A guide to shopping on Toronto's Eglinton Avenue

While there’s no shortage of shopping options at Yonge and Eglinton, we’ve picked out our local faves, some of which have been flying under the radar for years. Stroll through a used clothing shop, a charming bookstore, a boutique toting a modern collection of men’s and women’s garb, an art store or a spot for new skincare items. Here’s our guide to shopping on Eglinton Avenue. [Image credit: iStock.com/ Troels Graugaard]

By Nicole Gottselig

BMV Books

1

2289 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2C6

• Phone Number
  • 416-482-6002Primary
• Directions

If you prefer to read the “old-fashioned” way and get a thrill when you find a pop-art coffee table book that’s been out of print for years, check out BMV, a used bookstore that doubles as a browsing paradise. For almost 20 years, BMV has been supplying readers with unique finds and hot contemporary reads of the past decade. Topics range from best-selling fiction to spirituality to cook books to graphic novels to vintage mags.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Intuition Toronto

2

2487 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2H6

• Phone Number
  • 416-333-3780Primary
• Directions

Just north of Eglinton Station, this cozy boutique stocks a curated collection of modern men’s and women’s garb. Browse an array of T-shirts with unique prints, comfy yet stylish joggers, luxe drop-neck sweaters and button-ups with an edge. In the women’s section you’ll find statement necklaces, classic cable knits, chic crop tops and specialty brands from Paris and Italy.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• A day in the neighbourhood: Yonge and Eglinton

DeSerres Toronto-Uptown

3

124 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4R 2G8

• Phone Number
  • 416-485-0331Primary
• Directions

Whether you’re feeling crafty or need some inspiration to finish off that DIY art project, hit up this art lovers megastore for a dose of inspiration. For painters, there are canvases, acrylic and oil-based paints and brushes galore. Beginner crafters and artists take heed, the staff will walk you through what you need to start scrapbooking or jewellery-making, and will also guide you through the aisle of felts, pencil crayons or sketch pads for your after-work art class.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Pure And Simple Eglinton

4

2516 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2H7

• Phone Number
  • 416-481-2081Primary
• Directions

Is it time to change up your skincare regime? Pure and Simple’s Yonge and Eglinton location carries its own extensive collection of natural and organic body care, ranging from cleansers, toners, masks and moisturizers. Top picks to plump up your skin include the purifying French clay mask and the relaxation inducing organic lavender hydrosol.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Drake General Store

5

2607 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2J1

• Phone Number
  • 416-966-0553Primary
• Directions

A staple of the 6, the Drake’s Yonge and Eglinton outpost carries a full range of Canadian-themed curiosities and wearables. Whether gifting or shopping for yourself, quintessential items that give a nod to the CBC, HBC and maple syrup are aplenty here. But it’s not all about the kitschy coolness factor. Here you’ll also find hot home accessories like a wooden and marble cheeseboard, beautiful slate coasters and luxurious cotton towels.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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More from Nicole Gottselig

Nicole Gottselig is a Toronto-based writer, born and raised on the west coast. In 2012, she swapped the mountains for #theSix skyline and spends most of her free time scouring Toronto neighbourhoods for a wild salmon sashimi, a good dive bar or a used bookstore. Nicole can usually be found planning her next trip, practicing her headstand in an Ashtanga yoga class or devouring the Sunday edition of The New York Times.  

Where to shop for your summer survival kit

The humidex is off the charts, summer festivals are in full swing and patios are packed. Yes, summer has finally arrived in the 6. To survive the dog days of summer, we’ve handpicked some of our top spots for must have summer essentials – from sunscreen, swimsuits and sunnies, to bikes, hats and sandals. [Image credit: iStock.com/Atilla ALTUN]

Design shops where you’ll find the perfect finishing touches

It’s not about how much you spend when decking out your space, it’s about those quality finds that reflect your unique style and taste. From one-of-a-kind found objects and mid-century furnishings to coasters inspired by TTC tokens or a bubble gum pink turntable, here’s our picks for the best design shops in the city for tasteful objects and necessary accessories alike. [Image credit: iStock.com/jodiejohnson]

Not-your-average grocery stores

If finding the perfect bunch of kale for your smoothie or a chicken pot pie that tastes as good as mom’s is what really fuels your foodie mojo, it’s time to step away from the big box grocery store. We’ve rounded up our top independent grocers for premium produce, take-home fare, gourmet cheeses, all-natural products and ethical meats, plus a food co-op and a 24-hour neighbourhood favourite.