[urbandreamer]

Inspired by the success of my art gallery tours, I'm starting to document the changes in the retail scene across Toronto. Store closings, openings, weekly/monthly/seasonal window displays, cafes, whatever whereever whenever people open their wallets to spend money in Toronto, I'm going to photograph them and show y'all here!

Conveniently, I was inspired to start this thread while taking art gallery shots Monday afternoon on Queen West. So yeah, I'm starting this thread at the new Fred Perry store at Queen and Shaw, then heading East towards the mainstream. (Although I'll focus on the indie boutiques, much like I focus on indie art galleries.) The following photos taken by urbandreamer, on Monday 9 June 2008.

The new Fred Perry store bores me....not my scene although the girl working there is kind of cute.

Some photos by the F.P entrance:

Fluff is no more (media spin in Toronto claims their wholesale business is successful.... Whatever! I'm not buying it! (They have backup jobs as lawyers, so I'm not pitying them.) Opening soon is the new Preloved, replacing their burnt out store front. Better location here I think: buy sexy remade vintage, show off in Trinity Bellwoods Park! Perfect.

The old man closed his photography shop a few years ago, I wonder if A)he passed on and the kids are selling or B)he's just selling to capitalize on peak in real estate? Either way, this shop would surely make a lovely cafe location!

The shoes sold here are rubbish: all big brands, flashy garish running shoes. I prefer Groovy.

Book City is still getting settled here I think.

Rotate This Mr. Owner. New location opens soon by the looks of things.

A boutique called "Buckler" is opening soon in the space under renovation on the right.
It's Buckler jeans https://www.bucklershowroom.com/bucklerjeans8.html flagship (Canadian?) shop.

Women like to shop; I don't. But I like taking pictures.

I found my best friend, Shoebaca, at Magic Pony a few years ago. I haven't been the same since.

The best-dressed women I saw on Queen West all afternoon:

Shopping is expensive, which is why I avoid it....

I used to live nearby, but for some reason I've never eaten at SAN, a tempting looking Korean restaurant. A perfect date place, I think.

More proof that Yorkville is slowly moving to Queen West. And downscale shops take over Yorkville. Hilarious how gentrification works, eh?

A confession: I never bought anything from Rotate This, and partially because I can't stand their attitude. But, who really buys CD's anymore?

I wonder how long this fashion shop will last: I never see anyone inside?

Yet still, this stretch between Bathurst and Portland changes, more of those Queen and Spadina type stores moving here. Just Us Coffee has reopened too. (And looks very nice.)

Queen and Spadina, south side, is relatively quiet Monday, just before the huge rain/t-storm hits. The crowds have really thinned out, making me wonder how landlords can justify high rents? Compared to a decade ago, this strip is dead.

More to come as the weeks go by... (I'm not buying though.)

 

[Mustapha]

urbandreamer: This is a great place for a stroll; you don't have to buy anything; leave that to all the young 20somethings that swarm this area. I'm not aware of any city that has a 'hip' shopping strip that goes on as long as our Queen Street, the tourists must find it quite charming. The variety of restaurants here too is mind numbing.

You mentioned Yorkville: Queen Street IMO has none of the somewhat douchey poseur baggage that goes with Yorkville. [Can't believe I wrote 'douchey' forgive me; I'm using the slang of my children here - to get an idea of what I'm talking about check out some of the crowd in that coffee shop on the northeast corner of Bellair and Cumberland. Some of those people will park their expensive supercars right in front so the 'gallery' can see them come in to buy a coffee]

'West Queen West' - seems to have really taken off in the last couple of years; thanks for the pics.

 

[urbandreamer]

Let's go shopping for beer, clothes and love

Oh, so here's a photo I took on Thursday, June 12, 2008 evening in the Junction/Dundas West: very tasty food (and coffee) here.

