Your weekly guide to the city’s retail scene.
SALES
■ Cross off all the names on your Christmas list with a visit to the annual One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale. The 10-day showcase takes over the Direct Energy Centre (Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd.) from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2, with toys, art, handmade gifts, and more made by 800 artisans and designers from across Canada. Open weekdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., with extra-late shopping hours on Nov. 29. For more information, visit oneofakindshow.com.
■ Danier Leather continues its Black Friday sale through Nov. 25, offering extended bargains on fashionable leather coats, bags, and accessories at all its stores. The sale even includes big-ticket items like a women’s lamb leather bomber for $149 (from $449), leather leggings for $119 (from $249), and colourful cross-body bags for $69 (from $129). Also available at reduced prices are leather gloves, which make for great holiday stocking stuffers. See danier.com for more details.
■ “Like” Kensington Market boutique Model Citizen (279 Augusta Ave., 416-553-6632) on Facebook and receive 15 per cent off the shop’s collection of well-cut men’s and women’s down-filled winter coats by heritage brand Penfield. Looking for holiday-appropriate party frocks and local designs? This Black Friday discount also applies to sassy L.A.-based label Funktional and owner Julian Finkel’s own line of silk-screened tees.
NEWS
■ One of the newest players on the West Queen West retail scene, V (702 Queen St. W., 647-748-9119) is no stranger to the neighbourhood. Owned by Kealan Sullivan of 69 Vintage, the store is the vintage maven’s newest venture and the second incarnation of V’s former outpost at 198 Walnut Ave. All of the well-priced pieces, including furs, coats, dresses, and jewellery, are handpicked by Sullivan, who has an eye for sartorial treasures, whether they’re original, re-worked, or tailored. The turnover of merchandise is quick—go frequently.
■ Unveiled last week after a $185-million expansion, Yorkdale Shopping Centre’s new west wing offers roughly 145,000 extra square feet of space, welcoming stylish labels, like Ted Baker London and Kate Spade New York, to Canada. Anthropologie, The North Face, Wilfred, and Diesel are also housed in the new space.
POP-UPS
■ Check out the pop-up on Nov. 29 at local watering hole Betty’s (240 King St. E., 416-368-1300) from 5–9 p.m., featuring brands like Toronto sportswear label Bustle, women’s wear from Stranger, and local artwork. Yummy treats from Toute Sweet bakery will be available, too.
Know of any new shops, pop-ups, or major deals? Email thedrop@thegridto.com.
