The Handwork Department — Local services in Toronto

I have stopped in here twice now-- once for a browse, and today in search of an old style camera. And I'm already planning my next visit! There are so many things to love about this place, but what stands out the most for me is the passion of the owners. Today I met Maggie, and I assume the fellow last time was Jeff. You know that joyous feeling you get when you talk to someone about their passion? Even before you speak with Maggie/Jeff, that feeling seems to just spill out of them and shine through this incredibly fun space. I wandered in, interested in buying an old style camera, but not really sure what exactly I was looking for, or where to start. Maggie gave me space to explore, and then seemed to sense just when I was about to ask for her help. She was so knowledgeable and friendly, and made me feel so at ease as she explained the different cameras and their attributes. I had just stopped in to do some initial investigating for a vague idea I had, but ended up feeling super confident in purchasing one of the many cameras they had on display. She even included a battery and a roll of film, which I thought was such a nice touch! In addition to the thoughtfulness and general good vibes here, the shop itself is a fun, eclectic mix of treasures from eras past, alongside some local handmade goods. You can tell it has been curated with a nice balance of care and enthusiasm! If you're feeling nostalgic, this is a great place to explore-- I spotted a clock my grandparents had on their mantlepiece when I was a kid, which brought back fond memories. If you're in the area, definitely take a moment to stop in...

The biggest selling point of this store was its sheer scale and variety. There's two full floors, multiple rooms each full of things with moderate to low price points. The first floor is full of unique trinkets and toys. However, past the first floor, much of the things are deteriorating to an unreasonable degree. Some of the books are worn down to the point the covers are flayed, the spines are broken down and it would be risky to take one out to even purchase. Almost all the old tools and metalwork available for sale, while cheap, are rusted and damaged to the point the cost of repairing them for even just display would outweigh the cost of buying them several times over. It is understandable that the cost of repairing them would no longer allow for these items to be sold as cheaply, but this level of damage would make them difficult to have as a product at all. The bare minimum repairs could at least prevent them from further deterioration, especially in the case of rust. It's a shame, as quite a few of the items are actually novelties that the sort looking for them would be willing to pay a higher price if they were cared for. While this is subjective, The atmosphere in the store was also overall a little strange to me. The store clerk had personally greeted most of the visibly white customers who had passed by but had simply stared at the only visibly non-white customer on the floor. I don't know what to do with that observation, so do with it what you will. Overall, a very visually endearing shop but not what it was...

The Handwork Department vintage store is a fantastic local business that offers a shopping experience like no other. From the moment you step through the doors, you're greeted with great customer service and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The store is impeccably clean and very organized, which makes browsing through their selection of vintage items a pleasure. Additionally, the store always smells great, which is a testament to their attention to detail when it comes to creating a pleasant shopping experience for their customers.

One of the standout features of the Handwork Department vintage store is the incredible variety of items that they offer. Whether you're looking for vintage clothing, accessories, or home decor items, you're sure to find something that catches your eye. With so many options to choose from, you could easily spend hours browsing through their selection.

Overall, the Handwork Department vintage store is a must-visit for anyone who loves vintage items. Their great customer service, clean and organized store, and wide variety of items make for an exceptional shopping experience. It's a local business that truly cares about its customers, and it shows in every aspect...