So yeah, just how much do you like your Japanese toys, and how much do you really want to pay for…read moreit? And is it really Japanese that you are looking for? It'll depend on your upbringing. I grew up amongst the Sogo 崇光, Mitsukoshi (三越), Yaohan (八佰伴), AEON and Seibu (西武) and had access to some really quality Japanese toys of the Showa (昭和) period. Did I grew up in Japan? No, I grew up in Hong Kong, and all I really wanted back then was a decent diecast KMB bus, the one that ran outside my childhood home on Jordan Road. I might've looked at all the Tomicas and Gundams, but none of those things really captured my imagination. That's why my parents bought me Legos instead. Fast forward to today. See, when your $dayjob have you run IT operations for a mid-sized company, you need a hobby that would help you majorly de-stress. For me, that implies building model kits, Lego sets, or travel. Oh, even better if it helps you remember your Hong Kong roots. I might run my plarail train sets, but those are MTR Plarail sets exclusive to HK. It also helps to have a wife who are understanding of your stress shedding hobby (she also love Re-ments). On the way to Toronto we made a stop in Mitsuwa (the US successor to Yaohan) in New Jersey and picked up a few Re-ments and F-Toys trade models before heading north. Me and the missus were driving around Markham looking at the mostly mediocre Chinese malls out there (seriously, how many travel agencies, herbal shops, restaurants, cellphone stores and "Korean" clothing stores do you really need?) during the snowstorm 2 weeks ago, and we came across Langham square, which is this kinda-premium shopping mall complete with free indoor parking (my wife loved that) and a T&T Supermarket, which was in total contrast to the other malls like Splendid China Tower (totally misnamed), which didn't even bother to shovel their parking lot. Maybe the name references the large snow bank walling up their parking lot on Steeles Street East. So why are local Chinese owned malls so keen to crib names from their more famous Hong Kong equivalents? Langham square was named after Langham place, which is this kinda-stylish vertical shopping mall that was located in the heart of Kowloon (fun fact: it was built by Hong Kong's infamous Urban Renewal Authority in an attempt to kill off the nearby Portland street red light district and gentrify the area - totally didn't work). This one was slightly different in that the area features some rather nice premium condos nearby (so if you came from the transit-shopping-podium-condo tower indoor complexes of Hong Kong's upper middle class, man, is this home-like to you). The mall features some of the same we saw all over Markham, while other stuff just seem like it can only exist here at this mall. A tax attorney. An IT consultant. The Markham equivalent of BlueRibbon (pre-prepped meals aiming towards a Cantonese palate). A maid agency. A social club. This seems a little more tailored towards the Crazy Asian Rich. And then my wife pointed out an anime store - those are a dime a dozen, probably selling some fake Pokemon merch painted in garish colors straight from Shenzhen. "Babe, this one is carrying TinyHK merchandise". WAIT, WHAT? So there are only 1 other place that I am aware that would sell you TinyHK diecast cars and models. It belongs to a shop that sells Airsoft guns located on the 2nd floor of Pacific Mall's "Culture walk" (or as I call it, Stereotype Central). I already bought an F-Toys model from them, and I was a bit put off by the owner's non-existent customer service skills. "Hi, may I help you?" Whoa. Is that the TinyHK mushroom hawker center model? And the price isn't too overly ridiculous (Canadian dollars, taxes included). See, I order TinyHK merch directly from HK, but the shipping is fairly atrocious. This store will sell me Tomicas and TinyHK diecast vehicles for a few bucks. "Hey, here's our card. If you order more than 100 USD we'll ship it stateside for free". Score and paydirt. So yeah, the quick and the easy - its a small storefront that is part-time staffed, they carry Tomicas, Re-ments and are an authorized TinyHK retailer. They also sell some other figurines, plushies and toys straight from Japan (so you won't see the same BS as all the other anime stores in Markham). Decent selection, pricing isn't too bad, and if you are a Honkie nerd (like me) you'll pretty much know what you're looking at and how much you want to buy. Definitely a stopover if you collect TinyHK or want that piece of collective memory from Hong Kong in your home. Seriously, they should just call this place "Yaohan". Us old school Honkies will totally get that.

Lots of miniature cars, food, and other miscellaneous toys, purses, bags…read more Friendly staff! Wifi: Mall. Loyalty: No.

