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 Fine contemporary collectibles |
101 Richmond St W (At York) Toronto, ON M5H 1T1 Canada +1 416 864 9858 / +1 800 638 5889 http://www.arthouse.net/ |
This exclusive shop specializes in fine contemporary collectibles. Established in 1973, it is one of the oldest underground pathway stores in downtown Toronto. For the contemporary collector, the shop offers a large selection of Precious Moments, Cherished Teddies and some sports memorabilia. Also included are figurines by Lladro, Lilliput Lane and the largest selection of MI Hummel in Canada. You will also find high-end pieces from Royal Doulton, as well as Inuit sculpture and other Native art. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Tiny Shops & Pretty Flowers |
1 Avenue Road Toronto, ON M5R Canada |
On the outskirts of Yorkville is Avenue Road running North from Bloor Street and across the road from The Royal Ontario Museum. Follow this road and you'll be accosted with high end clothing, accessories, cars and groceries. However, once you reach the crescent shaped area where Avenue meets Davenport, visitors will find the city's collection of art galleries and flower shops with their roses, daisies and lillies overflowing onto the sidewalk. In fact, anything considered classically beautiful can be found along this area, Haute Couturiers including Inez Di Santo Bridal, and Paperbag Princess' vintage designs can be found next to Whole Foods, and Rolls Royce. - Marie Nicola Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Hidden Shopping Haven |
Bayview Avenue (between Davisville Ave and Eglinton Ave) Toronto, ON Canada |
Aging buildings are getting a face lift with the inclusion of trendy stores! Bayview is tucked away from the rest of Toronto since it's harder to reach because the TTC doesn't run there. Because of this, locals rarely leave the Bayview area and prefer to shop here. So up springs a street filled with enviably cool clothing, chic housewares and unconventional finds. Make sure to head down to South Bayview and check out the Brickworks. Bayview is too good to miss! - Marie Ann Nicola Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Premier jewellery retailer |
220 Yonge St (At Shuter) Toronto, ON M2P 1R4 Canada +1 416 979 9311 / +1 800 682 2622 (Canada) / +1 800 758 2511 (U.S.) http://www.birks.com/ |
With 36 stores across Canada and headquartered in Montreal, this jewellery shop is one of the most respected in the country. The store boasts a tradition that goes back to 16th century England, with the first shop opening in Montreal in 1879. Toronto's Eaton Centre location continues this tradition with world-class jewellery designers. Birks' pieces have been bought by such luminaries as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and by Prince Rainier of Monaco. Other locations include the First Canadian Shopping Centre and Square One Shopping Centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Cigar-Lover Pampering |
170 Bloor Street W (at Avenue Road) Toronto, ON M5R 2E8 Canada +1 416 926 9066 http://www.lacasadelhabano.cu/ |
Located beside the Park Hyatt hotel in Yorkville, this exclusive smoker's store caters to the cigar connoisseur, and to the more novice visitors, with a vast collection of Cuban brands. With humidor locker facilities available to rent and a knowledgeable staff, this small slice of Havana serves all smoking needs. Customers are encouraged to savour an espresso in the cigar lounge, a room styled with maximum comfort in mind, all done in the rich '50s-Havana tradition with plush leather couches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Add style to space |
114-B Caster Avenue Suite 2, Woodbridge Toronto, ON L4L 5Y9 Canada +1 905 264 9878 / +1 888 438 6742 (Toll Free) http://www.closetfactory.com/ |
Come here and check out the custom designed closets, home-offices, pantries, wall units, laundry rooms and garages, built with design and functionality in mind. Just walk in with your requirements and let the expert staff take care of the rest. Different kinds of wood combined with the best of accessories are used to create these thoughtful designs. The elegantly designed units not only motivate you but also help you get more organized. So, how about an inspiring change at home? Review © 2007, Wcities |
 For future Nobel Prize winners |
3350 Dufferin St (At Highway 401) Toronto, ON M6A 3A4 Canada +1 416 787 4581 http://www.e-sci.com/ |
Located just south of Hwy 401 on Dufferin and directly across from Yorkdale Mall, this store features Canada's largest selection of telescopes and optics, as well as two floors of science books and supplies, microscopes, lab ware, robotics, chemistry and electronics kits. Telescopes range in price from CAD200-10,000 and binoculars from CAD50-2,000. For the kids there are puzzles, science-based games, rocket kits and anything a future Nobel Prize winner needs or wants. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All you wanted to know |
