Toronto shopping: the 10 best shops for vintage and vinyl
1. Brika
Brika, The Heart of Toronto
When Kena Paranjape and Jen Lee Koss came together, an idea kindled to life — an online platform for small-scale artisans that ultimately grew into a physical extension, mirroring Etsy in the heart of Toronto. Their shop, Brika, is a sanctuary for handmade goods, setting itself apart by focusing on an upscale mix of home goods, fashion, and exceptionally splendid jewellery, truly stepping away from the conventional crafts of yesteryears. Forget knitted tea cosies and braided leather necklaces, Brika represents the present-day craftsman. Even though the offering rotates frequently, there are certain items that have become staples. Sweetgum Textiles offers patterned linen-and-cotton napkins, while Joyo has made a mark with her cherry-wood cuff bracelets. Be on the lookout for blue maple leaf stickers on certain items, denoting that they are proud products of Canada. Visit at 768 Queen St East or check out their online catalogue at brika.com.
2. The Legacy of Nasser Vies' Shoes
Nasser Vies, the stoic craftsman originally hailing from Iran, is a rarity in Toronto as one of the last remaining master shoe makers. He manages to maintain an air of mystery, operating out of his modest workspace hidden in a quiet alleyway. Vies' list of clientele is impressive including the likes of renowned actor Robert Duvall who once sought Vies' expertise for a pair of custom tango shoes. This humble workshop is a scene out of an artisanal storybook, brimming with beautifully aged calf leather, historical accounts of the Peloponnesian War and eager apprentices who silently soak up the ancient art of shoemaking from the master. Despite using a plethora of materials like smooth canvas, various snake skins and suede, Vies' luxury shoe creations predominantly feature the timeless leather. By imparting his wisdom on a new breed of cobblers through his shoemaking courses, Vies ensures the continuation of exquisite handcrafted footwear. Do visit his digital shop at nasserviesshoes.wordpress.com.
3. Irish Design House
Unearth Irish Treasures at The Irish Design House, Toronto
Relocating to Toronto from Cavan, Ireland, in 2013, master knitter Sinéad Clarke soon made a name for herself with her striking design work. Initially using pop-up venues to launch her creations, Clarke soon evolved to open her own stylish storefront. Adorned with vintage trunks and armoires, her displays boast a selection of quintessentially Irish goods, including handcrafted textiles, artisanal soaps, and warm jumpers carefully selected from respected Irish brands as well as contributions from her personal clothing line, Fada.
Unique items are created in her workshop, located within the shop itself, producing customer favourites like a charming vintage-imbued shirtdress with a retro shoe print. The unifying quality of all Clarke’s merchandising? Each piece is meticulously hand-crafted, representing the authenticity and originality of her Irish heritage. Visit at 756 Queen St East or online at theirishdesignhouse.com
4. Guff Vintage Furniture
Welcome to Guff - a beloved Toronto-based vintage furniture destination. This treasure trove, situated where an old sign-maker's business used to thrive, is managed by seasoned trader John Jakeman.
Be prepared to discover an eclectic collection of hard-to-come-by yet affordably priced Scandinavian and mid-century modern items. Guff is home to unique pieces like the superbly crafted Ceramic Lotte lamps and Hans Wegner oak armchairs. Venture deeper, and you may even stumble upon a rare AY Jackson neo-Impressionist work of art from time to time.
Navigating the collection may be an exercise in restraint. You may find yourself longing for the sumptuous comfort of a Percival Lafer leather Earth sofa or drawn to the audacious vibrancy of a Seventies shag-pile rug. But never fear, Guff offers a stunning array of smaller treasures too. From detailed architectural drawings to sophisticated leather wine flasks, there are plenty of easier-to-carry keepsakes you can add to your personal collection. Venture into our online store, ready yourself for a treat at gufffurniture.com and allow yourself to explore Guff's delightful offerings.
5. Token
Located in Toronto, Token is a unique shopping haven. The owner, Nicole Babin-Powell, showcases a distinctive collection of gifts that adhere to ethical sourcing and local craftsmanship. This makes for a unique collection that's difficult to replicate in any other store.
The inventory ranges from sophisticated greeting cards inspired by Canadian music legends such as Neil Young and Leonard Cohen, to endearing pin badges paying tribute to Degrassi Street, a popular local street which formed the basis of a famous eponymous 80s TV show. Alongside these, you'll find intriguing items like ceramic garden frogs and intricately beaded Death’s Head purses. Nicole has a knack for stocking charming and vibrant items that are more than just aesthetically pleasing- they also serve pragmatic purposes.
New and unique, Token offers an enticing assortment of products including aromatic Zoe olive oils in distinct flavors of honey, garlic, and truffle, Klippan blankets made of dense eco-wool suitable for the dipping temperatures, and aromatic Anita's La La Land soaps. The soap, in particular, is a hit with the locals, infused with the blossom of oranges and coupled with goat's milk for a luxurious bathing experience. Visit Token at 804 Queen St East or check out their vast offerings on their dedicated website tokentoronto.com.
6. Tiny Record Shop
The Tiny Record Shop, centrally located in Toronto, offers customers a unique shopping experience as it doubles as an epicentre of elite vintage and vinyls. Trevor Larocque, the owner, is also the mind behind one of Toronto's leading independent labels, Paper Bag Records, responsible for putting Canadian legends like Sam Roberts and Born Ruffians on the map.
