30 stores to buy local in Toronto by neighbourhood
Stores to buy local in Toronto exist in every neighbourhood, you just have to know where to find them. Unexpected finds made by artisans in the community are around every corner, and hold much more value in the long run than cookie cutter items from big box stores.
Here are stores to buy local in Toronto by neighbourhood.
Antique lovers can head to Panoply to find old typewriters, record players, clothing and oddities like mechanical dolls that can date back hundreds of years. By-appointment-only shopping is a totally hands-on experience.
Mixed Senses is a cafe serving baked goods that also carries locally made soaps, candles, greeting cards and body-care products like scrubs and butters.
You can find men's clothing at Muddy George, where most clothes and accessories are made in Canada, but are part of a curated collection that includes items from the US and Japan too.
Paper products and cards are Town's specialty, and you'll find a wide range of Toronto artists as well as international designers represented at the store.
Souvenir Studios is where to go in this neighbourhood for a range of products from Canadian makers sold in an airy, clean space. You might find bud vases, artwork, ceramics or even honey.
Spruce sources home decor objects from all around North America, including Toronto makers. Head there to grab stuff for your apartment like kitchenware, barware, home accessories and candles that set it apart from everyone else's.
Streetwear that's thoughtfully made by designers from a wide range of countries including Canada and the United States is stocked at Uncle Otis. You might find accessories like robes, blankets and sunglasses.
Jomo Studio sells plants that are perfect for perking up small spaces, which is especially great if you live in one of the many condos around this area.
When looking for statement pieces from days gone by, head over to Blackbird Vintage Finds to find old signs and other decor, some of which is sourced from North America.
It's good vibes only at Good Intentions, where you can find sweetly soothing self-care products such as cozy apparel, silky scrunchies and decor to perfect your safe space.
Ethical jewelry, home goods, decor pieces, stationery, pottery and skincare products are all brought together under one roof at charming shop Rose City Goods.
Custom curated pieces by local makers are what you'll find at Tiny House Mama, including smaller home goods like pillows, ceramics, paper products and jewellery.
Clothing store TNT was founded by a Toronto family in 1992 and has since expanded with several shops in the city, and into Montreal and Australia as well. Find established and emerging designers through their personalized service.
All things Toronto can be found at Spacing Store, a retail space for a local urbanist magazine. If you're looking for a magnet, card or apparel branded with a specific neighbourhood, odds are you'll find it here.
Carefully selected products that represent local makers are stocked at Simply Beautiful, such as eyewear, bath and body products, gift cards, candles and pantry items like syrups and chocolate.
Flowers are the bread and butter of Pictus Goods, but they also sell jewellery, ceramics, greeting cards and candles made mindfully by local creators.
It doesn't get more local than prints made in-store at Kid Icarus, which also sells cute art supplies like pens, pencils, paper and crafts kits.
Handmade gifts and cards don't get cuter than the ones sold at Hanji, a store run by a husband-and-wife team that mostly sells paper goods but also has items like ceramics, socks, washi tape and candles.
Good Neighbour is a source for apparel and other items that represent Toronto as well as designer brands. Men's, women's and kids clothing can all be found here as well as home goods and bath products.
The best place for tongue-in-cheek gifts in this neighbourhood is I Have a Crush On You, with a range of quirky things for sale like Simpsons prints, gold-plated kazoos, Wes Anderson tarot cards, White Rabbit candy enamel pins and vases shaped like butt plugs.
Wonder Pens is a hidden gem in this area, specializing specifically in everything to do with stationery like pens, pencils, inks, paper, fountain pen supplies, stickers, sealing wax and various types of pen refills.
Get the decor accessories you need to make all the spaces in your home beautiful with well-designed, eco-friendly products from Merchant of York. Small products like books, puzzles, skincare products and keychains are sold here too.
Athletic wear that's freeing and stylish curated by women, for women is what's available at Permission. From streetwear to loungewear, this is your source for hoodies, leggings, tees, shoes and bags.
With a name like Common People Shop, you know this store is all about small makers. Candles, posters, totes, earrings, incense and bath oils make this a self-care paradise.
Looking for a solid new bag? Head to Te Koop where they've got duffels, backpacks, totes, messenger bags, you name it. They also sell great shoes, sunglasses, hats, jackets and wallets, and have been around since 2003.
Local goods shop Token shares its space with a record shop, but there's still lots of room for mindfully chosen and local products like bath bombs, cards, mugs, jewellery, kitchenware and soap.
Apparel store Outclass sells pieces that were made right here in Toronto, meant to be timeless essentials. Shirts, outerwear, knitwear and bottoms come together to create classic looks.
Coco Market is like a local, healthy version of your neighbourhood corner store. They source lots of products from local brands, carrying mostly food items but also personal essentials and home goods.
Thirty Six Knots sells rugs, lighting, fashion accessories and luxury furniture, and unlike lots of other design stores also stocks a range of coffee and tea products such as kettles and tumblers.
Cool fashions and products, some by local makers, are on the cutting edge at Tusk. Whether it's bath salts, cards, socks, puzzles or swimsuits, they've got the latest and greatest.
Hector Vasquez at Thirty Six Knots
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