Introducing Toronto’s 2024 Best of the Best, where we’ve scoured the city to uncover everything from the juiciest burgers to the coolest cold plunges, the sharpest tailors and the most talented tattoo artists. In this three-part series, we’re diving into the second instalment: shopping. Whether you’re looking for the best place to get designer deals or you’re searching for the city’s best bookstore, this guide includes all the top spots you need to try right now.

1. BEST DENIM

OVER THE RAINBOW has always been cool. Joel Carman and his family have been running this denim institution since hippies roamed Yorkville.  55 Bloor St. W.

2. BEST RECORD SHOP

Packed with new and used vinyl, ROTATE THIS will give you the feel of being in an authentic record shop where real vinylheads go to buy their music. 186 Ossington Ave. 

3. BEST FOR CONSIGNMENT

With frequent (and steeply discounted) online sales that you can actually find in-store, browse at night and shop by day at designer paradise VSP CONSIGNMENT. 1410 Dundas St. W.

4. BEST NEW SNEAKERS

For stylish twists on your favourite sneakers, go to NYC-based retailer KITH — its Yorkville arrival brought exclusive Adidas, Converse and more to the city. 78 Yorkville Ave.

5. BEST MENSWEAR

LOST & FOUND has really upped its game over the past year, with a new, ultra-cool location and an incredible assortment of trending and staple menswear brands. 12 Ossington Ave. 

6. BEST DESIGNER DEALS

With online and in-store sales that often hit up to 70 per cent off, TNT makes designer brands that much more accessible to the fashion lover on a budget. 394 Eglinton Ave W.

7. BEST SUIT STORE

When it comes to suit buying, having experienced staff to help find you the right fit goes a long way. SUITSUPPLY offers exactly that, and it offers some of the most elegant suit options in the industry. 9-11 Hazelton Ave. 

8. BEST FOR DRESSES

LOVERSLAND has the perfect wedding dress for the big day, as well as an incredible selection of cocktail dresses for that fall gala. The shop also is well-stocked with all the coolest sustainable labels and trending local and international brands. 215 Ossington Ave.

9. BEST COTTAGE CHIC

Timeless casual classic apparel at the trendy midtown shop LEMONWOOD will have you looking your best whether at the launch in Muskoka or at that fall backyard soirée. 1224 Yonge St.

10. BEST BOUTIQUE

BELLA is part of the fabric of the Eglinton nabe. Scan the boutique’s Instagram to spot owner Melissa Guido donning daily inspo. Staples like ruffly frocks, playful jumpsuits and wrap sweaters abound. 498 Eglinton Ave. W.

11. BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE

With designer brands and formal wear for days, ZERO 20 KIDS will cover all your bases when holiday and events season rolls around, from newborn to preteen. 7700 Pine Valley Dr.

12. BEST WOMEN’S DEPARTMENT STORE

A taste of New York–style shopping in the heart of T.O., ANDREWS is one-of-a-kind. This miniature department store just for women has always had impeccable taste. 55 Avenue Rd. 

13. BEST EYEWEAR

Brands come and go, but customer service is forever. Squint Eyewear has been known to do free repairs for shoppers off the street, customer or not. 1152 Yonge St. 

14. BEST SPOT FOR A GIFT

A rambling double store in Summerhill, PUTTI FINE FURNISHINGS has so many choices that we don’t even know if they know what they have! 1104 Yonge St.

15. BEST FLOWER SHOP

A colourful, fragrant haven for nature lovers, APRICOT FLOWERS is a true neighbourhood gem. The succulent-filled Havana Garden makes for the perfect little gift. 621A Mt. Pleasant Rd.

16. BEST KIDS BOOKSTORE

Adorable inside and out, independent children’s bookstore MABEL’S FABLES will entice any kid to read — and an appearance from Mabel the cat may sweeten the deal. 662 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

17. BEST SWIMWEAR

SHAN may not be for the faint of wallet, but if it’s long-lasting quality and timeless designs that you’re after, these swimsuits are well worth it. 38 Avenue Rd.

18. BEST LIGHTING STORE

There’s no other way to say it — ROYAL LIGHTING really is just the best in the city. Its labyrinth of choices for every taste is enough to brighten anyone’s day. 1549 Avenue Rd.

