10 Places to Shop Local in Gerrard East

Stroll this eclectic east-end street for Toronto local shops boasting unique fashion, lifestyle and foodie finds.

Doing some gift shopping or looking to spoil yourself a little? Pay a visit to the local shops, studios and markets of Gerrard East, an up-and-coming east-end neighbourhood that lays claim to some of the best indie stores in Toronto.

Dubbed #Gerrones by locals, its nexus is Gerrard Street East and Jones Avenue, abutting East Chinatown, Little India and Leslieville. From cute local bakeries to homey wellness shops, the indie shops of Gerrard Street East are well worth a gander or two.

Pop Music

If you’re a music fanatic, you’ll definitely want to stop into Pop Music in East Chinatown. You can shop old-school and contemporary vinyl records of all genres, quality-made turntables, licensed band tees, and merch at this little boutique record shop.

ONYX Chocolate

Stockpile exquisitely handcrafted bonbons at ONYX, a family-owned chocolatier known for its artful truffles, including many vegan options.

Foodie-pleasing treasures like Sour Cherry Hojicha, Banana Caramel and Guava Hibiscus are as colourful as they are sophisticated (and perfectly capture Canada’s global vibe).

Black Rose Cafe

You can shop a curated selection of vintage clothing, collectibles and more at this fun combination coffee/vintage shop. From old-school graphic tees to modern collectible figurines, there’s plenty to uncover at Black Rose.

If you’re in need of caffeination, order their top-notch coffee made with beans from local Canadian roasters, including Oakville’s Carvalho Coffee roasters.

Tea N Bannock

A bit further east along Gerrard Street East, you’ll find Tea N Bannock, a café that stocks artisan food gifts from local Indigenous makers.

Shop their hand-picked teas, organic wild rice, or even their freshly baked bannock to take home or stock your hotel room. If you’re hungry, dine at their restaurant and enjoy dishes like their hearty bison burger (made with Alberta bison) or hot and delicious fry bread.

Coffee And Clothing

This thrift store covers the basics and more, with thousands of pieces from the 1930s through 1990s, including military, workwear, denim and European retro fashion.

The owners of Coffee And Clothing have an eye for streetwear and offer styling services for those needing a one-stop wardrobe update.

Got mid-vacation scruff? Get cleaned up at the Night Owl Barber Shop, tucked at the back of the store.

East End Vine

Both a wine and tapas restaurant and a gourmet food market, East End Vine sells all kinds of Canadian meats, cheeses, sauces and more.

Load up for a winter picnic next to one of Toronto’s ice rinks, such as Evergreen Brick Works, or grab something to enjoy back home. They’ve got everything from all-natural cured meats from Niagara Food Specialties to tasty sauces from local fave Wildly Delicious.

Good Behaviour

Wondering where to shop local in Toronto for fab foodie gifts? Look no further than sub shop/ice cream parlour Good Behaviour.

Toronto’s comfort-food HQ (with three locations across town), sells Banana Frosted Flakes, HK Mik Tea, Masala Chai and other house-made ice creams by the pint or scoop, but it’s also the place to pick up Parallel Halvah, Okazu sesame chili oils and other made in Toronto goodies.

Good Cheese

You’ll surely find some good cheese at this local fromagerie, offering everything from Ontario Brie to Quebec halloumi. Good Cheese also offers an array of other locally made and made-in-Canada pantry and grocery items, including cured meats, pickles, jams, craft beers and wines.

Guo Jewellery

Located inside the Gerrard Square Shopping Centre, you’ll find a range of popular brand-name jewelry and watches at this friendly and knowledgeable family-run business. Guo Jewellery also specializes in jewelry and watch repairs, if you need a timepiece tune-up while you’re in town.