Toronto is a big city with an overwhelming amount of things to eat, do, see and shop. Our annual Best Of Toronto list hopefully makes it a bit easier to make weekend plans and find your next favourite spot. From vintage shops to record stores, here’s our definitive guide to the best places to shop in the city.
Best antiques
Mount Pleasant’s antique alley is always a fun trip, but if you’re in the area, Bernardi’s Antiques is a must-visit. Shockingly organized for an antique shop, you’ll definitely find the elusive piece you’ve been looking for — and maybe three others you weren’t.
Best appliance repair
Family-run business York Appliance will take the vacuum or lamp you thought no one could fix and have it like new in no time. And they’ll go above and beyond when it comes to warranties and replacements!
Best archival vintage
Searching for a rare runway look from the ’90s or the archival designer piece of your dreams? We can almost guarantee that Smoking Vintage has got it. Celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Emma Chamberlain have trusted the west end shop to source show-stopping looks for them.
Best beauty bar
If you’re the kind of person who likes a one-and-done beauty appointment, head to Ten Spot. The beauty bar can give you a head-to-toe makeover, from brow lamination and facials to manicures and laser hair removal.
Best bike shop
Beginning as a literally curbside pop-up tent, Curbside Cycle is now the friendliest and most accessible bike shop in the city. The staff here go above and beyond and know everything there is to know about bikes.
Reader’s choice poll: Best book store
If the four floors of selection at BMV wasn’t already enough to entice you in, the discounts will. Offering overstock as well as used and second-hand books at incredible prices, you’ll probably still end up spending $70 — but it’ll be on five books instead of two!
Best combo bike shop
We love combination shops in Toronto, and Pedaal is a prime example of why. Specializing in cargo and folding bikes, the shop also houses a coffee shop so that you can refuel before your next bike ride.
Best consignment furniture
Of Things Past is a treasure trove worth travelling for. Unique to this shop is an auction-style pricing system, where the cost keeps dropping as time passes. Every antique purchase ends up feeling discounted — as long as you snag your coveted piece before someone else does.
Best denim
Family-owned boutique Over the Rainbow boasts brands like Rag & Bone, Les Deux and Patrick Assaraf, but it’s the massive wall of denim, featuring every wash and style imaginable, that makes it a 51-years-strong standout.
Best designer deals
Secure a designer wardrobe without a designer budget with TNT. The retailer often runs shop-clearing sales both in-store and online, sometimes going up to 70 per cent off. A statement wedding guest dress from your favourite designer has never been more attainable.
Best for dresses
Finding the perfect event dress is an ordeal, and usually an expensive one. But at Space Vintage, you can browse colour-co-ordinated racks of formal dresses from the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s that are reasonably priced and also incredibly unique. The shop even curates vintage wedding dresses!
Best dry cleaner
The best dry cleaners are pretty much miracle workers, and that’s exactly what Ashford Cleaners does. Nasty stains and mystery spills are no match for the team here. Got a couture dress you’re too nervous to wash? They’ve got you covered.
Best consignment
Whether you’re buying or selling, you’ll still find yourself browsing for hours at VSP Consignment. Shoes organized by size are a nice touch, and with regular flash sales, you’ll get discounts on top of designer discounts — 70 per cent off Prada, anyone?
Best eyewear
The frame selection at Squint Eyewear is top notch, as is the customer service: frame repairs, adjustments and eye exams are done efficiently and professionally. Staff takes the time to walk even the most indecisive shopper through their options until they’ve landed on the perfect pair.
Best florist
Every bouquet at Apricot Flowers is a true work of art — and that’s no surprise, considering owner Cathy Kim’s fine arts background. Event flowers and floral displays are done to perfection here. Don’t forget the greenery; adorable succulents and terrariums and towering plants fill the space.
Best garden centre
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, the staff at Terra in Vaughan will make sure you leave confident that your new plants will thrive. The backyard makeover has never been easier!
