As July comes to a close, we’re looking back on some of the fun memories that have happened this month, one of which was celebrating all of our proudly independent Old Town Toronto businesses for Independent Retailer Month. So many businesses have been calling Old Town Toronto home over the years and we couldn’t be happier seeing them thrive and contribute to the rich and unique experiences that our neighbourhood is known for.
So in order to see Independent Retailer Month off, we’d like to salute a few of the wonderful stores we frequent.
Mila’s Fine Footwear
77 Front Street E., www.milasonfront.com
All of us feel a little like Cinderella when we try on that perfect shoe and Mila’s Fine Footwear on Front Street has been in the business of providing those Cinderella moments for years. In fact, the store is run by a family who have been in the shoe business since 1932! Owned by Mother and Son duo Rita Mehta Hussain and Vishal Hussain, Mila’s is an extension of the Strathroy location that has been open since 1989 and offers a number of well-known brands such as Birkenstock, Samuel Hubbard, and Canada West along with some unique shoe styles that are sure to make a statement.
Mila’s is open for business Tues-Sun: 11am-5pm
Aren’t We Sweet!
St. Lawrence Market South Market, Lower Level www.arentwesweet.com
Within the magical St. Lawrence Market there is a candy shop like no other. Chocolate covered cacao nibs, organic pomegranate fruit rocks, and a simply massive assortment of chocolates and candies from all over the world that cater to dairy free, vegan, no sugar, and gluten-free tastes. Gourmet, organic, fair trade, house-made, you name it, chances are good that they have it and they taste absolutely delicious!
Currently Aren’t We Sweet! are operating with modified hours and are open Thurs-Fri: 10am-5pm and Sat: 7am-4pm.
evok eyewear + opticians
175 King Street E., www.evok.ca
Glasses are so much more than an accessory, they’re a statement and an extension of who you are, and the ultimate combination of practicality and fashion. The staff at the proudly independent evok eyewear understand this and have made it their mission to provide a boutique shopping experience like no other, taking good care to pair you with the prescription glasses and sunglasses that speak to you. Offering quality optician services and curated eyewear collections from AM Eyewear, Ray Ban, Matsuda, and Robert La Roche among many others, evok is definitely the place to go to get your new pair of specs.
evok is open Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm. Sun: 11am-5pm
Rube’s Rice
St. Lawrence Market South Market, Lower Level
Talk about history! Rube’s Rice was the very first business to open in the lower level of the South Market in the early 1970’s. In that time Rube has gained a loyal following of customers who stop by to choose from the largest selection of rice from around the world. But they don’t stop there, of course. Rube’s also has a number of foods available in bulk like lentils, beans, grains, flours, and trail mixes. You want good quality bulk foods? Rube’s Rice has you covered.
Tues-Thurs: 8am-6pm, Fri: 8am-7pm, Sat: 5am-5pm
Royal Blush Salon & Spa
47 Colborne St., www.royalblush.ca
Honesty time. Despite our best efforts in caring for ourselves the past several months we have REALLY missed getting help from the professionals by treating ourselves to a mani-pedi and some good pampering. With every possible precaution set in place to ensure a safe visit, Royal Blush is once again open with their top quality nail, skin, laser hair removal, and body care treatments to get you feeling more like yourself. Want to take the spa experience home with you? Take a peek at their shop that sells a wide range of products from scented candles and special soaps to skincare products from The Sunscreen Company!
Royal Blush is open Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm, Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: 11am-6pm
