Toronto-based brand Ahiri just opened its first-ever flagship location right on Queen West in Toronto – and there’s a twist!

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The label Ahiri launched its online store in 2022 and, more recently, began offering its fashion assortment on Amazon. Now, customers can also experience its contemporary womenswear staples in person at its unique retail space. 

“This is a huge moment for Ahiri and our team couldn’t be more excited to offer a fresh retail experience. Ahiri is all about timeless designer fashion and now our customers can get a behind-the-scenes look at our creative process and give their own input. The relationship with our customers will become more intimate, as they will now be reflected in our upcoming collections in a deeper way,” says Michael Jafine, head of design, Ahiri.

Photo: Ahiri

Ahiri’s first store will house its design studio on the retail floor! This will allow customers to be part of the label’s design process and access what most labels keep behind the scenes, offering a deeper connection between Ahiri and its audience.

“Co-locating our retail, designer studio, office, and warehouse will save time, resources, and allow Ahiri to streamline its operations. Our customers can see what Michael is working on, give their feedback and be a meaningful part of Ahiri’s ecosystem. They will get a behind-the-scenes look at the design process, including mood boards, fabric swatches and other in-studio accoutrements,” says Sheetu Latif, CEO and co-founder, Ahiri.

Photo: Ahiri

We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Ahiri!

Visit its new flagship (and studio) location at 797 Queen Street West.

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If you’ve ever wished that you could shop local and support your favourite Canadian brands, all under one roof, this is your chance! The bi-annual pop-up event, INLAND, is back for its 10th year, this time, at Toronto’s Eaton Centre

INLAND’s spring 2024 pop-up will take place at CF Toronto Eaton Centre from May 9th to 12th, on the mall’s third-floor luxury level, next to Sephora. Over 40 of Canada’s most celebrated fashion designers and creators will be available to shop!

Photo courtesy of INLAND.

Since launching in 2014, INLAND has showcased over 500 Canadian brands and makers from across the country, encouraging shoppers to explore and shop local talent. 

The vendor line-up will showcase women’s and men’s apparel, swimwear, jewellery, footwear, bags, and more, showcasing some of Canada’s most visionary brands

Photo courtesy of INLAND.

“It’s a great time for fashion and retail because we are all in a “rethink” frame of mind, taking a closer look at what we buy and why we buy it. This is why I’m thrilled to be marking our 10th anniversary at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, bringing local design to one of Canada’s busiest shopping destinations. The intent is to disrupt what shoppers typically experience at the mall and hopefully encourage new thinking about both style and consumption,” says Sarah Power, founder and director, INLAND.

INLAND is also partnering with Fashion at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), allowing TMU students to showcase their collections alongside esteemed brands. 

Photo courtesy of INLAND.

INLAND Pop-Up Hours & Location:

Where: CF Toronto Eaton Centre, 3rd Floor, Beside Sephora. 

When: Thursday, May 9 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, May 10 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 12 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

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It’s always an amazing time to support local businesses. There are so many shops in Toronto and the GTA that offer incredible inventory that’s just as good, if not better, than at big-box retailers. Some local stores even carry its own in-house label as well as name brands that you’re sure to recognize. Feel good and look great when you shop these independant stores!

Here are the best Products to shop for at local businesses in Toronto and the GTA.


Women’s Apparel 

Poor Little Rich Girl

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Ease

Facebook/Ease

The Narwhal Boutique

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Kotn

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Coal Miner’s Daughter

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Zahara’s Boutique

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Men’s apparel 

Uncle Otis

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Park & Province

Facebook/Park & Province

GOTSTYLE

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Kotn

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A post shared by Kotn (@kotn)

Accessories & Footwear

Armed

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A post shared by ARMEDJewelry (@upandarmed)

Mejuri

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A post shared by Mejuri (@mejuri)

Gravitypope

Facebook/gravitypope

Get Outside

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A post shared by Getoutside (@getoutsideshoes)

Studio D Shoes

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A post shared by STUDIO D (@studiodshoes)

Heel Boy

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A post shared by heel boy (@heelboy)

Beauty & Skincare

PIVOT

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BITE Beauty

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Tribal Eye

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Deciem

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Home

Stylegarage

Facebook/Stylegarage

Elte Mkt

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Equilibrium Furnishings

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EQ3

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Hot on the heels of the closure of non-essential businesses, Emily and John, two Torontonians trying to make a positive impact on the community, have started a not-for-profit initiative that aims to help local businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dubbed the neighbourgood, the website sells e-gift cards on behalf of local businesses that can be redeemed at a later date.

Many small businesses across the city have been forced to close or remain semi-operational, and the neighbourgood offers support through an additional revenue stream. With the website, shoppers can support local businesses from the comfort of their own home.

Because the project is entirely not-for-profit, all local businesses across the city can join the neighbourgood network free of charge. Some businesses that are already involved include La CarnitaSweet JesusBar PoetHotBlack CoffeeMarbenThe Maker Bean Café, and Project Spaces.

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If you want to help out those in your community, this is an easy way to show your support.