19. BEST FOR BIKES

Beginning as a literally curbside pop-up tent, CURBSIDE CYCLE is now the friendliest and most accessible bike shop in the city, with a solid international selection. 412 Bloor St. W. 

20. BEST TATTOO PARLOUR

The OKEY DOKE TATTOO SHOP’s sunny little storefront specializes in traditional tattoos; trust the team to be patient with first-timers and execute your design to perfection. 129 Dundas St. W.

21. BEST BOOKSTORE

Spread over three sprawling floors, BMV BOOKS is a bookworm’s heaven, and with vintage magazines galore in the basement, this one is close to our publishing heart. 471 Bloor St. W.

22. BEST ANTIQUE STORES

A standout on Mount Pleasant’s antique alley, BERNARDI’S ANTIQUES has a huge assortment at fair prices for those who are chasing after the thrill of the hunt. 699 Mt. Pleasant Rd. 

An antique shop that’s home to everything from vintage diamond rings to props from Guillermo Del Toro’s Nightmare Alley, CYNTHIA FINDLAY FINE JEWELLERY AND ANTIQUES is a treasure trove — and staff are as knowledgeable as they are friendly! 284 King St. W.

23. BEST VINTAGE WATCHES

Breitling, Rolex, Patek Philippe — VAN RIJK has it all when it comes to top-of-the-line watches. The staff here are true experts, and the selection is seemingly endless. 90 Eglinton Ave. E.

24. BEST CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE

Head to OF THINGS PAST to upcycle your furniture instead of tossing it, or to find that rare vintage piece to complete your home. 185 Bridgeland Ave.

25. BEST VINTAGE

Beautifully organized and curated, the mother-daughter-run Mama Loves You is a celebrity favourite for a reason, with finds that span the 1880s all the way to the ’90s. 541 Queen St. W.

26. BEST NEW VINTAGE

We’ll call this one a tie — when Maison Violet Vintage opened near Roncesvalles earlier this year, it almost immediately became a new favourite for vintage lovers thanks to its eclectic selection and cozy store design. But the very recent opening of Smoking Vintage in the Junction has also created substantial buzz — originally an Instagram shop, it was a go-to for serious shoppers looking for unique (and beautifully preserved) ’90s and 2000s finds, and the brick-and-mortar location has attracted the vintage-obsessed from all over. 412 Roncesvalles Ave. and 514A Annette St.

27. BEST HOUSEWARES STORE

If you live in the Annex, it’s difficult to pass by JUXTAPOSE HOME without taking a peek inside. With a curated, well-priced selection of kitchen goods and linens, cozy home accents and more, you’ll find you’ll end up convincing yourself that you actually do need to add another mug to your collection! 616 Bloor St. W. 

28. BEST REFILLERY

There aren’t many places in Toronto to sustainably refill detergent, disinfectants and more. THE GREEN JAR is looking to change that. One visit might be enough to make you a refillery convert! 1061 St. Clair Ave. W.

29. BEST GAME STORE

For game lovers, card collectors and fantasy fans, HAIRY TARANTULA  knows its stuff. Shop Pokemon cards and Dungeons & Dragons collectibles, and visit for weekly game nights. 3456 Yonge St. 

30. BEST LOCAL JEWELRY

With unique and funky finds, VICKY’S JEWELLERY is always a fun shopping experience. You never know what you’ll leave with — a frog brooch or a floral statement necklace? 404 Eglinton Ave. W.

31. BEST BOUTIQUE

Family-owned shop ED’S MERCANTILE features local small businesses and has a little bit of everything — perused vintage clothes, handmade pottery and bath bombs all in one trip. 605 Bloor St. W.

32. BEST PLANT SHOP

This Toronto store will be there for all your plant care needs. CHIVE has made the Queen West storefront its Canadian headquarters. You won’t be able to resist stepping into the shop after passing by the floor-to-ceiling windows displaying some of the store’s coolest greenery, including tiny succulents and massive monsteras. 837 Queen St. W.

33. BEST FOR GIFTS

Whether it’s holiday shopping, birthday gifts or souvenirs, everyone needs a go-to gift shop. And for many Torontonians, that’s SCOUT. With two locations on opposite sides of the city, this boutique is dangerous to step in if you have no clear shopping goal in mind — you’ll probably emerge with a puzzle, locally-made mug and some other cute trinket in hand! 405 Roncesvalles Ave. and 1140 Queen St. E. 

