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Designer Gold Beneath the Clutter
Toronto’s Foxy Boutique (251 Gerrard Street East, 416.925.3252) is packing it in after years on Gerrard Street and owner Michelle is selling off all her fixtures and fittings in addition to as much stock as she can move. This wouldn't normally warrant a post but Michelle has a few exceptional pieces she's parting with including the superb LC/6 desk/table above. Designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, the table is a favorite of architects the world over. New, the Cassina table retails for about four times the $1,000 Michelle is asking for it and hers is in very good condition. She also has a smart Ital Interiors display piece that would work very well as a modern side table (24" square, 23" high). Don't be deceived by the mirror finish, the block is actually highly polished steel. Michelle is asking $400 for it.
Full post and comments...J Platt Rugs Closing Sale
Sunday, March 13, 2011 by Chris
I bought my first carpet from J Platt Rugs 15 years ago, back when founder Joe and his son Mark Platt were located on Front Street in Toronto, across from the Flatiron Building. Five years ago father and son moved their business to Oakville where they learned to cater to a less adventurous, suburban consumer who wanted neutral, neutral, neutral. Now the Platt's lease is up and they're closing their 2,000 square foot shop at 418 Speers Road which means deep discounts ranging from 40 - 70 per cent off regular retail between now and March 31. Flat weave dhurries are 60 per cent off, now about $200 for 5' x 8' and beautiful, deep pile, all-wool rugs are also going for a song, typically around $1,000 for 6' x 9', even 7' x 10'.
Full post and comments...Estate Sale Bargains Are In the Basement
Thursday, February 10, 2011 by Chris
When it comes to estate sales, the best bargains are always in the basement. And the kitchen. Upstairs, the sale organizer, particularly if it's Michael Leipner of The Next Move, will be trying to squeeze every penny out of the better furnishings -- that's his job, after all. But too often Leipner's prices veer dangerously close to retail values, which annoys me -- I don't have to get up at 6 am and drive to God -knows-where, then wait in line for an hour to shop retail. But I digress. No matter who's holding the sale, the best bargains are always in the basement where you can pick up tools and supplies for next to nothing. And with spring on its way there's no harm in looking ahead to the pruning, raking and digging you'll want to be doing. Who wants to pay full price for an extendable ladder?
Full post and comments...Three Little Words
Tuesday, February 1, 2011 by Chris
I dropped into Toronto's Roomy (232 King Street East) yesterday and discovered they're having a major floor model sale with amazing deals, especially on lighting. Virtually everything on the floor is marked down 50 per cent and some items like the wood and steel, fold-out jewellery stand is 70 per cent off. Are you seeing those price tags right? Yes, $115 for the tripod lamp, below left, and $135 for the leaning lamp. Table lamps are going just as cheap: $105 for the square piece, below left, and $115 for the oblong one beside it.
Full post and comments...Votives, Vases and Trim, Oh My
Thursday, January 13, 2011 by Chris
I don't usually go in for straight-up promotion but I think this is something my Toronto readers will be interested in. My friend Bert Browne, owner of floral studio Earthwork, is clearing out old stock of containers, vases, candles and all kinds of decorative miscellany with a two-day warehouse sale at his studio — 507 King Street East, Suite 102 — January 18 and 19. "Drop by and find inspiration in our treasure trove of preloved and new decor items," says Bert. The sale is cash and carry from 11 am - 4 pm with all sales final; try to hit it on your lunch hour. The building is on the south side of King between Parliament and Sumach Streets.
Full post and comments...
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