Small Business Saturday!

As you may have heard, today is Small Business Saturday, a day when people are encouraged to shop small and support their local independent retailers. We are so lucky to live in a city with such a thriving independent small business scene. New shops, cafes and bars are opening up around us all the time, usually owned by creative young people who are making big sacrifices and working their asses off to make their dreams come true. We have so much respect for everyone trying to make a go of it and run their own show, (no easy feat), and we love the sense of community we've found among small business owners working together to support each other. 

So in honor of this day, here is a little guide to some of our favourite local small businesses. The places where the staff know you by name and where you take your friends who are visiting from out of town. The places that make our city unique and special. We shudder to think of Toronto without them. Please vote with your wallets this holiday season kids and #shoplocal. 

When I'm not shopping in my own store, I'm usually shopping with Leah at Dalston Grey. A great selection of vintage and an amazing contemporary line from Paris, Gat Rimon, keep me coming back. Not to mention that Leah is the cutest EVER. 

I get my morning coffee and croissants from The Common. Wayyyy too many croissants. I just can't stop. This place rules.

For the best cocktails in town we head straight for the Black Hoof Cocktail Bar. Jen Agg is one hardworking lady and no one knows their food and drink like her. We recommend checking out all the places in her ever-expanding empire.  You will not be disappointed.

Pretty Freedom is by far our favourite vintage shop in Kensington. Come for the clothes, stay for the friendly chats and jaw-dropping decor. Um, can you guys come give us a hand...?

On those nights when we just "need a glass of wine" (#shitgirlssay) we make a beeline for Midfield Wine Bar on Dundas. Great wines in a relaxed atmosphere with a very laid-back, parisienne feel. They often have oysters on the go and always have a good selection of cheeses and charcuterie. 

Type Books is our go-to book store in the neighbourhood. You can get lost browsing in this place for hours. It's a book lover's dream.

I am so spoiled to live 2 seconds away from Of A Kind on College Street West. All the vinyl you could want, a great selection of vintage clothing and accessories, plus they throw the best parties. The shop pup Raiden is pretty adorable too. He kind of rules the neighbourhood.

Unless you live under a rock, I really don't need to tell you why Get Well Bar is the best. It needs no introduction or explanation. I'll just see you there. 

It goes without saying that the coolest-store-in-town-award goes to our friends and roomies here at 972 Queen Street West, BYOB Cocktail Emporium.  There is nowhere we'd rather spend our days, although it is a constant challenge to not buy everything in the shop. At least I can just stare at it all day. 

Please spread the word and support these and all your local loves this holiday season. They will love you back, we promise. #shopsmall #shoplocal #shopfitzroy