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Toronto prides itself on having some of the finest shopping in North America. Indeed, most of the world's name boutiques have branches here, especially in the Yorkville area, where you can find such luxury labels as Chanel, Prada, and Cartier. For those a little leaner of wallet, you can join in one of Torontonians' favorite pastimes: bargain hunting. Locals wear discount threads like badges of honor and stretch their dollar at Winners—where overstocked and liquidated designer pieces and last-season fashions are slashed to a fraction of their original retail prices.
Toronto has a large arts-and-crafts community, with numerous art galleries, custom jewelers, clothing designers, and artisans. Sophisticated glass sculpture and Inuit art are ideal as gifts or for your own home. A few record stores are still going strong despite the dominance of digital music. The survivors’ trump card has been focused inventory and knowledgeable staff—head to Rotate This for alterative and indie music or Atelier Grigorian for classical and jazz. Bookstores such as Indigo have lounge areas where you can sip a coffee from the in-store café while perusing books by Canadian authors such as Alice Munro, Ann-Marie MacDonald, and Rohinton Mistry; don’t miss favorite independent Book City.
When it comes to department stores, all roads lead to Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street West, the epicenter of Toronto's designer shopping. A mere block east is the more mid-price department store The Bay. A second Bay can be found across from Eaton Centre, a sprawling shopping complex with multilevel parking in the heart of the city.
The Toronto location of this internationally renowned luxury jeweler caters to the city's elite. The glass cases feature a good selection of the jewelry designer's classic creations, including the triple-gold-band Trinity Ring and the striking nail-shape Juste Un Clou collection.
Located in one of the city's historic buildings, this boutique is one of the company's largest in North America. Most of the brand's latest offerings, including classic and seasonal bags and accessories, are here, and the staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful, just what you'd expect from a store of this caliber.
The best-dressed Torontonians clear out their closets at this consignment store, which always has something cheap and cheerful on the racks. Brands range from fast-fashion to vintage to designer; the eagle-eyed might even spot some Marni or Max Mara.
Founded in 1979, this is one of the most fascinating galleries in the city with its mission to showcase art spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. The unique, industrial space complements the experience of viewing its roster of artists, such as Barbara Astman and David Urban, and spanning media from painting to photography, sculpture, and mixed media.
Located in the heart of the Distillery District, the shop features more than 75 international brands and locally made artisanal works. Unique, handmade pieces range from affordable glass-and-silver pendants to Swiss-made stainless steel rings and higher-end designs set with pearls and other semiprecious stones.
The best and longest-running vintage store in Kensington Market is crammed with the coolest retro stuff, from sunglasses to sundresses, plus an ample supply of cowboy boots and gently used Birkenstock sandals for guys and gals, all at low prices. Not everything is secondhand here: there's a wall of sparkly Indian-inspired clothing, lots of costume jewelry, Mexican luchador masks, and a selection of unique buttons.
The 6,000 square feet of this shop provides ample opportunity for browsing among the cabinets, shelves, and bins overflowing with porcelain, silver tea sets, Majolica pottery, Lalique vases, collectibles, and antique maps. It's also Toronto's leading purveyor of vintage and estate jewelry, making it a popular stop for those seeking out engagement rings.
One of Toronto’s longest-running rare bookstores has been family-owned since 1978 and is tucked inside a modest brick building. Inside, more than 50,000 titles—ranging from the Renaissance to today—fill the space, covering everything from art and fiction to travel and politics. Friendly, knowledgeable staff are on hand with thoughtful recommendations. The store also features fine art, coins, and a striking collection of vintage and modern maps and posters.
Though Yonge Street is no longer a record store mecca, Dead Dog is an excellent indie shop in the nearby Gay Village. There are plenty of new vinyl records from hot up-and-coming indie bands, artists from a wide spectrum of genres, and box sets and reissues from legends like David Bowie, but regulars gravitate toward the constantly refreshing used bins to flip around for gems. There's also a good collection of CDs and band T-shirts, and this being the Village location, a good selection of queer artists as well.
Head here to find 1950s rockabilly-style looks from a variety of retro-inspired brands. Cute cardigans, heart-shaped sunglasses, and sundresses in whimsical prints are on the shelves, as well as high-waisted bikinis perfect for flattering those curves.
Designed in British Columbia, these jeans and chinos are made for biking, climbing, or even the boardroom. The secret is their breathable, stretchy fabrics with reinforced stitching in the necessary "pain" points along with trendy cuts and colors.
Feminine, Korean-inspired styles such as slip dresses, wide-leg trousers, blouse-y tops, and delicate jewelry are sold at Durumi.
Browse traditional, as well as contemporary and even avant-garde art from the Canadian Arctic—a far cry from the traditional whale carvings and stone-cut prints you may expect—at this family-owned gallery founded in 1961.
Old Town Toronto’s only year-round Christmas store is also one of the neighborhood’s oldest gift shops. The owners, proud members and supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community, fill their cozy space with imported and handmade European ornaments, along with off-season finds like Canadian souvenirs and home decor. Known for its quirky charm, the shop has even drawn celebrities like Liza Minnelli, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Halle Berry. It’s a great spot for one-of-a-kind gifts.