Best general store
Bananas has only been open for a year, but the bright pink general store has brought plenty of fun and cheer to midtown. Flamingo wallpaper and checkered floors add to the feeling of childlike joy upon entering, and shelves filled with unique gifts, merch and more make shopping here endlessly enjoyable.
Best gift shop
Putti Fine Furnishings is a ton of fun, filled wall to wall with trinkets and home decor. The shop is also kind enough to offer seniors a chance to visit on their own after-hours, opening up the space so you can browse without the crowds.
Best hair colouring
Trusting a salon to get your exact hair colour right can be tricky, but the talented father-son duo at Colour Lab are the unmatched experts. They’ll match your current shade or craft the new one of your dreams.
Best hardware store
Having an actual neighbourhood hardware store is an unexpected blessing, and the residents nearby Dickson Home Hardware get it. The shop also happens to be the best place to buy a barbecue — they’ll have it set up and in your backyard in a day.
Best historic bookshop
We have to give Glad Day a special mention: the world’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore has faced many challenges over the past few years, but it’s still going strong, making the move to Little Portugal and continuing to be a stellar spot for queer literature, community events and more.
Best homewares
Aspirational in a totally understated way, Mjölk is a lifestyle shop for people who know who they are (or are hoping to find out through a perfectly placed vase or side table). Scandinavian and Japanese pieces make up much of the selection here, as well as some in-house made furniture created by Canadian designers in collaboration with the studio.
Best jewelry
Celebrities are constantly spotted in Dean Davidson‘s glittery, demi-fine jewelry creations. And since opening a downtown shop in 2022, it’s easier than ever to browse for that special piece for yourself, too.
Best kids’ books
A new location, all the same fun: Mabel’s Fables is the kind of shop every kid dreams of visiting. Full of colour, books galore, puzzles, fidget toys and even a namesake pet cat, Mabel herself, it’s one of the most magical little corners of the city
Best kids’ clothes
Knowledgeable staff will help lead the way to the most adorable little outfits for your niece, nephew or child at Zero 20 Kids — especially for special occasions. Countless flower girls and ring boys have been dressed by this boutique over the four decades since it opened!
Best kids’ consignment
A neighbourhood gem with adorable selection, Little White Sneakers ensures dressing your kids doesn’t need to be a hassle. Browse gently consigned and new outfits, and then trade in when your kid grows out of it!
Best lash and brow fix
With an impeccably clean and elevated studio, HBFace is an eyebrow bar with style. Efficient, professional and extremely talented, the team here turn grooming into an art. Prepare to have your brows complimented all day long!
Best lighting store
Longtime midtown shop Royal Lighting is all about customer service. Experts in their craft, staff can guide you to your dream fixtures, and they’re known for price matching and ordering in styles if they’re not available in-store too.
Best luxe boutique
Favoured by celebrities visiting or filming in the city, Augustina Boutiques offers a private and luxe shopping experience. With minimal online presence, it’s a low-key gem filled with luxe brands.
Best luxe outerwear
It doesn’t get more luxe than alpaca, and that’s what you get at Yorkville shop Sentaler. Toques, elegant wrap coats, statement capes and more are all crafted using ultra-soft alpaca wool. Former Torontonian Meghan Markle counts herself among the many fans of this remarkable shop.
Best menswear
Looking for something specific? Lost & Found has got it. No idea what you want and just want to browse a staggering collection of incredible and unique pieces? They’ve got that too. Quality is the game here; trust that a piece you find here will stay in your wardrobe for years to come
Best nail salon
Greeted with a complimentary beverage and ending off with a 15-minute massage, Anna’s Heavenly Nails makes sure getting a mani-pedi is as much a relaxing experience as a trip to the spa. And Seinfeld reruns bring a dose of nostalgia to the experience!
Best old school barber
Owner Farid Alavi of Bench Barbershop is kind, friendly and knows everything there is to know about hair. Whether you have a specific vision for your cut or need an expert to steer you right, he’s your guy. Great conversation while you’re in the chair is just a bonus!
Reader’s choice poll: Best pet shop
The broad selection at Dogfather & Co. is what your furry friend’s dreams are made of. And being greeted by a rotating cast of dogs at the door is always fun!
