Sharon Wong first learned about French children’s clothing store Château de Sable when she was on a trip in Asia with her newborn. She was given the clothing, designed by Stephanie Lemaire, as a gift. “It was gorgeous,” Wong says. She loved it so much that last month she opened the first North American location on Yonge Street (2596 Yonge St., 416-322-6888).

The owners of Gee Beauty have taken a trip next door, where they are opening 6, a beauty, grooming and living essentials store for the traveller. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be people travelling around the world,” says Celene Gee. “We all travel throughout the day.” The store carries an array of items, from skin creams to cashmere scarves (6 Roxborough St., 416-960-8080). 

If you want to see the similarities between David R. Josephson and his son Josh Josephson, it’s in the eyes. In 1935, the elder Josephson opened Josephson Opticians.  Seventy-five years later, Josh now oversees six store locations, as well as a major renovation. The makeover of the Bloor Street flagship store is by firm Fragile Projects (60 Bloor St. W., 416-964-7070).

Elizabeth Schindler already offers Gerry Weber clothing at her namesake Avenue Road store. However, after years of seeing how well the European designer’s clothing fits women, she says she is ready for the next step. Which is why she just opened a Gerry Weber store in Summerhill. The shop will exclusively sell the clothing line (1177 Yonge St., 647-258-7727).

Nothing feels as good as giving back, which is why the Yonge Lawrence Village BIA is celebrating Random Act of Kindness Day on Nov. 12. Buy someone a coffee or pick up a kindness card at one of the local participating businesses to help spread a little love (416-657-4313).