We love our city. Really love it. In fact, if I didn’t love it so much, I would have moved the whole fam to a cabin in the country and started raising goats a looooong time ago (I’m 30% kidding).
And one of the reasons we love Toronto so much is because of the vibrant neighbourhoods that exist within it. You can find almost anything your heart desires within the city borders… and you know what? Some of the best little spots? They’re fabulous, original small businesses.
Note: I’ve partnered with YMC and Moneris and have received compensation for this post. As always, all opinions and experiences are my own!
And I’m willing to bet you feel the same about your little corner of the world. You love it, and you might even (just like me) wonder what you can do to help support it. Amirite?
Well, here’s the thing. One of the BEST things you can do to support your community? It’s simply shopping local. Find those small businesses that are doing great things in your ‘hood. The ones with passionate owners who are looking at the world with fresh eyes and finding solutions that make your community a bit better…. and shop there! And while we’re talking about this, did you guys know that Moneris is also committed to supporting small businesses with payment options that work for every type of business? Because helping local businesses thrive is something we can absolutely get behind.
So, we’ve been on a bit of a mission lately to find some local gems in our city and man do we have a BEAUTY to share with you today.
If you haven’t heard of North Standard Trading Post, you’re welcome in advance. These guys built a beautiful unique shop in the Parkdale/Roncesvalles neighbourhood (they have a second one in Prince Edward County now too!) and they stock all the things you should have in your wardrobe and in your home.
What does that mean? Well, they find all the beautiful, classic, durable standards that will be timeless additions to your wardrobe and your life, and they bring them all together in one shop. Not only do they have amazing brands like Levi’s, Herschel, Pendleton, Fjallraven, and Carhartt (and all at competitive prices by the way!), but they also have their own North Standard brand which is giving me all the best retro ski-resort/mountain vibes this season.
I kid you not, we walked in, Emmett tried to climb in the tent display (thanks Riley for being so fabulous about my over-excited camper), and I immediately found thirty-seven different things I wanted. I left the store with: A North Standard t-shirt for my hubby, a North Standard hat for Emmett, a mustard yellow cotton sweater for me (that I’ve worn on repeat ever since), a dress by a Toronto designer for an event I’m going to in a few weeks, and a list of the thirty-three other things I’m coming back for.
So, when you’re out in your community shopping for yourself, or when you’re thinking about the perfect gift for someone you love, pop into that store you’ve been eyeing in your neighbourhood. Check out that small business, challenge yourself to shop local, and you’ll be making the very best kind of investment in your community.
And if that shop just happens to be North Standard Trading Post? Tell me first, because I have a list of things I’m going to need you to pick up for me.