Others, like last night waiting for the Dufferin bus, prefer shopping at Wal-Mart. I think Bloor and Dufferin may be the most "diverse" intersection in the city, and perhaps its "most famous", at least to the majority of west enders.

Damn it, waiting for that Dufferin bus to Queen West was really depressing: there's many "ugly" people at that corner, grim, working class Wal-Mart shoppers. In a car, it's tolerable; waiting for that bus, you feel like a lowly peasant.

Finally, down on Queen West to attend a few art openings and go to some cool Ossington pubs, I remember I've got to document the retail and pub scene, right? Here we see two just-opened pubs (later, I check them out, the Midpoint and the Cock and Tail (okay, that's kind of sexual lol.)


I love the colourful vintage furniture here! Very nicely edited window display.

Some interesting women's fashion shops I've never been in, probably because I a)hate shopping and b)never have a L-T gf.


Okay, so some guys knit too, but on a winter's day I see all these hot (single?) women in that knit cafe. If only I had the patience to learn how to knit...!

Style Garage actually looks stylish here!

Now we turn our attention to the pub's and cafes along Queen and Ossington.

Chippy's for a late dinner last night==not too bad, but I'm not a huge fan of their "chips."


After the storm, Ossington looks gothic...
...

While the beat goes on at Nyood (haven't been yet, but then it's not really my scene) and the Drake--I almost go in to see a show, but it's starting to rain again, and the suburban brats piss me off. Is that tonight's band hanging beside their van?


At the height of the storm, I was safely inside Betty's watching the drama unfold:

Where shall I go "shopping" next time?

 

[Redroom Studios]

always love your tours - its great to get a taste of the city from the comfort of my office! Oh, and I have nothing against buying used cd's - it's actually fun looking through piles of random stuff and finding an occassional treasure for dirt cheap. I usually shop at Sonic Boom on Bloor St - likely the best shop in town???

 

[urbandreamer]

Dominion Day 2008 on Queen St West

(well photo was taken last night, 30 June 2008)

As seen in the Valhalla Cards & Gifts shop, near Queen and Niagara:

 

[khris]

You don't show the signs for any of the stores, so no one has any idea what they even are.
The ones you do show the signs for, are the places you like.

 

[urbandreamer]

30 June 2008, mostly Queen West from Bathurst to Roncevalles

But, I start my 3 hour walk at King and Spadina, so here's a few new or soon-to-be-open King Street West retail shops.

(btw Khristopher, the point is to show the window displays and the street reflections/action, not necessarily advertise the shops themselves! I am showing the UT viewer why they should avoid lame shopping malls and support local fashion retailers, etc! However, if you're familiar with all of Queen St West for example, it should be easy to I.D the stores. Many shops--the smart ones--have their name in the window too!)

I've been to Craft Burger several times, and honestly, I'm not impressed! The patty is pathetically small, too fatty and the toppings sometimes look several days old.... And the bun is burnt. Think upscale Burger King.... A few other new restaurants I haven't the time to eat at ... yet.


I went on a date here, rather expensive waste of money. Very corporate atmosphere...blah. Spice Route looks good, but disappoints. (If I had a corporate expense account, I might think differently. However, I'm a sucker for places with fire!

Future highrise condo here? Yes please!

On Tecumseh, some renovations going on this old (pre-1900 I bet) home and retail corner. I miss these random intimate retail corners in Toronto, and wish zoning rules would continue to allow their existence. A perfect little cafe here, with patio....


Okay, so I cheat here: But, I've always liked this Soviet-chic-styled Ukrainian Baptist church, at Richmond and Tecumseh. Besides, churches have "customers" and accept cash

Near this church, just south of Queen West on Tecumseh are a few cute little shops (that I never go inside.)



Now, let's go to Queen and Bathurst and walk out to the end of Parkdale! Don't you love shopping along this strip? It's only about an hour to walk it, and possibly the most interesting Toronto experience.... Beats staring at skyline shots imho!

