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Toronto prides itself on having some of the finest shopping in North America. Indeed, most of the world's name boutiques have branches here, especially in the Yorkville area, where you can find such luxury labels as Chanel, Prada, and Cartier. For those a little leaner of wallet, you can join in one of Torontonians' favorite pastimes: bargain hunting. Locals wear discount threads like badges of honor and stretch their dollar at Winners—where overstocked and liquidated designer pieces and last-season fashions are slashed to a fraction of their original retail prices.
Toronto has a large arts-and-crafts community, with numerous art galleries, custom jewelers, clothing designers, and artisans. Sophisticated glass sculpture and Inuit art are ideal as gifts or for your own home. A few record stores are still going strong despite the dominance of digital music. The survivors’ trump card has been focused inventory and knowledgeable staff—head to Rotate This for alterative and indie music or Atelier Grigorian for classical and jazz. Bookstores such as Indigo have lounge areas where you can sip a coffee from the in-store café while perusing books by Canadian authors such as Alice Munro, Ann-Marie MacDonald, and Rohinton Mistry; don’t miss favorite independent Book City.
When it comes to department stores, all roads lead to Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street West, the epicenter of Toronto's designer shopping. A mere block east is the more mid-price department store The Bay. A second Bay can be found across from Eaton Centre, a sprawling shopping complex with multilevel parking in the heart of the city.
Exiting through this gift shop is not mandatory, but you'll want to check out the overwhelming selection of curiosities, from touring exhibit memorabilia and books on maximal architecture to pop-art-inspired toys and prints of celebrated paintings. Adults and kids can shop side by side among the books and fun educational items.
For more than 25 years, design gift shop Studio Brillantine has been one of the quirkiest stores in Parkdale. There's a mix of high-end brands and fun collectibles in a wide variety of price points. Highlights include Comme des Garçons wallets, Vivienne Westwood jewelry, Issey Miyake Bao Bao foldable bags, Alessi houseware, and sought-after (and very cute) blind boxes with brands like Japan's Smiskis.
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