100 Princes' Blvd (National Trade Centre) Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Canada +1 416 263 3025 http://www.everythingtodowiths... |
This four-day event descends upon Toronto just in time for Halloween. Visitors can attend fashion shows, product demonstrations, seminars, educational workshops and partake in a celebrity autograph signing session. The show's organizers see it as a chance for retailers to appeal to a mainstream, upscale market on the topics of romance and self-improvement. Everything from novelty clothing, hot tubs, books, videos and leather goods are sold, demonstrated or discussed at this unique show. Who said Canadians weren't a sexy lot? Admission: CAD20; visitors must be 19 or older to attend. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Local Designers Make Eclectic Finds |
939 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M6H 1LH Canada +1 416 530 9946 http://www.freedomclothingcoll... |
Providing an alternative to mainstream fashion, Freedom Clothing Collective is a specialty retailer dedicated to promoting local designers and the fashionable use of recycled items. While a popular destination for indie fashion fans, the store's mix of reworked vintage clothing and one of a kind accessories is appealing to anyone looking for that one item that will make their wardrobe pop. With over 40 designers contributing to the stores Fashion Fair Trade Credo, there is variety as well as selection. - Marie Ann Nicola Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Happiness prevails |
106 Yorkville Avenue Toronto, ON M5R 1B9 Canada +1 416 975 5115 http://www.jeannelottie.com/ |
The Jeanne Lottie (meaning "true happiness") flagship store is located on the chic Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood. The designer believes in the philosophy that true happiness can only come from true beauty. All her collection, be it handbags, shoes, jewelry, stationery or fragrances—do not remain just that—but transcend into works of art. Truly a place for retail connoisseurs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Designer Housewares in Industrial Mecca |
1 King Street East Toronto, ON M5C Canada |
The formerly industrial slums of Toronto have recently transformed into expensive lofts, quaint cafes and great home shopping. Toronto is at a critical mass when it comes to internationally acclaimed designers and King Street East is where you can find their work. The neighborhood name is "Old Town of York" and it's located roughly from Church & King East to around Parliament and King. Along this stretch is chef supply stores where you can find the best in kitchenwares at wholesale prices, including top Canadian cookware (Paderno Pots & Grohman Knives), furniture stores like UpCountry and various stores carrying housewares, antiques and collectibles. - Marie Nicola Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Knit Pickings |
1050 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M6J 1H7 Canada +1 416 533 5648 http://www.theknitcafetoronto.... |
If you find yourself in stitches and sevens (pun intended), don't fret, the Knit Café is here to help! Whether you're just learning how to put a thread into the needle or an expert trying to complete your master creation, the café welcomes all with open arms. Located in serenity of Queen, the colorful yarns that fill the shelves are sure to keep every woman and her cat busy. The coffee mugs are always up to the brim and music on the background ensures the atmosphere doesn't necessarily observe pin-drop silence. Here's to even the neighborhood kids getting a Christmas jumper! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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More than Just Hello Kitty |
4300 Steeles Ave East Toronto, Ontario L3R 0Y5 Canada +1 905 470 8785 http://www.pacificmalltoronto.... |
Open year-round (including statutory holidays), Pacific Mall is North America's largest indoor Asian shopping centre, boasting more than 400 stores of merchandising goods. From automotive gears to video game consoles, Pacific Mall offers spacious walkways, ample parking (both outside and underground) and additional shopping complexes around the mall. But Pacific Mall offers more than a shopping experience. Situated on the second floor is Pacific Heritage Town, a proud homage to Asian culture. Adorned with original Asian artworks and a stage for live performances and special events, Pacific Mall and Pacific Heritage Town are also places to share and embrace the traditions of the thriving Asian community. - Melissa Nguyen Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Exquisite Stationery & More |
