The next time you’re in the mood for a little retail therapy, skip the obvious shopping destinations in Toronto and head out to new territory. Sure, Queen Street West and CF Toronto Eaton Centre are great, but so are other neighbourhoods that often get overlooked.
While these areas might not get as much mainstream love, they’re certainly not lacking; each one has its own individual perks. If Orfus Road, Cabbagetown, or First Canadian Place ring a bell, it’s time to solidify your relationship and get shopping.
Here are underrated shopping destinations in Toronto that you’re probably missing out on.
Orfus Road
North of Lawrence Ave. and West of Dufferin St.
Orfus Road brings all the benefits and bargains of outlet mall shopping without actually having to leave the city. Shop such outlets as Roots Last Chance Outlet, Urban Planet, Designer Fragrances Depot, Kitchen Stuff Plus, and more. Along with slashed prices, there are also a number of great restaurants nearby, such as Burger’s Priest and Uncle Tetsu.
Dufferin Mall
900 Dufferin St.
If you live outside Dufferin Mall’s parameters, then you may not be too familiar with the shopping center, however, it’s a great destination for shopping on the west side. Popular stores include Pandora, H&M, Dollarama, Walmart, No Frills, and Marshalls, meaning it’s a prime hub for clothes and groceries if you’re looking for a one-stop shop. With over 120 retailers, a food court, and services including a tailor, nail and hair salons, and phone providers, it’s larger than it seems.
Little Korea
Between Crawford St. and Bathurst St. on Bloor St. West
Nestled on a small strip between Crawford and Bathurst, Little Korea, or Koreatown, has a mix of tasty authentic restaurants, gift shops, and unique vintage clothing-inspired shops. Most notable are Hanji Gifts, Crywolf, Mr. Pen, PAT Central Market, as well as Korean food joints that will make you drool like Hodo Kwaja (bakery), Mapo Korean BBQ, Rustle & Still, and more.
Roncesvalles Village
Roncesvalle Ave.
Roncesvalles is constantly evolving, and it just gets better and better. Not only is the street lined with charming old houses, but it boasts a number of shops and restaurants unique to the strip. Make sure to check out Frock for cool girl essentials, Likely General for fun housewares and accessories, and Early Bird & Worm for adorable kid and maternity apparel and housewares. You’re also going to want to try the dry rub wings at Barque, as well as visit their butcher shop located just a little way down from the restaurant.
Castlefield Design District
Castlefield Ave. and Caledonia Ave.
South of Orfus Road, the Castlefield Design District is where interior design professionals go to source everything they need. The industrial area hordes a number of Toronto home stores selling everything from live-edge wooden tables, to carpets from India. The warehouse-sized stores include Toronto-based Elte, Gingers, Union Lighting, and the list goes on. If you’re hungry, be sure to drop by the cafe inside Elte Mkt for fresh salads, sandwiches, and more. It’s one of our favourite shopping destinations in Toronto for home decor, and it’s sure to become yours, too!
First Canadian Place
100 King St. W
You may know the Exchange Tower from the outside, but if you don’t stroll through the PATH on the regular, you might not know that First Canadian Place features some incredible shops. Featuring three different levels, including the underground network of stores and fast food joints, the destination has more than meets the eye. Check out stores like DECIEM, Harry Rosen, and more, along with tasty places like Porchetta & Co, Ladurée, and Freshii, to name a few.
Cabbagetown
Between Sherbourne St. and Bayview Ave.
If you’re in the east end, make sure to dedicate some time to Cabbagetown! The collection of cafes and primarily designed stores will make for a fun outing. While it may not be a go-to for fashion, make sure to visit Spruce, Labour of Love, KENDALL & Co, and Green Antiques for one-of-a-kind home goods and lifestyle products. Steak & Chops butcher shop is also worth a visit for organic seafood and high-quality meats.
Riverside
From the Don Valley Parkway and Logan Ave., between Gerrard St. East and Eastern Ave.