Best pet grooming (it’s a tie!)
Trust your most nervous and overexcited dogs with Wooftown for all your grooming needs. The team is careful and gentle and, best of all, clearly loves pets. Your furry friend will emerge looking better than ever.
For your puppy who has never been groomed or a senior dog with health issues, trust Tail Spin Dog Spa to give them a gentle and stylish haircutting experience, no matter the breed.
Best pet rescue
Set on 50 acres of greenery just outside Toronto, Dog Tales has been finding a home for rescued pups, cats and bunnies (and horses too) since 2014. Prepare to fall in love!
Best piercing place
Whether it’s your first piercing or fifteenth, New Tribe approaches each one with care and patience. Piercers here will even offer up their Instagram so you can contact them with questions well after it’s done.
Best record store (it’s a tie!)
Packed with new and used vinyl, Rotate This will give you the feel of being in an authentic record shop where real vinylheads go to buy their music.
A sprawling shop with more than just records on offer, Sonic Boom spans two floors as Canada’s largest independent record shop. Vinyl lovers have trusted this Spadina store for all their music needs for years.
Reader’s choice poll: Best tattoo parlour
The team at Okey Doke are patient and communicative, turning the vaguest idea into a masterpiece. Try the “get what you get” vending machine for a tattoo surprise!
Best shoe repair
Fans of Kaner’s will say the work this Yorkville shop does is magic: sole replacements, emergency repairs and even total shoe restorations are easy work for the team here. Once you’re impressed by your fresh footwear, hand over your most battered handbag — they’ll fix that, too.
Best sneaker shop (it’s a tie!)
Sneakerheads in the city know to trust Groovy for all the latest drops, rare designs and even a raffle system for limited releases that’s one of the fairest in the city.
For stylish twists on your favourite sneakers, go to NYC-based retailer Kith — its Yorkville arrival brought exclusive Adidas, Converse and more to the city.
If you want to go where the celebrities, do, check out Hotbox: former Leaf Mitch Marner was visiting Hotbox back when they were a 180-square-foot store, always leaving with bright orange bags in tow.
Best specialty menswear
Menswear aficionados in Toronto all know Muddy George is a go-to spot for limited edition, hard-to-find and specialty pieces in the city. Trust Altaf Baksh and the team to keep you dressed to impress.
Best streetwear shop
Known for their sneakers and designer streetwear selection, Kenshi counts Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. among its fans. The owners here know what they’re talking about, and if you’re seeking a specific item from a hard-to-find collection, chances are they have it.
Best suit shop
With a new (and huge) Yorkville flagship that just opened this fall, Harry Rosen continues to secure its place as the best one-stop shop in the city for menswear. Suiting is where they shine: Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy even shouted them out.
Best swimwear
High-quality swimwear is sometimes difficult to find, but Shan makes it easy. With seemingly hundreds of designs, styles and patterns, they’ll get your vacation wardrobe sorted.
Best tailor
Last Minute Alterations travelled from Yorkville to bring some tailoring expertise to Thornhill. The team here will take on seemingly impossible alterations and rush jobs with ease, and the attention to detail and precision is remarkable.
Best toy store
Bringing childhood joy to the neighbourhood for over seven decades, the funky Toytown storefront beckons from afar. Bring the kids to the shop and let them be entertained by walls of fun while you browse for the perfect gift.
Reader’s choice poll: Best vintage
Courage My Love has been dressing Toronto’s most stylish for over half a century. The blue storefront is a Kensington Market fixture, as are the cowboy boots that line the front entrance.
Best vintage watches
Honest, fair and total experts in the jewelry game, the team at Van Rijk will make buying or selling your dream watch or ring easy. Browse a selection of jaw-dropping designs and leave with a unique piece on your wrist.
Best women’s department store
Loyal customers return to long-standing family business Andrews year after year for a reason. Shop top brands like Staud, Roberto Cavalli and Dôen in a setting reminiscent of a classic New York department store.