Vintage, Secondhand
Something old, something new, most things
from Public Butter are better than nothing
pub·lic: Accessible to all, community, affordable
but·ter: Made from the cream that rises to the top; best when procured from a local merchant
CREATE JOY
New arrivals daily. Open every day except Christmas and New Years. Well priced vintage clothing in the old Blue Banana building in Kensington Market.
BLog
The Soul of
Kensington Market
43.7º N lat and 79.4º W long
Kensington Market took shape in the 1880s when Irish and Scottish immigrants built the Victorian row houses you see today.
In the early 1900s, European Jewish immigrants moved in turning the main floors of their homes into bakeries, tailors, grocers, and small shops — the blueprint for the independent retail culture that still defines the area today.
Italian families followed, adding cafés and produce stands. In the 1950's, the Portuguese and Caribbean communities moved in and extended merchant storefronts onto the sidewalks.
In the 2000s, the bohemian vibe was alive and well and Latin Americans came to the area bringing their rich culture and cuisine to the bars and restaurants in Kensington.
Kensington Market remains Toronto's most diverse and culturally rich indoor/outdoor neighbourhood. The rich stories of immigrant entrepreneurs operating businesses on the ground floor with residents living above keeps the Kensington Market Community so vibrantly colourful today.
From Kensington Avenue, to Baldwin and Augusta, the area now boasts Canada's highest concentration of vintage clothing stores, restaurants, bars and shops which can all be enjoyed on an easy stroll through the market.
Kensington Market facing south to the CN Tower, circa 1980
The 1980's Market
Storefronts were packed with fresh produce, meat, fish, cheese and nuts. Clothing, secondhand items, thrift stores and chachkies were all around.
Woman carrying chickens by their feet so they sleep along Baldwin Avenue. Circa 1920
INTRODUCTION
BLOG - THE TOP 8 VINTAGE STORES IN KENSINGTON, PLUS ONE GEM
THIS BOHO MARKET IS THE KING OF ALL MARKETS
Public Butter is the newest indie vintage store to set up shop in the old Blue Banana building in Toronto's most beloved bohemian neighbourhood, Kensington Market. It's in good company because the entire neighbourhood is a vintage shopping destination unlike any other in Canada. Its narrow, colourful streets are lined with independent shops showcasing everything from rare 1950s menswear to vintage jewellery and streetwear.
Whether you're hunting for a statement leather jacket or a perfect cashmere sweater, this is where the city's most interesting wardrobes are born. We've scoured Google reviews and visited every friendly competitor to bring you this definitive guide to the Market's top vintage stores.
What makes Kensington Market special?
Residents and small businesses are nestled in the original structures, some in various stages of "improvement", but all are super charming. The community works hard to support the indie business roots that have made Kensington a true Toronto destination for the past century.
The Market seems to evolve a bit with every visit, though. There's always a new store, restaurant or bar opening. A gallery, a jeweller, or a new street vendor setting up (until the by-law officer shows up). On the last Sunday of the month from May to October the streets close to cars for Pedestrian Sunday. The festival-sized crowds bring more vendors, more buskers, more music to the already vibing area. It's fun to experience if you're in town. Winter in the Market is quieter and often times that's when you find the best deals.
Right from its merchant origins as the Jewish market, Kensington's vintage clothing scene is built on passion, curation, and years of community trust. Kensington Avenue has a plethora of great shops to visit, either before or after you explore the new Public Butter emporium on the north end of Augusta Avenue. It's around the corner from Boho Chachkies and right across from Bungalo and Wanda's Pie in the Sky in the Blue Banana building.
In this blog, we're profiling 8 other exceptional vintage stores plus one gem, each with verified reviews and detailed insights into what makes them worth visiting. From the highest-rated shops with celebrity followings to under-the-radar gems known only to locals, this is your complete roadmap. The Crawl map is clickable below and a Google Map of Kensington Market is here
And here are the other not-to-be-missed vintage stores in Kensington Market (updated)
Click map to download the Kensington Market Store Crawl
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