Decor and we bet you’ll be itching to redecorate in seconds. A shopping trip to their Queen Street East showroom in Toronto will leave you in awe. This is not a traditional decor store, but a house of unique and stylish, high-quality pieces for every room. 1025 Queen St E.
Inside Black Rooster Decor (Image: Instagram/@blackrooster)
Nespresso Boutique Bar
Not your typical neighbourhood cafe, this Nespresso Boutique Bar in Yorkville is a treat for the eyes. Nespresso users know that you just can’t pop into your local grocery store to pick-up your next capsule. Therefore, a trip to this Toronto coffee boutique is worth the shopping trip in order to take in the bright product displays, high ceilings and stunning chandeliers. 159 Cumberland St.
Inside Nespresso (Image: Instagram/@sundaymorningcoffee)
Village Juicery
There’s nothing like an Instagram-worthy shop where the design aesthetic is as good as the product. We are obsessed with the Village Juicery location on Roncesvalles in Toronto for its clean lines, natural materials and sleek design. This large store features a modern, multipurpose workspace for customers to sit, drink and work or play. 99 Roncesvalles Ave.
The Village Juicery (Image: Instagram/@emily_evs)
The Detox Market
We are obsessed with green products for the body and home, but who knew that we could get them all in one elegant and unintimidating store? Located on King Street West in Toronto, you’ll love The Detox Market for its natural and inviting store design, informative staff and wide product assortment (all without the sales pressure and bright lights of traditional department store beauty counters). 420 King St W.
Inside the Detox Market (Image: Instagram/@fullyfearless)
Warby Parker
Eyeglasses store or library? We love the design of this sleek little shop in Toronto. The Warby Parker store on Queen Street West is worth a peak for your next pair of specs. It’s all in the details here with shelves lined with books by Canadian authors, elegant brass lamps and a Reference Desk as a checkout counter. 684 Queen St W.
Inside Warby Parker (Image: Instagram/@WarbyParker)
½ oz. Cocktail Emporium
Popping into this colourful Kensington Market shop in Toronto is always a fun experience. From its bright pink exterior, you know you’re in for a treat before even stepping foot inside the ½ oz. Cocktail Emporium. We recommend checking out this creative retail space with Miami-inspired vibes if you love to mix a good drink or simply appreciate a pretty bar cart. 20 Kensington Ave.
Cocktail Emporium (Image: Instagram/@raizacostaofficial)
Deciem | The Abnormal Beauty Company
We love this Yorkville Deciem location with a subtle storefront that is meant to surprise and delight busy Toronto commuters. This pint sized ‘abnormal’ beauty boutique is nothing like what you’re used to. Here you’ll find bright white walls, open industrial shelving and a large workspace in the centre of the store to test out products. 1240 Bay Street, Unit 113.
Deciem (Image: Instagram/@deciem)
Did we miss any of best-designed stores in Toronto?
Featured Image: Inside Deciem via Instagram/@andreannewrites
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