124 Cumberland Street (at Hazelton) Toronto, ON M5R 1A6 Canada +1 416 962 3916 http://www.showsmart.com/thepa... |
This store, tucked away below street level in Yorkville and close to the Royal Ontario and Gardiner museums, offers a variety of paper products and associated items, such as photo frames and fridge magnets. There is a great selection of wrapping paper and gift bags that make even the smallest present something beautiful. Cards and stationery range from romantic to goofy. There is also an assortment of resume papers and single sheets suitable for printing your own invitations. Second location at 1425 Yonge Street (+1 416 968 0706). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Landmark performance space |
60 Simcoe St (at King Street West) Toronto, ON M5J 2H5 Canada +1 416 593 4822 http://www.roythomson.com/ |
Its curved exterior and sloping glass awning, reflective in daylight and transparent in twilight, make this concert hall one of Toronto's distinctive downtown landmarks—and is located almost directly opposite the Royal Alexandra and The Princess of Wales theatres. The hall is also home to both the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Since opening in 1982, hundreds of touring musicians and entertainers have performed here to appreciative crowds. Even though it seats 2,812, no one is further than 32 metres from the stage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tune in! |
572 College Street West Toronto, ON M6G 1B3 Canada +1 416 537 1620 |
If music is food for your soul, then enter the melodious environs of Soundscapes. It is the mecca of records from all over the world. Whether you want to give your eardrums a hard rock workout or please them with jazz music, this place assures you with well-stocked sounds of all genres. A polite staff will help you browse through all the sections and even fish out the very album you have been looking for! Besides, it is also doles out tickets for all happening music concerts. Call for more information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All Things Musical |
415 Queen Street W (near Spadina) Toronto, ON M5V 2A5 Canada +1 416 593 8888 http://www.stevesmusic.com/ |
This music store, located in the Queen Street West area has come a long way since it first opened its doors in a seedy part of Montreal in 1965. Today, the Toronto store is massive and there's also a third store in Ottawa. There's no great secret to its success: the ability to provide musicians—both amateur and professional—with the musical equipment they demand. The store also sports a sheet music section, public address systems, and equipment rentals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laura Gallant |
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Good quality and craftsmanship |
85 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M5S 1M1 Canada +1 416 921 3900 http://www.tiffany.com/Locatio... |
This legendary store features some of the finest jewelry in the world. You will also find breathtaking crystal, flatware, chinaware, silverware, and timepieces for sale. Shop for engagement rings and anniversary presents, or something special for a newborn baby. Anything wrapped in Tiffany's signature blue box is sure to be considered an heirloom that the recipient will treasure for generations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Socially Conscious Reading |
73 Harbord Street (at Spadina Avenue) Toronto, ON M5S 1G4 Canada +1 416 922 8744 / +1 800 861 8233 http://www.womensbookstore.com/ |
Don't even think about asking for a Harlequin romance at this bookstore, which is located in the Spadina and Harbord area near the University of Toronto campus. The store is proud of its strong political overtones, providing the country's largest selection of feminist and lesbian works. Founded in 1973, the store also sells handcrafted jewellery, music and hard-to-find periodicals. The doors are always open for events of interest to women and other feminists, as the store uses its space to host meetings, reading groups, and visiting authors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Books, books and more books |
20 Edward St (at Yonge Street) Toronto, ON M5G 1C9 Canada +1 416 977 7009 http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/... |
This self-proclaimed "World's Biggest" definitely has a wide selection of books, magazines, audio, video and CD-ROMs to choose from. World's Biggest has specialized sections for computer books, children's books, fiction, magazines and more. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can check out the free CD-ROM search service, a database of all of the books in print that exist the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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