Winners – A Shopaholic’s Hidden Gold Mine

January 14, 2009 by Logan Steele

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For over a quarter century now (26 years to be exact) Torontonians have enjoyed the benefit of discount designer shopping thanks to the mega retailer Winners.

Winners originally opened its doors in our fair city in 1982. This bargain hub houses appealingly priced seasonal clothing & accessory items. If you have a keen eye and a little persistence, Winners can be a shopaholic’s gold mine. You can come out with some amazing current looks for much less (up to 60% less) than their normal retail prices.

I myself am a huge fan of this chain and have found everything from a Valentino Red wool blazer to a pair of Costume National sneakers, which I had purchased at a fraction of their original retail cost.

When shopping at Toronto Winners, note that not all stores are created equal. They don’t all carry the same stock and some just seem to carry more hidden gems than others. I actually find the less-frequently visited locations possess the greatest chances at finding designer gold.

Here are my Top 5 Winners locations within the Toronto area.

1. Winners | 57 Spadina Avenue at King | 416-585-2052

Those of you who live in the downtown core may be wondering why I’ve even bothered to bring up this location. Granted it is small and often looks like a band of looters have just paid it a visit. However, if you find yourself there, I recommend a trip to their men’s denim section and shoe department. You may be pleasantly surprised.

2. Winners | 4-3090 Bathurst Street at Lawrence | 416-782-4469

This particular location carries a lot of great items, the perk being that it is just outside the city core. This means that your fellow “townies” have not had the opportunity to pick through it. You’ve got to love those neighbourhood communities–sometimes they just don’t know the goldmine they’re sitting on!

3. Winners | 3-110 Bloor St. West | 416-920-0193

For all the hype surrounding the opening of this location two years ago, and seeing that it is smack in the heart of Bloor St. West’s fashion strip, this store can be very hit or miss. At times it seems plentiful; at other times just plain pitiful. But, if you are willing to pop your head in, on a more consistent basis, you will come across the odd unbelievable deal that will be worth your efforts.

4. Winners | (College Park) 444 Yonge Street | 416-598-8800

This runner-up very rarely disappoints. Just the size of this location alone guarantees you a successful hunt. At times it can seem overwhelming but if you are willing to go through its countless racks, you’re bound to come out victorious.

5. Winners | 35 – 45 Front Street East | 416-362-0213

A lot of you out there may not even be aware that there’s a Front St. location. Well, there is one and it’s actually a great looking store with some spectacular finds. I have personally seen items from such lines as Prada, Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Costume National (to name a few) stocked in this location. I’ve hardly ever come out empty-handed.

Consider yourself “in-the-Winners-know” now. You’re welcome!