The best fashion and gift stores - Toronto - Canada in 2024

Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Toronto

Timetable

Opening hours may vary from one establishment to another, but in general, they open in the morning between 10 and 11 am and close between 6 and 9 pm. On Sundays, the opening hours are often restricted (12pm to 5 or 6pm). On the other hand, they are extended during the summer tourist season and during the holiday season, for example. Regardless of the season, most businesses in the GTA are open 7 days a week.

Budget & Tips

If the cost of living in Canada is relatively low, it is quite different in Toronto, one of the most expensive cities in the country. However, you can get by quite well on the shopping side, thanks to the very favorable exchange rate. Some products are more expensive, especially in the gourmet sector (cheeses, alcohols...). While the price may seem attractive, you should not forget that sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise stated. You must therefore add 13% tax on your purchases (some products are partially or totally exempt from taxes, such as printed books, unprocessed food, etc.). Payments by debit or credit card are generally accepted everywhere. Please note that there has not been a tax refund program for visitors for many years.

Sales

Sales are a common practice in Ontario, whether they are generalized at a certain period (end of season) or offered on a one-time basis in a specialized type of business (hardware stores and home improvement centers just before summer). Ontario also participates in the big sales such as Black Friday (Friday following the American Thanksgiving in November) and Boxing Day (day after Christmas), but the frenzy of consumers is much less palpable here than in its American neighbor.

What's very local

There are of course some great classics to bring back from a stay in the Toronto area such as, for example, Roots clothing or accessories (a brand founded in Toronto), featuring one of the city's professional sports teams (notably the Raptors, 2019 NBA champions) or bearing the famous slogan "We the North". Local beers and spirits are also recommended, as well as Niagara wines, especially ice wine. Be aware, however, that haggling is not at all common in Toronto, except perhaps in certain working-class neighbourhoods.

Tourist traps

The classic souvenirs of the destination are always popular with visitors. Unfortunately, souvenir stores are often filled with made-in-China items and are ubiquitous in Harbourfont, downtown and around Chinatown. The same goes for some of the craft stores. Be sure to buy local and authentic to encourage the local economy.

The best fashion and gift stores Toronto

CANADA GOOSE

YORKDALE SHOPPING CENTRE

KID ICARUS

CRAFT ONTARIO SHOP

COURAGE MY LOVE

GLAD DAY BOOKSHOP

BLACK MARKET VINTAGE CLOTHING

TORONTO DESIGNERS MARKET

PINK TARTAN

RED PEGASUS

THE BAY

MEC

HOLT RENFREW

JOHN FLUEVOG SHOES

LILLIPUT HATS

SWIPE DESIGN

GERRARD INDIAN BAZAAR

SONIC BOOM RECORDS

GOTSTYLE

ARC'TERYX

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners