Toronto’s best bargain lighting shop had been threatening to close for at least a year but the owners of Aristocrat kept pushing the date back. I thought we, meaning Toronto consumers, had until the end of the year but I was saddly mistaken. I took a trip down to Aristocrat on Saturday to find the place shuttered; a man in a van who identified himself as a former employee informed me that the shop closed for good about a week and a half ago (with the basement still FULL of stuff).
To say I was crestfallen might be a little overly dramatic but it’s a horrible loss. I had been shopping at Aristocrat for more than five years; it was one of the first shops I blogged about on styleNorth back in June 2008, I was so excited to share this awesome resource with my fledgling readers. And now it’s all gone. Please, please, dear readers, share your suggestions for the next-best places to buy inexpensive shades.
While I was down on Queen West I popped into the relatively new vintage shops just east of Dovercourt, Rec 1080/Art History and Silver Falls (also 1080 Queen West). Silver Falls is tiny, the shop formerly occupied by The Melissa (also dearly departed). I bought an awesome striped hoodie and spotted these pretty terrific teal Mart Stam chairs, a little overpriced, IMO, at $350 for the pair, but the shop is probably negotiable.
Next door, I came across these funky, modern wicker chairs priced at $60 each. The shop owner says he’s got a fourth in rougher shape and frankly, these aren’t in amazing condition (a bit of torn wicker here and there). Still, they’re great looking at a great price.
October 18th, 2011 at 7:03 am
Good morning Chris, I was also just in Aristocrat in September. They are opening up in a new location. Caledonia Street I believe the employee mentioned. The teal chairs are beautiful albeit it over priced…Lois of such fun
October 18th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
I too wondered when they’d finally close, for I was on their web site just a couple of weeks ago and was surprised to see that they were still open. I planned to pop by to hopefully purchase some silver/clear lamp wire.
On that note, does anyone know where I can find said lamp wire by the foot? I bought some a couple of years ago from a big box store (can’t remember which one) and now after a visit to a few chains, no one seems to carry it by the foot. Thanks!
October 18th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Chris: You have helped Me before- Larysa Fenn’s email Please!!
A client has set of 8 “Rosenthal” for Sale- any venues? Thanks, Sue
October 19th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Chris: Thanks for the email address! Call Albert re shades, lamp wire Der Dietemann Antiques
http://www.stylenorth.ca/blog/2009/05/vintage-german-marbled-glass-fixtures/.
Sue.
November 29th, 2011 at 7:12 am
Chris, thank you for your website.
I just learned about Aristrocrat Lighting when moved to a condominium and became in need of some beautiful lighting. I viewed their ad on the Internet and this seemed ideal. So, it is very sad to see another family owned small business gone.
Do you know if they will be opening anywhere else or what will become of their stock of light fixtures and supplies, will they be having a sale?
In any case, it is so sad. We need to protect and support our independent business people and items made in democratic free nations.
Lily
January 31st, 2012 at 2:48 am
Anyone have any news about Aristocrat possibly reopening?
Their website says that they’re ‘closed and goodbye’, but I’m hoping that the Caledonia note made above holds true :/
I wasn’t aware that they were closing until just last week, when I saw an old newspaper at a friend’s place. I was planning to furnish my new place with several of their offerings.
August 28th, 2012 at 9:46 am
Any up-to-date information? Hopeful…
I’ve got clients that would love to have an Aristocrat Teardrop chandelier.
August 29th, 2012 at 6:21 am
Hi Tim,
I actually did track down Aristocrat just a few weeks ago and was told they have no plans to re-enter the business. They’re doing lighting rental to movies and TV productions but will never be in the shade and lighting sales game again. Very sad.
September 30th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Any suggestions on where to get lampshades now that they are gone? Thanks!
October 1st, 2012 at 6:26 am
Hi Jill,
Most of us are going to Homesense, I’m afraid. selection is limited, quality not always great, but it’s cheap. Otherwise, Lighting Unlimited has an okay selection and if I need something a bit special I bite the bullet and pay full freight at Union Lighting as they have good quality and a range of sizes.
good luck and please pass along any tips of your own,
Chris