Reasons to Love Toronto Now: because our general stores are straight out of Pleasantville

North Standard Trading Post
1662 Queen St. W., 647-348-7060

The stuff:
Smells Like Canada candles made in a Parkdale kitchen (from $28), Grohmann hunting knives ($68), Pendleton camp blankets ($195).

The special touches: Married owners Frank Fiore and Pamela Hopson live a few blocks away and will send customers to their neighbours’ shops if there’s a need they can’t satisfy.

Easy Tiger
1447 Dundas St. W., 647-748-6161

The stuff:
Ceramics by Brooklyn artist Small Spells (from $50), hashtag earrings by the Pratt-trained jeweller Rebecca Mapes (from $80), rose gold midi rings by Catbird ($60).

The special touches:
A tea and coffee bar hawking locally blended Benchmark teas and Reunion Island roasts.

Want Apothecary
1070 Yonge St., 416-924-8080

The stuff:
Maison Kitsuné’s tweed sweatshirts (from $335), fragrances by Toronto’s Ben Gorham (from $84), Astier de Villatte candles—including a scent called Quebec that smells like a horse farm ($85).

The special touches:
A Carrara marble counter stocked with small-batch lotions and potions.

Likely General
389 Roncesvalles Ave., 647-351-4590

The stuff:
Bully Boy’s mesh bodysuits (from $85), Christine Chanter Botanicals beard oils (from $18), wildflower arrangements ($22).

The special touches:
An in-house tarot card reader, Mary Grisey ($30 for a 20-minute session), and a resident husky-shepherd cross named Jane.

Good Neighbour
935 Queen St. E., 647-350-0663

The stuff:
Urban Beard’s locally made beard oil ($27), Native sneakers ($85), handmade Filson waxed-canvas weekender bags ($375).

The special touches:
A kids’ section packed with books, puzzles and learning games.

Old Faithful Shop
886 Queen St. W., 647-352-9376

The stuff:
Mason jar cocktail shakers ($66), bell jar table lamps ($155), Iris Hantverk scrub brushes made by visually impaired Swedish craftsmen (from $17).

The special touches:
In-store farmers’ markets and container gardening seminars.