Toronto has a lot to offer for just about any tastes. Here were a few of my favourite places to shop in the past year, and some of the best deals I found there.
5. Kensington Market
There isn’t just one store to select in the charming neighbourhood. Kensington has a little of everything for just about anyone. Spadina Avenue retailers sell everything from cheap T-shirts to bamboo and wicker crafts, kitchenware and Emily the Strange backpacks. If you’re looking for costume accessories or vintage clothing, the plethora of shops on Kensington Avenue carry it all. Courage My Love is the place to go for beads, silver jewellery, funky hand-made fashions and vintage clothing and shoes. Exile carries a huge selection of costumes and formalwear suitable for just about any party. And the scents from fresh herbs, essential oils and incense spill out into the street from nearby stores.
Deal of the year: Lipstick red chiffon petticoat with over 60 yards of fabric for $30 (regular retail is $80+) at Exile.
4. HomeSense (multiple locations)
It may be a chain retailer, but HomeSense has everything an abode needs under one roof – at fabulous prices. Candelabra, throw pillows, kitchen utensils and pet dishes – you name it, you can find it at HomeSense. The chain carries designer goodies such as Ralph Lauren bedding, accent furniture, wall hangings, storage boxes and much, much more. And, more importantly, it has become the place to go for Halloween enthusiasts – their selection of creepy candle holders and carved skulls is enhanced by larger pieces, such as a life-size resin skeleton atop a stone tomb or heavy gargoyle plant stands.
Deals of the year: King-size 100 per cent goose down pillows for $20 (regular retail price $80); plush large dog beds for $20; gourmet flavoured coffees for $5.
3. Holco Sales (514 Yonge St.)
This unassuming Yonge Street store is a bankruptcy/liquidation outlet for goods of all kinds. Looking for a pair of $200 Italian leather designer shoes in odd sizes? If you’re lucky (and patient enough to root through piles of mislabelled boxes) you’ll find them at a fraction of the cost at Holco. The rotating stock of bedding, linens, glassware, clothing, home decor and high-end china means that there’s a new deal practically every week. You never know what you might find when you pass through.
Deal of the year: leather Ros Hommerson stilettos for $27.
2. Down Under (multiple locations in the GTA)
The College Park bedding store boasts a selection of mid- to high-end linens, beds and other miscellaneous furniture. Located conveniently next door to the retail store is their outlet – where discontinued items can be found at significant markdowns. They sell everything from sofa beds and bar stools to duvets and shower curtains. Stock rotates fairly quickly, so checking back every week is a must.
Deals of the year: A 100 per cent goose down duvet (no feathers) for $70; a down-topped feather bed for $100; 600 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and duvet cover for under $30.
1. Peach Berserk (507 Queen St. W.)
A staple of the trendy Queen Street West area, Peach Berserk has been around for over 20 years. The shop offers custom screen-printed clothing for trendy fashionistas who want clothing that represents their personal style. If you’re looking for a spider web print dress or Johnny Depp on a pencil skirt, Peach Berserk is the place to go.
All their clothing can be ordered online as well, and the store will make custom garments upon request. You can have sleeves lengthened or shortened, hems adjusted, and any of their styles made to fit your measurements. Or you can ask them to recreate a piece you already own, using their funky dyed fabrics and screen printed images to come up with a one-of-a-kind statement. There are no limits to the creative possibilities.
Peach Berserk uses natural fabrics (cotton and silk) and prices range from under $50 for a tank top to nearly $400 for a luxurious coat. Up-sizing to fit fuller figures may cost extra.
Deal of the year: The Street Smart Stretchy dress is fun and figure flattering for only $89.