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August 2020 - Toronto ON
Honest Ed's was a landmark discount store in Toronto. It was named for its proprietor,
Ed Mirvish, who opened the store in 1948 and oversaw its operations for almost 60 years until his death in 2007. The store continued to operate until it permanently closed on December 31, 2016.
Honest Ed's was located at the corner of Bloor and Bathurst Streets, extended the full length of the block west to Markham Street. The exterior was covered with huge red and yellow signs advertising the store's name, lit up like a theatre marquee. The store sign used 23,000 light bulbs. The outside facade was covered with puns and slogans such as "Come in and get lost!" and "Only the floors are crooked!"
The new owners have demolished the structure as of March 2018 and intend to redevelop the 1.8 hectares (4.4 acres) of land; which also includes Mirvish Village and a stretch of retail buildings south of the Honest Ed building on Bathurst Street running down to Lennox Street, which were rented out by the Mirvishes to local businesses.
The construction is in progress and the hoarding boards around the site promote the new property while paying homage to Honest Ed's.
I would have loved to browse in this store - it looks delightful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2020/08/big-batch-quick-dinner-rolls.html
...I am so disappointed that I never experienced Honest Ed's first hand. Everyday there are fewer and fewer honest guys, what a shame. Thanks Jackie, take care!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. The artwork is intriguing.
ReplyDeleteWow, that sounds like the kind of place every town needed! I know many people have great memories of the store.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see you at 'My Corner of the World' this week!! Thanks for being here.
Wow, that is a huge sign Jackie and loved reading about this store and owner.
ReplyDeleteI am forever grateful to Honest Ed's. We were 2 young poor immigrant parents and bought all our baby supplies ++++ there. 1967-1968. It was a weekly event. It deteriorated a lot in subsequent years and Grandgirl couldn't quite see what we saw way back. An institution.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
I have to admit, like William, below, I never went inside and I am still kicking myself.
DeleteAdmittedly I never went inside.
ReplyDeleteMe neither...
Deletethank you for sharing story and photos of Honest Ed's....Unfortunately, I never visit this store.
ReplyDelete