On the dreariest of days we ducked into the latest addition to Roncy’s burgeoning retail strip: Scout, a perfectly charming gift shop that opened last month. Brought to life by the lovely Leah Eyles, the store is filled with various bits and bobs that have been sourced from around the country, much of it handmade.
After managing College Street’s Red Pegasus for years, Eyles journeyed around Thailand, Australia and Nepal, coming to the realization that it was time to refresh her life. She saw the potential for a gift shop in post-construction Roncesvalles, and grabbed onto a former Cashmax that had been boycotted by the community.
With the help of her many creative friends, Eyles has transformed the spot into a warm and welcoming space. The windows were curated by Jacqui Gardner — a local artist who’s also involved in fashion — with places Eyles sourced goods from pinpointed on maps in the window displays. Meanwhile, the logo was created by graphic designer Jason Williams, who also just happens to be Eyles’ boyfriend.
While it’s difficult to claim favourites, we fell hard for the check-offable birthday “to do” card, from Van City’s The Regional Assembly of Text. Eyles makes note of the leather silkscreened bags from Montreal company Cokluch, as well as some Haligonian hats from Sugar Soul that she became enamored with while in that neck of the woods. The pièce de résistance? 3D wrapping paper — complete with appropriate eyewear — from Kensington’s Kid Icarus. Well scouted.
Scout, 405 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-546-6922
