where to shop in toronto

Zoe B.

My husband and I are planning a trip to Toronto in March and I was looking for some shopping ideas. I've never been there, so I'm quite excited and unfamiliar with Canadian retailers. Are there any European chains represented there that we don't have here in the US? Also, I'd be happy to hit places for accessories, shoes and even thrift/consignment stores. I probably shouldn't spend a lot of money, but what's the harm in looking, right?

15 years ago

Shopping

10 replies

Latest reply was from KTStarr

Kim

Veteran

Toronto's a pretty big city, can you be more specific about where you'd like to shop? I like to go to Vaughn Mills (a huge mall near Canada's Wonderland) and I also like the Dixie Outlet Mall in Mississauga. (Both are close to my BFF's when I go to visit her.) I'm not really familiar with the area otherwise.

15 years ago

Kim

Veteran

LuluLemon (a fave Canadian Yoga wear, and sportswear brand) is in Vaughn Mills Mall.

15 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Best shopping city ever. People there know how to dress. You are going to have to look sharp. Also, pack emergency elastic waistband pants. The food there is amazing.

15 years ago

Mac

Veteran

Holt Renfrew is the upscale Canadian department store, similar to Saks in the US. Might be pricier than what you're looking for, but great fun to browse.

http://www.holtrenfrew.com/holts/en/home/

The downtown "Holts" location is close to other delights like H&M, as well as a few blocks from the recently re-designed Museum.

http://www.rom.on.ca/visit/tourism.php

15 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I love Holt Renfrew. I got a great Burberry newsboy cap in the Montreal one. It was such new stock the sales person pulled out of the shipping box. I think they're service is on par with Nordstrom.
Don't know if you have Zara where you live.
Club Monaco is a great Canadian clothing company.

15 years ago

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

I'm not sure if Mexx is in the US, but that's a European brand that you can find in Toronto.

RW & Co, Ricki's, Jacob, Le Chateau and Suzy Shier are some other common chain stores that might be fun to hit up while you're in Toronto.

Joe Fresh is interesting, which is sold at a national grocery store chain, but I actually think Toronto has free-standing stores. The brand was created by the Club Monaco guy.

The last time I was in Toronto, I went shopping on Queen St in downtown, which has a lot of cute little independent boutiques. If the weather's nice, that would be fun!

15 years ago

KTStarr

Active Member

I live right in the city and think that we have some pretty good shopping (everything from mainstream to blow your budget!). I'm not sure how you will be getting around when visiting us, but I'm going to give you some basic directions assuming you are going to use our transit system at least a little (which I would recommend while in the core, cause parking is sucky times)

Queen Street West is great for boutiques, as mentioned (Walk west from the Queen Street Subway Station). Also the Yorkville ares has some really unique stores (Bay subway station), and some luxury chains, but is a pricy pricy area. It also has one of Canada's only Anthropologie stores, but if you live near one in the States, that might not be a draw.Vaughn Mills and Dixie Outlet are great for deals (although I find them both really hit or miss in terms of stock and not always worth the time), but if you're looking for shopping that's accessible from Toronto's downtown, then you may want to check out Yorkdale shopping centre (it has its own subway stop, really easy to find!) for high end stuff like Holt Renfrew, and major chains like H&M and Zara. Right downtown, there's the Eaton Centre (accessible from Dundas or Queen subway stations), another mall full of mainstream stores, but it has a good RW&Co. (a Canadian exclusive) along with Smart Set and Jacob (more Canadian exclusives, more casual but good stuff).

And if you want to check out the Joe Fresh stuff (which I'd totally recommend, don't let the fact that it is sold in grocery stores scare you!), there is a stand alone store in Toronto at the St. Clair West subway station. There is one on Queen's Quay (near the waterfront) as well.

Have fun!!!!!

15 years ago

KTStarr

Active Member

Oooo, and if you want accessories (specifically handbags), then check out the Roots store at the Eaton Centre. It's a Canadian Exclusive, and all their leather goods are made in Toronto, and are of super high quality and interesting design. They can run a bit pricy, but not as bad as a Coach or something like that, and to my mind they are of equal or better quality, and the fact that they are made right in my city makes them my only stop for good quality bags.

15 years ago

Zoe B.

Active Member

Thank you!! You all are fantastic! As a former bostonian and someone who doesn't drive, I'm looking forward to spending time in public transit KTStarr, thanks so much for all the great tips. I'll be sure to check out a lot of these places.

15 years ago

KTStarr

Active Member

I like being able to play "virtual tour guide"! Hope you enjoy your Toronto trip

15 years ago

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