Queen St West, south side, always seems to have a higher turn over of shops than the north side. (I've noticed in Toronto, even on Bloor St, a similar pattern--maybe habit from the long winter months, when the sun only hits the north side thanks to long winter shadows?)

Body Rox, for example, was short lived. But what the hell did they sell anyway? Bad branding, wrong target market, etc. The area needs a funky but high end jewellry store! Odds and Ends is one of those bizarre stores you wonder about--does the old guy ever sell anything to pay his rent? (But maybe he owns the joint?) But if it ever closes, Queen West just wouldn't be the same.

Noticed: Several property owners are taking advantage of the peak in real estate prices: Any takers before the correction?

Want a gorgeous custom made suit for a few grand? Then patronize Sydney's, the tailor/owner is a young, but talented guy that deserves your business!

Dear Charlie, I once knew you very well! But the noise from Squirrley's kept me awake 'til 4AM every morning, even though I got discounts on their food. (809 Queen St West was cursed for decades, with stores changing constantly. Finally, just before Charlie took over, the owner sold this storefront to someone prepared to put some money into the place to give it much needed TLC--notice the difference? Charlie proves this address has finally reached maturity!)

The ghost of Songbird Music: Rotate This appears to be open and the neighbours are next to take your money:


Continuing towards Trinity Bellwoods Park, south side of Queen West, Butler's Pantry has closed (again.) In its place, Thai Elephant Cafe, where I recently had an excellent bowl of hot'n sour soup. I think I'll buy my gf this pink dress: Hot!

I almost stayed at this flop hotel in 1995--desperate to find a place in Toronto. Nice neon sign though!

Clafouti serves horrible coffee (Balzac's--seriously, it's barely one grade above Tim Horton's, I don't know why some people love it so much--are they smokers, perhaps?) but probably the best pastries in town. Avoid their bagels at all cost though! Nice to sit here and enjoy the action in the park.

The only decent view of those criminally fugly townhouses?

Nice wheels!

Love this old Opel sedan!

Just West of Ossington, north side, the sales centre. Cute little space, sadly over-priced condos.

I'm actually surprised Kealan Sullivan's 69 Vintage is still around, and expanding to a basement near Bloor and Landsdowne.

Once again, a tightly edited furniture display at INabstracto, near the Drake. Hard to believe the once "radical" original ibook is nearing a decade old!

Just beyond the R.R tracks in Parkdale, the Public Butter and Shopgirls have--as usual--interesting displays.

Something new coming to Chino's (shortly lived) restaurant location?

Nice Galaxie, but an even better photo op would've seen a Ferrari parked here:

In the market for a friend? Looks sort of interesting--will this strip of Parkdale become Toronto's "Little Tibet"? The owner looked suspiciously at me, but then realized I was harmless...

As Queen West winds down towards Roncevalles, the mood changes. Around Landsdowne, the street still feels sort of shady/ghetto, but beyond, it becomes more relaxed.... It reminds me of Montreal here, with the mix of clothing shops, vintage furniture retailers and little cafes between brownstone apartment buildings. And of course Roncevalles is right around the corner, and there's the view of the lake and the Humber Bay shores highrise community beyond. Perhaps my favourite few blocks of Queen West! Shh!

I've always liked the dark cosy atmosphere of Zippie's Cafe but for some reason have never patronized the place. Perhaps others are voting with their mouths too? Looks like the owner wants out of the business.

Fittingly for this impatient writer, I spy this hidden theatre company near the end of the line:


It's getting late, and I need a drink! 'til next time, cheers!

 

[gabe]

Nice pics That's a great part of Queen St, some parts of Queen have turned into an outdoor eaton centre with all the big chain stores.

 

[johnr]

Can you do the same for Yorkville Ave. and Cumberland St.? Lots of changes happening there now.

 

[urbandreamer]

Maybe....

$100/photo is okay with you?