This buzzy Queen West mainstay stocks style for men and women including Hunter wellies, Frye boots, Birkenstock sandals, Sperry Top-Siders, Converse and Vans sneakers, and a great selection of Laurentian Chief and Minnetonka street moccasins and mukluks.
Glad Day is the world's oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore—no mean feat, especially in high-rent Toronto. In the Gay Village epicenter of Church Street, the store is packed with shelves featuring the latest and greatest in queer voices from across Canada and beyond; those shelves are frequently rolled aside to host readings, events, and even dance parties. The bar serves both coffee and alcohol, and the kitchen turns out homey diner-style eats (which are particularly appreciated during weekend drag brunches).
Dubbed "a bookshop for people who like to eat," you'll find a smattering of everything needed to elevate your culinary experiences here, from the latest trendy cookbooks to tasteful accents like handcrafted chambray napkins and whimsical illustrated coffee mugs. A true community hub, the shop also publishes cookbooks focused on singular ingredients written by celebrated local food writers, and its upcycled thrifting section is not to be overlooked for rare vintage finds.
This boutique, which occupies two floors of a Victorian home, is a one-stop shop for the whole fashion-forward family. The ground floor is devoted to colorful women's and kids' threads, hip brands like Ganni and Clare V., and local selections like Bluboho jewelry. Head upstairs for menswear and home goods, including gorgeous glassware and candles.
Stationery collectors, scrapbookers, lovers of all things cute, and travelers on the hunt for suitcase-friendly souvenirs will find lots to love here. Part of a local chain opened by a married couple, Hanji is packed with exquisite handmade paper, stickers and washi tape, food-shaped magnets, patterned socks, craft kits, and elaborate pop-up greeting cards. Alongside wares sourced from South Korea, you'll find items by local artists, including the owners themselves.
For more than 15 years, Toronto’s go-to destination for premium men’s clothing, footwear, and accessories has offered such sought-after Japanese labels like BEAMS, NEEDLES, and KAPITAL. The 1,500-square-foot store features high ceilings, natural light, and a sleek, modern layout. In-store only, you’ll also find HAVEN’s namesake brand—utilitarian pieces made from cotton, wool, and Gore-Tex, inspired by classic Canadian design and built for the local climate.
A tried-and-true spot for cool and cute footwear for any gender, Heel Boy stocks unique styles by well-known brands like Hunter, Alohas, Vagabond, Sam Edelman, Saucony, G.H Bass, as well as on-trend bags and accessories.
The Parisian design house caters to the upscale horse- and hound-loving set, with classic sportswear, handbags, and accessories.
Though it's off the main shopping drag, Hollace Cluny is a must-visit for modern design aficionados looking for that special piece. Along with classics from brands like Knoll, they carry a huge array of pieces from contemporary designers, with everything from ceramics to eye-popping statement lighting fixtures.
This homegrown womenswear label counts some of Toronto's coolest artists, musicians, and actors among its fans. The tiny flagship shop stocks the latest in Horses' limited-run pieces, all hand-sewn in Toronto. The chic, albeit pricey, modern staples include smoking dresses, stylish jumpsuits, and patterned jackets.
The immaculately restored picks in this upscale consignment shop include familiar names such as Pucci, Hermès, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. Gentlemen can head next door to I Miss You Man for vintage Versace button-downs, gently used Acne jackets, and Dior jeans—all in near-mint condition.
Looking for a vintage jacket bearing the logo of your favorite sports team? You'll probably find it at this Parkdale boutique, which stocks retro clothing at reasonable prices. Vintage denim, broken-in concert tees, and even vinyl records are on the shelves. It's a good place to find clothes you won't find anywhere else, with ultra-knowledgeable owners willing to tell you the whole history of the items in great detail.
This Canadian megachain bookstore has stores all over the country, but it's headquartered in Toronto. It has a huge selection of books, magazines, records, and gift items as well as Toronto's own Dark Horse Espresso Bar and occasional live entertainment. Increasingly, it's becoming a lifestyle store with items such as housewares, mugs, pillows, blankets, and cookware taking up prime in-store real estate.
If you like kitchen gadgets, you might lose a couple of hours here. Check out the rainbow array of Le Creuset enamelware and design-forward cooking tools. There's also a vast selection of insulated lunch boxes, funky Popsicle molds, barware, and any other obscure item your kitchen may be lacking.
Fluevog's funky shoes are perfectly displayed in this roughly converted high-ceilinged industrial space. The building was once the distillery boiler house, which explains the three-story brick oven that takes up a third of the floor space, and the safety ladder leading to an overhead catwalk. Take a seat on the stunning embossed leather couch when trying on the fun, quirky merchandise.
At this old-school printing company, you'll find a range of whimsical illustrations including band posters, mock-retro tourism posters, and other one-of-a-kind creations. You'll also find screen-printed "Greetings from Toronto" postcards, art supplies, and contemporary indie crafts in the gift shop.
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