Another east-end neighbourhood to visit is Riverside. You’ll find most of our favourite spots located on Queen St. East, but there are tons of gems to discover throughout. For hair and beauty, Oreya Studio is a dreamy, pink destination for hair, nail, and makeup. On the hunt for clothing and accessories? Common Sort is our go-to consignment store. And if you’re shopping for home, GUFF — or Good Used Furniture Finds — is where to go to for furniture and decor, particularly if you’re looking for mid-century Scandinavian design. We also can’t forget to mention Sash & Bustle, which is one of the top places in the city to shop for all things bridal.
Chinatown
From Augusta Ave. to Beverly St. between College St. and Queen St.
While Chinatown is a well-known foodie destination, many people often overlook the shops! A stroll through the neighbourhood will reveal tons of retailers that stock cellphone accessories, affordable basic tees and hoodies, designer eyewear, souvenirs, and housewares. Not to mention, streetwear boutiques like Better Gift Shop, Stussy, and Nomad. One of our favourite spots to visit is kitchen supply store Tap Phong. Teeming with pots, pans, catering supplies, appliances, and more, it’s a go-to for food professionals in the city. And if you’re into games, Meeplemart is hailed as one of the best gaming and board game shops in the city, with affordable prices and super knowledgable staff.
The Danforth
Along Danforth Ave. between Don Valley Parkway and west of Victoria Park Ave.
Known as Greektown, the Danforth is another destination that’s renowned for its food. The long stretch of Danforth Ave. is lined with delicious eateries serving up all types of different cuisines, but you’ll also find boutiques and beauty salons nestled in between. Some of our top choices to shop on Danforth Ave. are bare market, the city’s newest package-free store that stocks groceries, beauty, cleaning supplies, and more; Vintage Depot, a haven for clothing and accessories from the past; and Tips Nail Bar, home to some of the best nail art in the city.
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If you love Roots and a good deal, you’ll be happy to hear that the iconic Canadian heritage brand has just opened a brand new outlet store!
Located just south of Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, Roots has relocated its original Orfus Rd. location to 95 Orfus Rd., and the new spot it’s absolutely stunning! For those who don’t know, this strip of stores is the spot to find a great deal and you can find other outlets like Kitchen Stuff Plus, Bluenotes, and more on the stretch.
The new Roots Outlet store in Toronto is sleek and modern.
It features clean lines and big windows that make for beautiful natural lighting inside the store. Not to mention, there’s plenty of parking out front. Through the front doors, you’ll find last-chance collections at a discount for men, women, and kids, and an awesome selection of sweats, shorts, dresses, and much more.
If you’re looking to squeeze some shopping in and pick up some summer and cottage staples, the new Roots Outlet store on Orfus Rd. in Toronto is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you can’t make it to the store, you can also browse an amazing selection of sale items online.
Happy shopping!
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This weekend, there’s an abundance of online sales to shop. You don’t need to leave the comfort of your home to score a good deal! Keep reading for our top picks of the best sales to shop this weekend.
Roots Warehouse Moving Sale
From now until February 17, Roots is hosting a massive moving sale at its 120 Orfus Rd. location in Toronto! The iconic Canadiana retailer is offering an extra 70% off already reduced styles. Just act fast — this sale won’t last long. Get full details about the Roots Warehouse Moving Sale.
Nasty Gal
Calling all cool girls! Right now, Nasty Gal is taking 50% off the entire website. Score dresses, tops, pants, accessories, and more for half off. And did we mention that sale items are 50% off, too? Shop the Nasty Gal sale.
Hudson’s Bay
Everyone’s favourite Canadian department store is hosting a big sale this weekend! If you have a Hudson’s Bay credit card, you can take an extra 25% off clearance and 15% off regular and sale prices. But if you don’t have a Hudson’s Bay credit card, you can still score a deal online! Take an extra 10% off regular, sale, and clearance prices when you shop online. Shop the Hudson’s Bay sale.