 

[Redroom Studios]

thanks man as always for your dedication and hard work getting these posts up here! Gives me my Toronto fix when I cant get into the city...
highlights this time were the first pic with the mini and the one with that Opel sitting infront of that amazing wall sized photo! Good observation too about winter shadows spelling early death for south side of the street businesses...

Wonder if you'll be able to see the NF fireworks from your apt tonight? That's where I'll be, camera in hand (or more likely on a tripod at night).

 

[urbandreamer]

2 July 2008 walk through Yorkville/Bloor West

Mr JohnR, the first time it's free.... I needed my monthly Yorkville fix (I find the place boring btw), so I took advantage of the nice weather to grab some photos of the window displays and street scene.

Opposite the ROM, I'm loving it!

click to enjoy in full size: Bloor St West from Avenue to St Thomas, some highlights.



Mr Window Dresser is doing his thing--is that his girlfriend?

Who the hell shops at Escada? Boring....!


Since I was in Goodfoot checking out the latest PFflyers, I decided not to be an asshole and photograph the attractive brunette working there, so no photo of their display today.... However, I wonder what luxury retailer is eyeing the Regency's prime corner spot at Yorkville and Bay St?

On Yorkville Ave proper:

Locals or tourists? Shoppers or Posers?

I wonder how well the Hazelton is doing these days? How soon before ONE calls it quits? Anyone with some gossip on this building, please share on UT!



What a dull display!

I was so busy gawking at the car I didn't realize there was this huge group of teenaged girls standing around--to see that Wall-e movie? I have no idea.... However, the car was nice, but the occupants were old....

I prefer the Jeep to the ROMbarn!

Yorkville is tiny, and except for Over the Rainbow for some jeans, I have very little reason to be in the area. Yet the area between Yorkville and the Annex proper is a dead zone along Bloor St West, quite oddly I find, considering the multi-million homes along neighbouring streets--Admiral Rd, Bedford, Prince Arthur, etc. So other than checking out cute UofT students, the 10 minute walk to Spadina is tedious.

The highway to (mini) Vancouver?


Risque has been around for ages, and back in the day, I used to know the owner. Not any more. Just West of Brunswick, a cool little boutique worth patronizing!


Nice ass!


The Donut Shoppe never looked more tempting! Sorry, I gotta eat and drink, 'til later, cya @

 

[Therion]

that coffee shop on the northeast corner of Bellair and Cumberland.

Oh yes, Lettieri. Never have I seen such a centre of douchebaggery and ego. Except for Sassaffrazz right across the street. Also, Remy's, Nectar, Lobby, One, Dimmi... Actually Dimmi and Hemingway's are not as bad, it's more of a wannabe crowd: people who can't afford the above-mentioned places.

 

[urbandreamer]

Skip them all. My favourite place to eat in Yorkville? Pusateri's @Yorkville and Bay St has tasty sandwiches for $7.99. They're big, their coffee is good too, and watching the wealthy locals shop here is the closest Toronto comes to feeling like the Upper Eastside or even Yaletown. I love it!

But you know, Yorkville is no big deal. Since I have no clue about celebrities, or even local bigshots, I don't care who they are--I treat 'em all the same!

Anyhow, next time I'm in the 'hood (scheduled date with hot female: tomorrow night) I'll consider taking more photos.... Hope you enjoy my tours and writing, because I have plans....

 

[gabe]

The teenaged girls standing around were i think waiting for the the Jonas brothers outside the FS. One at the Hazelton hotel looks like it's doing really well. i have walked by the on a Saturday night and the place is packed with people showing off with their lamborghini 's lined up and down the street. I have seen Tie Domi there a few times out on the patio with his much younger girl friend. I hear the food isn't worth the prices they are charging. I don't plan on eating breakfast there anytime soon pancakes are $16 and glass of orange juice $7 LOL The only place i eat at in the yorkville area is Opus Restaurant on Prince Arthur.