Nestled at the rear of Token, this shop joins the ranks of globally acclaimed record stores. What began as a way to sell off Larocque's personal vinyl collection has since transcended into a goldmine of unique records from Europe, America, and Japan. His forays around the world enable him to acquire extraordinary, one-of-a-kind items like the record ‘Give Me Power’, featuring Lee Perry and friends. The store has also established itself as an art space, exhibiting specially curated record covers from well-renowned bands like The Smiths and The Kinks. Visitors will find it at 804 Queen St East or at tinyrecordshop.com.
Let the engrossing aura of the Tiny Record Shop pull you in and allow yourself to be mesmerised by the world of music tucked away within Toronto's bustling streets.
7. Common Sort
Common Sort: A Gem in Toronto's Vintage Scene
The vintage clothing culture in Toronto is thriving - with Common Sort fronting the movement. Occupying the space of a former hardware store adjacent to Token, it boasts an impressive collection of pristine vintage items. Don't be surprised if you stumble upon a pair of practically untouched Miu Miu mules, Manolo Blahnik pumps, or perhaps a scarcely used Marc Jacobs bag that's just been exchanged by its previous owner. But that’s not all - the store also offers a delightful throwback to the seventies. Suede jeans and classic leather Coach bags are a regular find here. Their quirky and friendly staff members are always on hand to help you find a gem among the trove. Location: 800 Queen St East.
For more information, you can visit their website at: commonsort.com.
8. Explore the Culinary Delight at Mary Macleod’s Shortbread
Experience the enticing aroma of chocolate, sugar, and butter that engulfs the neighborhood as you approach Mary Macleod's Shortbread, a culinary treasure rooted in Toronto since 1981. The scrumptious shortbread, originally crafted by Scottish native Mary Macleod, has advanced to global recognition, becoming a holy grail for biscuit enthusiasts. Macleod sparked a trend that resonates till today; she mastered the art of small-batch, single-item baking, a mantra many millennial entrepreneurs subscribe to. Interesting tale, her recipe was fine-tuned by local law enforcement officers who served as her initial taste samplers, with the chocolate-crunch shortbread emerging as an unequivocal favorite. As her daughter-in-law Sharon, the current torchbearer of the business reveals, Mary once faced a bit of controversy from the Scottish Society about christening her invention as shortbread since it had chocolate components. However, after they tasted it, they persisted that it was 'the most delicious shortbread they'd ever indulged in.' Discover this culinary delight at 639 Queen St East or visit their website marymacleod.ca.
9. Empire By Bullet
Offering an interesting blend of quintessential English charm in a Canadian city, this shop draws inspiration from British culture, satisfying the cravings of not just Brits, but also those in love with UK's quirks and qualities. It's fascinating to observe how the perception of 'essential' British items is reflected here. From enjoying the familiar crunch of Walkers Crisps, savouring the comforting brew of Yorkshire Tea, to indulging in the iconic sweetness of Cadbury chocolate bars – it's like taking a delicious trip across the pond. The shop further extends into the realms of delightful home decor pieces and quirky gifts, mirroring captivating elements like Thierry Poncelet's dog-themed tapestry pillows or souvenirs dedicated to the timeless sci-fi series, Doctor Who. An unexpected twist awaits at the back of the shop: 'Keep Me Posted', a section dedicated to offering the most playfully audacious greeting cards of the city. It's indeed a unique spot on the map at 724 1/2 Queen St East - empirebybullet.com.
10. The Broadview Hotel
The Broadview Hotel Bar stands proudly as a testament of Toronto's rich past. Originally constructed in 1891, the Romanesque revival edifice was once adored for its flamboyant decors and glamorous-girl posters displayed on its peeling red facade during its Jilly's strip club days, a significant East End landmark for over three decades.
Today, the building has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the tasteful touch of DesignAgency, renowned for molding the hip identity of the Generator hostel brand. They have ingeniously preserved its history by incorporating subtle elements from its past - a brass pole here, boudoir-inspired custom furniture there, and smatterings of velvet curtains, perfect for those seeking nostalgia.
Evolved into the sleek and modern Broadview Hotel, the building now flaunts a meticulously restored facade, implying a homage to its history while embracing modernity. The hotel's interior brims with upscale aesthetics, showcasing splendid decors which seem to have been finely collected over decades. Serving as the mainstay of hospitality, the hotel's lobby has been turned into a versatile café that offers service from dawn till dusk.
In addition to this, the hotel hosts The Civic, a lively restaurant with a welcoming ambiance, and an exquisite rooftop bar, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Enjoy a luxurious stay in this piece of Toronto's history starting from £205 for a double room.
If you like to explore more enchanting hospitality experiences in Ontario, consider visiting the Inn on the Twenty - http://inn-on-the-twenty.ontariocahotel.com/en/. It provides a different twist of enjoyable stay by combining rustic charm and modern conveniences.
The Broadview Hotel, a perfect blend of history, hospitality, and elegance, resides at 106 Broadview Avenue. For more information or bookings, visit the hotel's website at thebroadviewhotel.ca.