A hot spot for the city’s in-the-know stylish set, young professional gift givers, and hipsters alike, Drake General Store opened a new uptown location on Friday. Located on Yonge St., in between Eglinton and Lawrence, the Drake General Store’s signature purple cross hanging on the building’s exterior lets uptown dwelling shoppers know they’ve arrived at a cultural crossroads signature of the Drake brand. The Drake General Store is an integral part of the Drake family, offering guests a unique treasure hunting experience in an eclectic and often nostalgic shopping experience.
The new space is the largest Drake General Store location and filled with Drake’s signature treasures old and new. The new store’s interior has been carefully curated with unexpected elements, with floors created from custom Spanish hardwood and Moroccan patterned concrete tiles to create the illusion of area rugs. The fixtures include an antique apothecary unit hosting an illuminated neon sign, a 1970s Mastercraft vintage brass display unit from Detroit that hosts housewares and an inviting plush lavender chaise lounge.
The new location showcases the growing in-house lifestyle brand of beloved basics, Shared, which includes the brand’s collaboration with The Hudson’s Bay Company to offer t-shirts and blankets that boast the iconic colourful stripes. In-store favourites that caught our eye included the stacks of high-waisted jean shorts, pretty patterned summer dresses, cookbooks (like Breakfast for Dinner), a selection of Ursa Major toiletries, the vinyl collection puzzle, an 80’s TV trivia game, fun greeting cards and stationary and a very nostalgic Fischer Price Music Box Record Player. We were surprised to find things like fun bikinis, sandals and extensive collection of unique and affordable jewellery. One thing is for sure, it is a great spot for gifts- for everything from a baby shower to a Mother’s Day surprise, or a unique find for that friend who has everything.
Mother’s Day gift ideas include the Harry Allen-designed piggy bank ($260), their blue ceramic pitcher ($38) or the locally made Shared History soap ($9) available in two invigorating, fresh spring scents: peppermint with mint leaves and grapefruit lemongrass with oatmeal. These products (and more) are available in store locally and online internationally.
Since opening its doors in 2008, Drake General Store has expanded into three unique and vibrant Toronto neighbourhoods. Check out the new uptown location this weekend at 2607 Yonge St., Toronto!