Mountain Warehouse
In honour of Family Day, Mountain Warehouse is hosting a special sale. Take an extra 20% off sale items like winter jackets, down trousers, flannel shirts, and more. Use the promotion code “FAMILY20” to get the discount. Shop the Mountain Warehouse sale.
Sport Chek
Another family-focused sale to shop this weekend is Sport Chek’s! From now until February 17, save 25% on in-store ticket prices and 10% on in-store ticket items of already reduced styles. Online, use the promotion code “FRIENDS20” to for up to 60% off. Shop the Sport Chek sale.
Anthropologie
For a limited time, head to Anthropologie and save an extra 50% on sale items. Just note that all sales are final, so be sure to double check your cart before you check out. Shop the Anthropologie sale.
Aldo Shoes
If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of shoes, head over to Aldo! The footwear retailer is taking 20% off purchases of $100+ until February 17. Shop the Aldo Shoes sale.
Under Armour Outlet
You can score an extra 25% off outlet orders of $100+. Plus, there’s free shipping and returns on online orders of $75+. Use the promotion “FIT25”. Shop the Under Armour Outlet sale.
American Eagle
For a wardrobe upgrade, check out American Eagle’s sale. They’re taking 25-50% off everything! The sale runs online only for a limited time. And while you’re shopping, be sure to check out the clearance section which is 50% off. Shop the American Eagle sale.
Nordstrom
The winter sale at Nordstrom is on now! From now until February 23, save up to 40% on clothes, shoes, and accessories for women, men, and kids, plus home stuff, too. Brands featured include UGG, adidas, Ted Baker, Vince Camuto, and more. Shop the Nordstrom sale.
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International brands and retailers are shuttering shops in Canada at an alarming rate, but it’s not all doom and gloom for the retail landscape. Despite the recent store closures, there are still plenty of brands and retailers eyeing Canadian cities for exciting openings.
While this year’s crop of retailers looking to make their mark on Canadian soil is less fruitful than years past, we still have a lot to look forward to!
Here are four exciting brands opening Canadian stores in 2020:
Ulta
Back in the spring of 2019, The Globe And Mail reported that the American beauty chain, Ulta, had plans to expand into Canada. While the Illinois-based retailer hasn’t announced an exact opening date, sources noted that Ulta had enlisted in the help of a real estate expert to scout out different locations. It’s rumoured that Canada’s first Ulta will open in late 2020 or early 2021. Out of all the brands opening Canadian stores in 2020, this might be the one we’re most excited about!
BiWay
The once-popular bargain retailer made waves last year when it announced a comeback. BiWay is slated to reopen August 2020 on Orfus Road, a popular destination for discount stores just south of Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Shoppers can expect plenty of under $10 bargains on clothing, home goods, food, beauty, and more.
Niketown
While Canada already has a slew of Nike stores, Toronto will be getting a Niketown at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in the fall of 2020. The concept is already present in major cities globally, but the concept was scaled back years ago. Now the concept will relaunch in Toronto. Sources say the Niketown will span over two floors and 32,000-square-feet, and will take over the Zara Home, Le Chateau, and former Home Outfitters store at the north Toronto mall around November.
Paul
A little piece of Northern France is headed to Canada this year. Paul, a famous French bakery that started in 1889, is opening its first Canadian location in Vancouver. The bakery is known for its sweet and savoury baked goods, breads, and sandwiches, as well as French fare such as quiche, salads, and salads, and will open on Robson Street.
We’ll update this article as more brands opening Canadian stores in 2020 are announced. Stay tuned!
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Last year, Canadians were surprised with a blast from the past: BiWay, the beloved discount store that shuttered in 2001, announced that it would be reopening stores in the summer of 2019.
Up until now, news about the opening has remained under wraps, and the proposed launch date has come and gone. But in a recent interview with Retail Insider, BiWay owner, Mal Coven, announced a new opening date and location.
