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We love supporting local in Toronto, and we’re lucky to have so many amazing independent shops in the city. The next time you’re on the stretch of Yonge Street dominated by unique boutiques and luxury finds, Rosedale and Summerhill, check out these 10 essential shops.
Putti Fine Furnishings
Shop for a unique gift, find that home decor piece you’ve been missing, curate discount Christmas ornaments for next year, grab a new pair of earrings, get all set up for your next dinner party — there’s so much to see in Putti Fine Furnishings that it’s actually a double store. And both storefronts are so packed that they spill out onto the sidewalk in the warmer weather. You could spend hours wandering through this neighbourhood favourite — and you probably will!
Thursdays
Family-run retail boutique Thursdays is named as such because of the day they receive new merchandise each week (Thursdays!). The small but mighty shop is always in style, importing the latest trends but with a focus on timeless fashion and neutrals. From loungewear to extremely chic outerwear and a shoe selection featuring the likes of Tkees and Inuikii, the shop also stocks their own, “designed by us” collection of workwear and quality basics.
Augustina Boutiques
With a shop in Rosedale and a seasonal one in Muskoka, Augustina Boutiques knows their audience — lovers of luxury, frequent vacationers and fashion-forward buyers interested in perusing the latest and hottest brands. With a pricier selection that includes brands such as Olivia Von Halle, Anita Ko and Marian Paquette, the shop has also been known to feature emerging brands and retailers for pop-ups in both their locations.
Clementine’s
Mother-daughter-run luxury concept shop Clementine’s is as beautiful on the inside as it looks on the outside. Featuring contemporary and niche high-end brands, expect to find stylish gems here that would be hard to source elsewhere in the city. As a concept shop, the store also features lifestyle and home goods, including beautiful made-in-Toronto hand-blown glass and accessories from the likes of Uma Wang. You can also shop Clementine’s Studio — their in-house private label made locally in Toronto our of sustainably sourced fabrics.
Lemonwood
Named after the street in Toronto that owner Christine Peters lived on when the idea for this boutique came to her, Lemonwood is now a leading lifestyle boutique in the city (and the rest of Ontario, with stores in Port Carling, Collingwood and Oakville). With an emphasis on natural fibres, shoppers searching for 100 per cent cashmere, silk, bamboo or linen pieces will surely find something that suits them here.
1132 Consignment
An undersung spot for luxury finds in the city, you’ll often see residents and passersby pause in front of this striking storefront to admire the always decked-out mannequins at 1132 Consignment. Organised primarily by colour, items here are always in pristine condition. Featuring all the top designer brands and a selection that ranges from black tie event dresses to your most avant-garde one-off runway pieces, fashion lovers will find it hard to leave without trying on at least a few pieces here.
Smythe
If you’ve ever been in awe of a Canadian celebrity’s bold pantsuit, chances are, it’s Smythe. The suiting brand, founded by two Torontonians, has been around since 2004, and since establishing their first brick-and-mortar shop in 2022, their presence in the Canadian fashion scene and beyond has only grown. While their beautifully structured blazers and suits are what they’re known for, Smythe has since expanded to craft equally beautiful dresses, blouses, knitwear, outerwear and more.
6 by Gee Beauty
A true family affair, 6 By Gee Beauty is a lifestyle and beauty boutique offshoot from the mother and daughters behind Gee Beauty salon (a Toronto salon that has since expanded to Miami and is frequented by high-profile clientele). With a full Le Labo fragrance bar alongside racks of covetable clothes from top brands such as Sea, Sleeper and Birgitte Herskind, 6 By Gee is the definition of chic. Prepare to drop some serious cash to dress like Toronto’s (and Miami’s) finest!
Good Neighbour
A shop so beautiful and deceptively large that you’ll never want to leave, Summerhill could not be happier that Good Neighbour decided to open their third location here in 2024. Combining the best of a general store and department store, there’s something for everyone here — literally; the store features a men’s, women’s and a kids section. With shelves of great denim, rows of giftable trinkets and tables full of accessories, be a good neighbour and stop by for a peek around.
Vert
Recently relocated to a bigger and better location just up the street in Rosedale, the interior of Vert tells you everything you need to know about the kind of selection you’ll find here — minimalist, elegant and all-over earth tones. Highly curated and with a focus on contemporary luxury, you’ll find some of the world’s most sought-after brands here, including Cecilie Bahnsen, Filippa K, Proenza Schouler and Cou Cou Intimates. And now, located on the upper floor of Vert is a new retail space for Toronto shirting brand T.Line.