34. BEST SPOT TO SELL CONSIGNMENT

There are plenty of great consignment shops in the city, but SECOND NATURE BOUTIQUE might be the best for making some cash on the vintage goods hanging around in your closet. 514 Mount Pleasant Rd. 

35. BEST SNEAKER SHOP

For sneaker collectors and shoe lovers, CAPSULE might be the shop of your dreams. Home to all of your favourite streetwear brands, Capsule’s Nike collection might be the best we’ve seen. 69 Yorkville Ave. 

36. BEST CASHMERE SHOP

BLACK GOAT is doing its darndest to drape us in ultra-soft cashmere. It’s got hats, shawls, turtlenecks, leg warmers and, yes, socks — all crafted from luxe long strands of cashmere from Mongolian goats. 131 Bloor St. W.

37. BEST FOR STREETWEAR

HAVEN has asserted itself out of T.O.’s top streetwear spots. The store is always stocked to the brim with brands, ranging from designer houses to technical, functional. 190 Richmond St. E.

38. BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

A family-run business that’s been around for over 50 years, THE SHOWROOM is all about customer service. With a lovingly curated women’s fashion collection that features the best in European and Canadian fashion, trust owner Davina to find just what you’re looking for. 1077 Bathurst St. 

40. BEST NEW VINTAGE BAZAAR

We’d be remiss not to mention the funky-looking storefront located just across from Kensington Market that opened this past year — BAZAAR, a vintage and arts market featuring individual booths from local secondhand sellers, makers and curators, is one of the coolest things to happen to Toronto all year and is a sign of the changing tides when it comes to shopping in the city. 306 College St.

41. BEST BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

Known as the oldest bridal salon in Canada, BECKER’S BRIDAL has been around since 1944, but their selection certainly hasn’t stayed there — a quick perusal of their racks of dresses shows a stunning selection of modern styles, classic styles and everything in between. Passing by the storefront in Greektown, you’ll often see a bride and her family sitting on the couch during a try-on session, each gown more stunning than the next. 387 Danforth Ave. 

42. BEST KIDS CONSIGNMENT

Buying new clothes for kids can feel like an endless losing game — in months or even weeks, they might grow out of it! LITTLE WHITE SNEAKERS offers a more sustainable (and fashionable) route, selling high-end and designer second-hand children’s clothes at up to 85 per cent off. 597 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

43. BEST SHOE STORE

It’s always nice to enter a store that you can tell was personally curated by the owners — and that’s exactly what you get when you enter STUDIO D BOUTIQUE. With an incredible shoe selection that is always on trend and yet timeless, expect wonderful customer service and some amazing luxury footwear brands to choose from. 55 Bloor St. W. 

44. BEST FOR BASICS

Since KOTN launched in Toronto, pretty much every Torontonian owns at least a T-shirt or two from there. And with well-made, well-priced basics and a company ethos that prides itself on transparency around manufacturing, materials and their efforts to give back to the communities they work in, you can be sure your new turtleneck will last longer than one season. 148 Ossington Ave.

45. BEST LUXURY RETAILER

High-fashion multi-brand purveyor THE WEBSTER brought its unique approach to Toronto with its first location outside of the U.S. in 2021. Since opening, the shop has offered a selection of luxury goods in the city that is tough to find anywhere else. 121 Scollard St.

46. BEST GARDEN CENTRE

It’s easy to spend hours at ANGELO’S GARDEN CENTRE — and leave with a few more plants than you originally planned for. With a sprawling greenhouse and outdoor shop, consult staff for the scoop on exactly what your garden needs. 1801 Hwy 7, Concord

47. BEST LUGGAGE STORE

Trust DE CATARINA to make luggage the most hassle-free part of your vacation. Owners Winston and Catarina Ho offer high-quality products with Europe-ready storage at great prices. 55 Bloor St. W.

48. BEST TOY STORE

Independent store TOYTOWN has staff that know the ins and outs of every game and trinket out there, so your kid (and you) will leave happy. Our publisher has been shopping here since he was six! 1754 Avenue Rd., North York

49. BEST PIERCING PLACE

Just down the road, NEW TRIBE has been around for almost three decades and has been piercing (and tattooing) Toronto’s residents with ease. The piercers are really kind, happy to walk you through the piercing and healing process. And after the piercing, you can message your piercer with any questions, so you’re not alone when the skin around your nose starts getting a bit too itchy! 232 Queen St. W. 

