December 29, 2025
2 min read
2025: A Look Back at What We Achieved Together
From bringing on new stores to facilitating sales at independently owned shops, 2025 was a big year at Haystack!
130+ independent retailers in Toronto•Shop local, keep 6 times more money in our community
Haystack Finds Blog
Stories, insights, and updates about local shopping, community building, and supporting Toronto's East End businesses.
December 21, 2025
2 min read
A Jewellery and Vintage Store for Every Budget: Daniel Jewellers
When you enter Daniel Jewellers, you have the choice to go upstairs or downstairs, and the direction you choose will take you to opposing worlds.
December 20, 2025
2 min read
Sustainable Gifts: Self Care, Kitchenware, and Stock Stuffers Galore at The RE Place!
The RE Place focuses on reducing waste by encouraging shoppers to bring their own jars and containers to purchase a number of household and self-care products.
December 19, 2025
1 min read
A Home-Made Gift of the Gift of a Hobby from The Wool Mill
sometimes a home-made gift is the best gift of all!
December 18, 2025
1 min read
Stopped by Hanji Gifts: 7 Days to Christmas!
We love Hanji Gifts for their assortment of delightful items!
December 17, 2025
1 min read
Haystack Helps with Holiday Shopping: Delivers Purchase from The Montessori Room
Today, one of our deliveries was for an order from The Montessori Room and it’s always a treat to stop in there!
December 16, 2025
2 min read
Sustainably Caught High Quality Seafood
Hooked makes it easy to make responsible and ethical decisions when it comes to buying seafood.
December 15, 2025
1 min read
Simplify Meal Time with Prepared Foods & Meal Packages from Eadrey Foods!
Rather than getting takeout from a restaurant, this food shop focuses on home-style meals, making it easy to have satisfying meals when you’re short on time for cooking!
December 15, 2025
1 min read
A Holiday Cake I Waited for All Year: Nana’s Creperie’s Christmas Cranberry Crepe Cake
One of the things I love most about shopping at independently owned businesses is the personal care.
December 13, 2025
2 min read
Leslieville Cheese Market: Catering to French Tastes, this Cheese and Fine Food Shop is Fantastic for Holiday Treats
If you’re putting together a spread for the holidays, you can get everything you’ll need here!
December 12, 2025
1 min read
Custom Jewellery + Dogs: Anvil Jewellery Will Dazzle You
Not only are they dog friendly, they are dog enthusiasts, with 3 of their own dogs in the shop!
December 11, 2025
2 min read
Just in time for the holidays, we found the coolest, most unexpected gift ideas @ 6 Skates!
Step into this store on the Danforth - the only store of its kind in Canada - and be transported into a world of teeny-tiny miniatures!
December 10, 2025
2 min read
Haystack Store Spotlight: Bettencourt Manor
The art pieces and books are largely vintage, and if you don’t already, you’ll want to take up collecting coffee table books.
December 9, 2025
2 min read
Haystack Store Spotlight: Doll Factory by Damzels
Doll Factory by Damzels is a clothing and accessories store that specializes in items that hark back to a time gone by - 1950s and earlier - and it’s just delightful!
December 9, 2025
2 min read
Find local products faster on Haystack than Google or ChatGPT and them delivered as fast as from Amazon!
On Haystack, every shop is a small, independently owned business. You can browse, compare prices, and shop confidently, all in one place.
December 4, 2025
1 min read
ONYX time!
Holiday guest post by East End foodie, Mara Cole!
November 25, 2025
2 min read
How to Support Local Businesses During Black Friday
Use Haystack’s Deals page, which contains deals on products at more than 60 independently owned stores!
November 23, 2025
1 min read
JUST RELEASED: Food Banks Locator for Pick-up and Drop-offs
We support a take-what-you-need and give-what-you-can community model.
November 19, 2025
2 min read
Wanderlust Reflection
Thanks to the Leslieville BIA, this past weekend, stores and restaurants had a variety of special activities, promotions, and collaborations!
November 19, 2025
1 min read
COOKIE KITS!
Guest post by East End foodie, Mara Cole!
November 12, 2025
2 min read
Explore Leslieville’s wonderful shops while they roll out their best holiday festivities!
Saturday, Nov 15 from 12 - 6pm, the Leslieville BIA is holding their annual Wanderlust event, complete with a tree lighting, music, and warming stations.
October 26, 2025
2 min read
Local MEC Alternative for Climbing Enthusiasts: Rock Oasis
Rock Oasis, a local climbing gym that also has a wide variety of climbing gear and outdoor apparel, is one of the latest additions to Haystack!
October 17, 2025
2 min read
Haystack Store Spotlight: FERN TORONTO
FERN TORONTO, owned by local resident Traci, has been providing beautiful, fresh flower bouquets and arrangements to customers for over 20 years.
October 7, 2025
1 min read
NEW! Cupcakes to die for at Baked By Bean
Guest post by East End foodie, Mara Cole!
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