The BiWay reopening is slated to happen this August 2020 in Toronto.
The location will open on Orfus Road, a popular destination for discount stores just south of Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Retail Insider reports that it will be located next to a brand new Roots Last Chance outlet store.
The new BiWay stores will focus on value-based product — nothing in the store will be over $10.
For example, items can be purchased one for $10, two for $10, three for $10, four for $10, etc.
Mal Coven also notes that the new concepts will be modernized, matching interactive strategies that we see in many retailers such as events like live book readings from book authors featured in BiWay.
In terms of product offerings, the merchandise will span over multiple categories.
Shoppers can expect to see name brand childrenswear — about 35% of the store will focus on this — as well as home goods, ladies wear, menswear, food, health, and beauty items.
If the concept is well received, shoppers can expect to see more BiWay stores open across Canada.
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Located in Toronto (just north of Lawrence Avenue and west of Dufferin Street), Orfus Road offers Torontonians unbelievable warehouse bargains without ever having to leave the city. Just south of Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Orfus Road is an industrial and retail strip of businesses between Dufferin St. and Caledonia Road. Those familiar with this discount-shopping hub know that Orfus Road houses a plethora clearance outlets, liquidation centres and factory stores that are worth checking out on a warm weather day.
Not sure if Orfus Road is the shopping spot for you? We’ve got our list of secrets to shopping Orfus Road in order to maximize your time and savings.
Budget Shoppers, Rejoice!
While you won’t find high-end fashion outlets along this strip, you will find a large selection of retailers to choose from. Our favourites include the Roots Last Chance Outlet, Kitchen Stuff Plus Outfit, Urban Planet Outlet, and the West 49 Outlet. But you can also find massive outlets from Bluenotes, Suzy Shier, Fairweather, International Clothiers, Designer Depot, Ardene, Ardene Shoes, and more.
Heading on vacation to a sunny destination? Orfus Road is the perfect place to score trendy, summer fashions that won’t break the bank!
Shop Light
With all of the incredible savings to be had at Orfus Road, a significant number of the outlets we visited ask shoppers to check any large parcels, oversized purses, and purchases from other retailers upon entering their store as a loss prevention precaution. Our secret? Leave personal belongings and other purchases at home or in your vehicle.
Return Policies
Before handing over your cash, be sure to check the store’s return policy. In most cases, you’ll find items that are “final sale” or “exchange only” due to the deep discounts. Our secret? After each purchase, take a photo of your receipt with your smartphone camera so that you never misplace a bill.
TTC Accessible
On a sunny weekend afternoon, Orfus Road can easily get backlogged with cars pulling in and out of storefront parking lots and vehicles stopping for customers crossing the street. Our secret to shopping Orfus Road is that it can be done on foot! This outlet strip is easily accessible via the 29 Dufferin Bus or by walking just five minutes south of Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Avoid the hassle of moving your vehicle every few stores and tackle the strip on foot if you dare.
Visit During The Week
Our secret for avoiding crowds is to hit up the Orfus Road outlets during the week between 3 and 5 p.m. While you might run into a few students from the neighbouring high school, the shops should be pretty quiet, neat, and tidy otherwise.
Washroom Breaks
Unlike a traditional, enclosed shopping centre, you’ll be hard pressed to find washrooms available for public use (let alone for paying customers,) along Orfus Road. Looking for a washroom? Our secret is to check out larger, national retailers like Kitchen Stuff Plus and Party City for a clean bathroom break.
Operating Hours
Since Orfus Road’s countless retailers all operate independently from one another, you won’t find streamlined hours of operation amongst all stores. If you’re looking to shop at a specific retailer, our secret is to call the store directly prior to your shopping trip in order to confirm operating hours.
