7 Best Shopping in Kensington Market, Toronto

Teak tables, chairs, and cabinets give this vintage shop the feel of a strangely cavernous 1970s bungalow. Organized racks are filled with Hawaiian and secondhand T-shirts, vintage 1970s dresses, and comfortably worn jeans, but you'll also find new styles, too.

The best and longest-running vintage store in Kensington Market is crammed with the coolest retro stuff, from sunglasses to sundresses, plus an ample supply of cowboy boots and gently used Birkenstock sandals for guys and gals, all at low prices. Not everything is secondhand here: there's a wall of sparkly Indian-inspired clothing, lots of costume jewelry, Mexican luchador masks, and a selection of unique buttons.

Dubbed "a book shop for people who like to eat," you'll find a smattering of everything needed to elevate your culinary experiences here, from the latest trendy cookbooks to tasteful accents like hand-crafted chambray napkins and whimsical illustrated coffee mugs. A true community hub, the shop also publishes cookbooks focused on singular ingredients written by celebrated local food writers, and its upcycled thrifting section is not to be overlooked for rare vintage finds.

At this old-school printing company, you'll find a range of whimsical illustrations including band posters, mock-retro tourism posters, and other one-of-a-kind creations. You'll also find screen-printed "Greetings from Toronto" postcards, art supplies, and contemporary indie crafts in the gift shop.

It might take some digging but Shoney’s no-nonsense, uncurated collection of vintage wares is replete with diamonds in the rough. The stock is frequently replenished so you never know what you'll find among the obscure band tees, gently used Roots hoodies, and glamorous silk bathrobes that share the racks with Italian military surplus, flashy '70s furs, international soccer kits, and cycling jerseys. Their outside $5 rack is often bursting with snaggable deals. 

Organic, natural, and hormone-free products are the core offerings here. Build yourself a healthy picnic basket for a lunch in nearby Trinity-Bellwoods park with Ontario farm-raised deli meats; organic, grass-fed, fermented European cheeses; locally grown sprouts; and enticing bulk treats sweetened with raw cane sugar whenever possible.

Find bargains aplenty on brand-name suits and shirts from brands like Calvin Klein, Armani, and DKNY at this remnant from the market's old-world textile industry days. The larger-than-life Tom Mihalik, the store's owner, keeps his prices low (and will often go lower, if you ask politely). The sales staff can quickly navigate the selection and help you put together a complete and well-accessorized look.