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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.
This Torontonian start-up has hit the nail on the head, providing stylish men's clothes—Tiger of Sweden, Sand Copenhagen, and John Varvatos—to residents of the city's downtown condos. This huge airy branch carries ladies' clothing as well, including brands like Melissa Nepton, Soia & Kyo, and Hilary MacMillan. Head up to the lush purple-carpeted mezzanine level for business and evening wear and a round on the purple pool table.
This Canadian chain, frequented by fashionistas in the know, has an impressive selection that includes Paul Smith, Comme des Garçons, BEAMS, and TOAST. The collections include menswear and womenswear, but shoes are the specialty, with designers including Church's, Camper, rag & bone, Doc Martens, Trippen, and many more.
This five-floor department store is dedicated to the finest men's fashions, stocked to the gills with suits, shirts, outerwear, shoes, and accessories from designers such as Tom Ford, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, and Zegna (each with their own shop-within-a-shop). There's also plenty of preppy classics available for those who favor a more relaxed look.
The longtime favorite brand for leather jackets, varsity jackets, bags, and basics is crafted from tumbled leather and stamped with the country's national icon, the beaver. The homegrown company's impressive Bloor St. store showcases the more modern styling possibilities of their laid-back offerings.
Both legendary and of-the-moment designers—Balenciaga, The Row, Jacquemus, and Stella McCartney, to name a few—are gathered here under one roof, along with some of the finest footwear and accessories in town.
Bright comfy threads with a European aesthetic and a focus on sustainable production are the focus here. Expect items from French designers Gallego Desportes and Elsa Esturgie, and sleek, practical bags from Jack Gomme. The eye-catching graffiti painting inside makes for a perfect fashion backdrop.
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.
Feminine, Korean-inspired styles such as slip dresses, wide-leg trousers, blouse-y tops, and delicate jewelry are sold at Durumi.
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.
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.
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 American streetwear brand's first Canadian outpost brings its signature blend of fashion, food, and hype to Yorkville Avenue. Alongside shelves stocked with Kith staples and a curated mix of other brands—apparel, sneakers, accessories, the works—you’ll also find a full-on Sadelle’s dining experience tucked inside. Yes, that means delicious bagels and lox towers. Don't forget to indulge in the most decadent ice cream concoctions at the Treats bar on your way out.
The Canadian yoga brand's massive concept store on Queen West is a must-visit for runners and yogis alike. Along with plenty of athletic and loungewear for men and women, there is a 1,000-square-foot yoga and dance community studio.
This is the place to browse thousands of discounted Canadian-made dress pants, sport coats, and suits, including many famous labels. Sizes run from extra short to extra tall and from regular to oversize; the quality is solid and the service is good.
A blaze of rainbow colors, Original is glamorous, life-affirming, and a little outrageous. If you're heading to a gala or you're after a crinoline dress (in fuchsia), you need to come here. The endless selection of platforms, pumps, and wedges is outdone only by the dress section, up a multicolor flight of stairs.
Once located in a stand-alone shop in Yorkville and now in the Manulife Centre, this boutique for all things denim has been around since the 1970s. You'll find every variety of cut and flare: the trendy, the classic, and the questionable from lines like Naked & Famous, rag & bone, and MOTHER fill the shelves.
The avant-garde designs of this luxury Italian fashion house are overshadowed only by the gleaming interior of the store and the traffic-stopping window displays.
Those in need of a souvenir tee should skip the tourist-trap shops and make a beeline for this local brand's soothing all-white boutique, where you can pick up stylish T-shirts, joggers, and sweaters—all manufactured in Canada.
Known for its ultra-soft cotton tees, cozy sweats, and classic knits, this proudly Canadian brand puts thoughtful design and local manufacturing front and center. The store's Ossington location is a calm, minimalist haven nestled in the neighborhood bustle. Everything here is made and designed in Canada. Consider it a love letter to relaxed, homegrown style.
Breezy and wearable styles—from dresses and blouses to trendy accessories—fill this boutique founded by two sisters. Here, linen and bamboo basics share space with Levi’s jeans and colorful pieces from indie brands.
Find bargains aplenty on brand-name suits and shirts from brands like Calvin Klein, Armani, and DKNY at this remnant from the market's old-world textile industry days. The larger-than-life Tom Mihalik, the store's owner, keeps his prices low (and will often go lower, if you ask politely). The sales staff can quickly navigate the selection and help you put together a complete and well-accessorized look.
The first Canadian outpost of this ostentatious Miami-based fashion and design store is eye-catching from the moment you're welcomed in by the doorman. There's custom art throughout the shop, including a foosball table, plush bear, palm tree, and neon pink staircase that takes you between the three floors, each with its own personality. There are purses, women's clothes, shoes, perfumes, and men's streetwear from bold-named brands like Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Mugler, Burberry, and Off-White, but each is carefully cherry-picked to fit the overall aesthetic. Off on a quiet street, it's an edgier, more gallery-like version of luxury Yorkville shopping.
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