Grab Some Food
At Dufferin and Lawrence, you’ll find a number of restaurants to choose from, but our favourites are Burger’s Priest and Uncle Tetsu’s. If you’re feeling cheesy, head to Grande Cheese for a massive selection of cheeses, meats, and other grocery supplies. While you won’t find super deep discounts, Grande Cheese runs weekly specials, so there are deals to be had!
Take a peek at some of the stores on Orfus Road below.
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It’s easy to have a love-hate relationship with shopping, especially when it’s emptying your bank account. But there is one way that you can have the best of both worlds, and that’s by shopping at outlet stores.
Outlets are essentially the factory versions of your favourite stores, that offer insane deals that you’d never find in regular shopping malls.
They aren’t always the easiest things to find, but with this guide, you’ll be on your way to finding the best discount deals at the best outlet malls in the province.
Here are the top six outlet malls in Ontario.
Vaughan Mills
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Vaughan Mills is one of the country’s largest outlet malls, located in Vaughan, Ontario. With incredible deals on all your favourite brands, and over 200 stores, such as Adidas, American Eagle, Bench, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Coach, DKNY, Forever 21, Frank& Oak, Guess, H&M, J. Crew, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Levi’s, MAC, Michael Kors, Pandora, Saks Fifth Avenue, and many more, you really can’t go wrong with a visit to this outlet mall.
Tanger Outlets
Tanger is a gorgeous outdoor outlet shopping chain, with over 40 locations in Canada and the US. Not only do they have discounts on all the brands we know and love, but they’ve cultivated an atmosphere that makes shopping easier for the entire family. There is a food court, a playground for kids, BeaverTail stand, and over 60 stores to choose from. Because Tanger is such a popular outlet mall chain in North America, they even have an exclusive membership for shoppers that can be used at any one of their locations.
Toronto Premium Outlets
Like Tanger Outlets, Toronto Premium Outlets is also an outdoor shopping centre. Although its name is deceiving, as it isn’t actually located in Toronto, but in Halton Hills, an approximate 45-minute drive from Toronto, this outlet mall is a hidden gem for amazing discounts on popular high-end brands such as Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Coach, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Prada, Ted Baker, and so many more.
Dixie Outlet Mall
Located in Mississauga, only a 15-minute drive from downtown Toronto, you can find another one of the country’s largest enclosed outlet malls, that holds over 120 stores. You can also hunt their deals online before going into the stores, by checking their website for up-to-date promotions.
Outlet Collection Niagara
As its name suggests, this outlet mall is located in Niagara-on-the-lake, so as you can probably imagine, the views from this spot are incredible. But if that’s not enough to make you want to visit, the sales at over 110 stores surely will. There are tons of popular brands, high-end, and otherwise, such as Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Coach, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Crocs, Forever 21, Jack & Jones, Lulu Lemon, Reebok, Roots, Ugg, Vans, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Orfus Road Outlets
Located on, you guessed it, Orfus Road, in Toronto, this outlet plaza is a tad different from the others on this list. Instead of finding high-end brands, or brands that you’d typically find in a standard shopping mall, here you’ll mainly find deals on food (and some clothes too). For instance, Grande Cheese Factory Outlet is a huge Italian superstore located along the strip that offers great deals on authentic Italian ingredients. Just past the Italian superstore is an abundance of discount signage, indicating you’ve arrived at the street’s core. Here you’ll find an outlet beauty supply store called Jessica Nail & Beauty Supply, a party supply outlet, a fragrance outlet, a Le Chateau, Ardene, Stitches, Bluenotes, a target range, and a few outdoor food vendors.
Featured image: Instagram/ @toronto_po
In case you haven’t heard, Roots is hosting a big summer blowout sale at their Orfus Rd. location! From now until August 7, they are taking an extra 50% off the lowest ticketed price on almost everything in store. Shop styles for the whole family, including classic Roots sweats and flannels, as well as footwear, outerwear, and accessories.
Take a peek at some of the offerings below and get full sale details here. 
Get full details about the Roots Orfus Road Summer Blowout Sale here.
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