50. BEST SKIN CARE

You’ve probably spotted Indigenous-owned skincare brand WILDCRAFT in a bunch of local stores in Toronto, and that’s for good reason — with products that are all handmade in small batches in the city, they smell great, feel great and look pretty lavish for ultra-affordable prices. Their most popular product might be the Restore Face Cream with hero ingredient Vitamin A, but we favour their two oil-based serums, which make for a luxurious skin care experience. wildcraftcare.ca

51. BEST FOR APPLIANCES

For over 75 years, CAPLAN APPLIANCES have been selling Torontonians premium appliance brands. There popularity and quality make them special. 1111 Weston Rd.

52. BEST HARDWARE STORE

A great little neighbourhood spot, DICKSON HOME HARDWARE happens to be the best place to buy a barbecue — they’ll have it set up and in your backyard in a day. 2028 Avenue Rd.

53. BEST SPA

Expect the ultimate luxury and treatments you’ve never even heard of at the SPA BY VALMONT at The Hazelton. Try the Essence of the Bees facial or the Hot Shells massage to shake up your spa day. 118 Yorkville Ave.

54. BEST YOGA STUDIO

For a homey yoga studio that will have you feeling calm and connected, try KULA YOGA. Reasonable pricing and classes for all experience levels make this studio accessible for everyone. 304 Brunswick Ave. 

55. BEST HAIR SALON

Known for their stylists that have been around for years and know exactly how to make you look your best, SALON LYOL offers gender-free pricing that only takes into account the length of your hair and how much styling you want. The airy salon is big on customer service; don’t be surprised if you’re offered a complimentary coffee while you wait! 1452 Yonge St. 

56. BEST DOG GROOMERS

 

Ryoko and the team run the most relaxing environment for your canines at WOOFTOWN. Our office dog, Trapper, says they’re the best of the best. 10 Birch Ave.

For your puppy who has never been groomed or a senior dog with health issues, trust TAIL SPIN DOG SPA to give them a gentle and stylish haircutting experience, no matter the breed. 12 Irwin Ave.

57. BEST COLD PLUNGES

OTHERSHIP burst onto the scene with a (frigid) splash, making cold plunges cooler than ever — though we’ll bet the saunas are more in use at this Yorkville location. 110 Bloor St. W.

With a Finnish-inspired hot + cold therapy experience, ALTER offers a sauna, ice bath and lounge circuit that incorporates breathwork, aromatherapy and movement. 860 College St.

58. BEST TAILOR

It’s all in the name — LAST MINUTE ALTERATION will have you looking your best, and fast (and for a fair price). Mike handles intricate repairs with ease. 90 Yorkville Ave.

59. BEST VACUUM AND SMALL APPLIANCE REPAIR

At YORK APPLIANCE, they can fix anything — this family-run business has been at it since 1969, and Raffi Asalian and the team’s customer service are  hard to beat. 2029 Avenue Rd.

60. BEST DRY CLEANER

A constant winner in this category, if you have expensive or much-loved clothing, ASHFORD CLEANERS is the way to go — you can’t trust almost anyone else. 535 Eglinton Ave. W.

61. BEST NEW BARBER

Farid Alavi began his craft in Scotland before launching the new BENCH BARBERSHOP, where this sartorial barber dons three-piece suits for a shave. 1300 Bay St. 

62. BEST SHOE REPAIR

Give KANER’S a fraying bag or a broken-down pair of shoes, and they’ll work their magic — it may take awhile, but the result is always perfect. 110 Bloor St. W.

63. BEST HAIR COLOURING

A real family affair, COLOUR LAB’s father-and-son owners Jean-Charles and Raphael Azran do the best, most sought-after hair colouring in town. 1013 Yonge St.

64. BEST NAIL SALON

ANNA’S HEAVENLY NAILS is a brand new spot in the Summerhill neighbourhood, where the service is exceptional, the salon is spotless, and they play Seinfeld all day. 1278 Yonge St. 

65. BEST FOR LASHES & BROWS

The eyes are the window to the soul, so you should entrust them to the best — and that’s HBFACE. Stubborn lashes and uneven brows are no match for Haley Bogaert’s expertise. 456 Eglinton Ave. W.

For the best food spots in Toronto, click here.