Plaza Del Sol

June 25, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment 

You’ll find a combination of manufacturer’s outlets and specialty retail stores at this outdoor complex. Located just west of the Colossus Centre on the north side of Highway #7, bargain seeker can expect to get their fix at this outlet centre.

Plaza Del Sol
| 200 Windflower Gate
Hours: Mon – Fri 10-9, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5

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Colossus Centre

June 25, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment 

Consisting of a variety of outdoor outlet complexes which include; Aldo, Mexx, Guess, The Suit Exchange and more, the Colossus Centre is certainly like no other. Located in Woodbridge this assortment of reputable retailers offers its customers both amazing prices as well as selection. Any savvy shopper will find them selves at home amongst all these great values.

Colossus Centre | 7575 Weston Rd.
Hours: Mon – Fri 10-9, Sat 11-6, Sun 11-5

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Orfus Rd. Outlets

June 25, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment 

This local outlet district is littered with great deals and countless shops. Located in Toronto’s west end (Orfus Rd. and Dufferin St.), you can expect to find mobs of bargain hunters hopping from store to store in search of fabulous savings. Outlets such as; Urban Behavior, Costa Blanca, Roots, Nine West Shoes… are merely the tip of the iceberg for potential reduced priced findings. Making this part of town a must see for tourist and local alike.

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Dixie Outlet Mall – Outlet shopping just outside the city

March 25, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment 

Imagine a typical mall, that houses many of the same stores that one would expect to encounter at any other shopping centre. However; the twist is that all the store’s and all its merchandise are marked at 30% – 75% off. This is the best way I can describe Dixie Outlet Mall. This outlet centre contains over a 100 retailers but, I must say that none of the stores harboured within this colossal complex, are particularly outstanding. You can expect to find such generic mall faves as; Guess, Mexx, Winners, Levi’s Strauss all at amazing prices but, nothing with any true “wow factor”. Don’t get me wrong if outlet shopping is your thing it is certainly worth a look but, phenomenal finds may prove to be few and far between. In other words don’t expect to waltz out there with a Prada purse purchased for a song, its just not going to happen. Manage your expectations people, that’s all I’m saying.

Dixie Outlet Mall | 1250 South Service Rd. | 905-278-3494
Hours: Mon – Fri 10–9, Sat 9:30–6, Sun 11-6

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Winners – A Shopaholic’s Hidden Gold Mine

January 14, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment 

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! :)