The good news: rumours are swirling that Toronto is about to get very own Shinola location, allowing us to ogle the Detroit company’s retro watches, bikes and leather goods all under one roof.
Now, for the considerably more depressing news: that opening is coming at the expense of a beloved local business – specifically, Sam James Coffee Pocket on Ossington. The miniature coffee shop (one of four “pockets” in the Sam James family) is being kicked out at the end of the year, along with the adjoining Stussy store.
James, for his part, is not taking the loss of his Ossington shop lying down, delivering a fierce backhand to the new tenants on his front door, Martin Luther-style. Read his statement via Instagram (and dig his Stussy sweater) below:
Hey, Shinola, can you guys at least keep those awesome heated concrete steps?
food@nowtoronto.com | @nataliamanzocco