In Fashion has been in business for over 15 years and you have probably never heard of them before…read more The business is predominantly a wholesaler selling directly to wedding and clothing rental businesses and buyers for movie sets. They specialize in all sorts of hats, fascinators, jewelry and beads. The prices are great and probably the best value you'll find in the city. The owner imports his products, and he often adjusts the designs to improve the quality and owns his moulds. However, shipping costs have increased so much that he has to increase the number of days he works. I was there for a fascinator, and there is a TON of variety at such a reasonable price, better than what you may find on Amazon. You can take out the clip and slip on a headband instead if you want. If you're looking for a hat, come here first! I'll probably come back here again if I'm in the look out for a beach hat. A few neighbouring shops have closed during the pandemic. The owner told me he has only one year left on the lease, depending on how sales go this year, he may also decide to leave the business. He does say it in a more positive tone mentioning how sometimes a change/adapting is needed. If you're in the market for some accessories for your event, vacation or even a hat, visit them. You might have to call or message first to let him know you're coming. The doors aren't always open to the public. The owner is super nice and approachable so don't be shy.

So helpful and the greatest assortment of inexpensive fascinators. Needed one for a wedding and…read morethis place had dozens under $20. Could try them all on and couldn't be happier. Highly recommend.

Top drawer seller, absolutely trustworthy and with value priced product…read more Recommended. Owner is a classic gentleman

From the owner: We offer the highest quality of rugs, way below the industry average. We are able to do this due to…read moreour 20+ years of first-hand connections with the artisans! We also offer authentic and pure Lapis Lazuli, from Afghanistan.

Charming shop on a charming stretch of Roncesvalles. I enjoyed exploring this neighborhood on my…read morelast visit to a Toronto. I stepped in to this shop because I liked the store name. They stock local makers and I ends up purchasing a cute little ring that is now one of my favorites.

Almost a 5. The only flaw. They could have more selection. But all items are carefully curated…read more When you shop at a place like this. Think shopping an outfit. Or looking for that special item that won't be seen on a mannequin in the mall. Quite a few local Canadian designers at reasonable designer prices. Wonderful accessory pieces also in a variety of areas, jewellery, leather goods, and novelty items. Boutique service and comfortable store. Shop local.

I was stressed as I only had 3 mo before my wedding to find a lengha. I had called Sunny last…read moreminute and he was so accommodating and gave me the go ahead to come for a consultation. While there, he was very informative, did not rush me at all, and was so patient with me (as there were so many beautiful options.) The service and hospitality from the owners was great and really refreshing. They were able to do same day alterations, and I was able to walk out with my bridal lengha the same day! I would 100% recommend Sartaj Fashions for anyone looking for beautiful sari's/ length's; I will definitely be coming back in the future.

So even though I'm brown, I'm not Indian. I'm from the Caribbean. But when I go to Indian…read morerestaurants or establishments I get a little sense of dread because people assume I'm Indian and expect me to know what to buy. I came here and fully explained that I don't know what I'm doing and don't know how to put on a saree and that my friends made me a list of things I need but I don't know what they are. And they helped me find everything I needed! Staff were friendly and non judgmental or pushy. If I need another saree in the future I will definitely come back because they had a really nice selection of fabrics and styles and I appreciated their help for this saree noobie.

Throw back review to last month Christmas shopping. After striking out on finding the gift I was…read morelooking for at Sherway location, they quickly called over to the SquareOne location and asked if they had certain items in the sizes I was looking for - they did. And they agreed to hold onto it until I could make it in 2 days later. Item was held as promised, and I was able to purchase it despite it being the last one in that size in the system. Customer service was extremely helpful at both locations. The clothing can skew slightly more mature but they have some unique pieces that could work for younger ladies as well. Overall a pleasant shopping experience.

Came in to sell a pair a shoes I took on my trip I didn't…read morewant to stick in used shoes into my luggage so decided to sell them at the first shoe store that popped up on google maps. I came in with the intent to sell no matter how much I could get, I knew I could get $80-$100USD in the states. it was a pair of Jordan 1 Neutral Grey no box or extra laces lightly worn The dude I sold them to was super cool He did lowball me pretty hard tough at $40CAD I ended up taking $50CAD($36.50USD) BUT AGAIN I came in with the intent to get rid of the shoes. Over all cool shop!

I was walking by and saw a small storefront painted blue and white with a sign saying "Backdoor". I…read morewas curious so I went it. One wall was all kinds of sneakers! The other side of the wall had streetwear. There were a few stakeboards near the front but I wasn't sure if they were for sale. It turns out the target audience is mainly teenagers. Well this store is not for me. Out I go! But not before I get some info and photos for a review. I am a reviewer after all and I can't waste a store visit! The staff member was courteous and helpful. Prices are reasonable. There are so very many sneakers on display! There is even a game machine similar to those where you try to grab a plushie with a claw. In this version, you try to move a big key into a keyhole to receive a sneaker as a prize! This location opened on 2022-10-15. They have a second location in Vaughan. Review 2023-076