If we don’t support our favourite local businesses now, we might not be able to visit them later. Whether it’s ordering online or buying e-gift certificates on the neighbourgood to use later, every little bit helps!

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At StyleDemocracy, we know shopping! We deliver the scoop on all things retail-related including how to get the best value at your favourite stores and online retailers. Hidden offerings, insider secrets and the ultimate savings… We’ve rounded up the 10 things every Etsy shopper needs to know. Keep reading for the top tips for shopping at Etsy.

Get Paid for Shopping on Etsy

We’ve told you before about our obsession with Ebates and earning cashback just for shopping. Earn 2% cash back on all of your Etsy purchases by first logging on through your Ebates account. Don’t have an Ebates account? It’s so easy to join and even easier to earn money on your purchases click here to sign up!

Favourite Everything!

Favourite your heart out on Etsy! By adding things (both items and shops) to your Favourites, Etsy will get to know you better and make more relevant product and shop recommendations for you. Tip: These recommendations can often result in similar products and shops with lower prices and/or more convenient shipping options.

Contact the Seller

If you’re on the fence about purchasing an item off of Etsy, don’t hesitate to contact the Shop’s Owner! By doing so, you can learn so much more about an item than simply what is listed online. Ask a seller to send more photos of an item, clarify fit, expedite shipping or even include gift wrapping. You’ll be surprised by just how accommodating Etsy Shop Owners can be.

Negotiate your Pricing/Buy in Bulk

There is power in numbers! Don’t be afraid to reach out to an Etsy Shop Owner and request a discount for buying items in bulk. Most sellers are happy to oblige – these sellers make it easy for buyers to save by creating a custom listing for bulk purchases at a discount. Tip: Some Etsy Shops will hide a bulk discount coupon code as part of their cover photo image.

etsy shopper

Engage with the Seller

Be in the know with your favourite Etsy shops. Reach out and ask to be added to an Etsy Shop Owner’s e-mail list and follow them on various social media channels! These are great ways to keep tabs on news of any flash sales, coupon codes and new product launches.

Shop Local and In Real Life 

Play around with Etsy’s “Shop Location” and “Ship To” settings to hone in on local shops and support the creators in your community! To meet your local makers IRL, keep an eye on your city’s Etsy Street Team. Follow them on social to find out about upcoming markets, workshops, art shows, and more. Follow the Toronto Etsy Street Team here

Save on Shipping Costs

One of the perks to shopping local with Etsy is the convenience of buying from a Shop Owner right in your backyard. Before placing your Etsy order with a shop located in your City, contact the Shop Owner to negotiate if an in-person pick-up is possible to save on shipping costs. Most of the time, they will be more than happy to oblige and meet you at a mutually convenient public place.

Play with Search Terms

The key to finding exactly what you’re looking for on Etsy is creatively using keywords in your search. Try to be as detailed as possible and test out different adjectives – you’ll be surprised by the varying search results that populate when you describe an item as “red” or “maroon” or “wine” coloured.    

etsy shopper

Read Buyers’ Feedback

Read an item’s reviews prior to placing your Etsy order. The review of a recent, previous buyer is the best indication of an item’s value. Satisfied customers generally go into detail about how fantastic a product or service and therefore,  you’ll likely enjoy it as well. Steer clear of any items with complaints on Etsy (especially any negative feedback that isn’t responded to by the Shop Owner ASAP).  

Save on Your Next Purchase

From our experience, many Etsy Shops are likely to toss in a coupon code with your order upon shipping to entice you to make a repeat purchase. Therefore, if you’re inclined to place a second order with a Shop or tell your friend about a great buy, hold off until you receive your first shipment for that handy discount coupon off of your next Etsy order.

Do you agree with our list of the 10 things every Etsy shopper needs to know? What would you add?

Featured Image: Instagram/@etsyca

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Get ready, Toronto! Everyone’s favourite Canadian marketplace is back from Wednesday, March 29th to Sunday, April 2nd at the Enercare Centre in Toronto.

This year, the One of a Kind Show will host over 500 local artisans and makers, bringing together the best of Canadian craftsmanship. Like always, there will be 1000s of items to browse including homewares, gifts, clothing, accessories, and food. With a commitment to excellence, you know it’s gonna be good… Or at least, a good cardio workout and date with your favourite gal pals!

As always, we’ve got some tickets in our back pocket to give to our readers. We have 10 pairs of tickets up for grabs.

Enter to win 1 of 10 tickets to go to the One of a Kind Show Spring 2017 in the widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Terms and Conditions:

  • Ten (10) winners will receive two (2) tickets to the One of a Kind Show (RV: $30)
  • Entrants must live in Canada, GTA best
  • Entrants must be 16+ to enter
  • Contest closes Monday, March 27, 2017 at 11:59 pm EST
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Tuesday, March 28, 2017
  • Winners will have until end of day Thursday, March 30, 2017 to claim their prize. If the winner does not respond, they forfeit the prize & a new winner will be picked
  • The prize in non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash
Featured Image: Instagram/@ooak_toronto