It’s time to start the countdown, open up your wallets, and count your change because this weekend, Toronto’s beloved Sunday Antique Market is back to meet all your vintage and retail therapy needs.
After 16 long months, the market will be returning to the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood, presenting buyers with the opportunity to browse and purchase tons of interesting and one-of-a-kind pieces from an average of 60 to 70 vendors each week.
Owner Marlene Cook described the market as a New York or Paris-style market with something for everyone. “We’re more of a downtown/urban type of market that you can find anything at.”
For over 30 years, the antique market has been one of Toronto’s most popular and original markets.
“We centre on unique items and more interesting things as opposed to generic items that people would just buy,” says Cook. “Most items, you don’t really see them again—they’re one-of-a-kind items! And if you really like it, you’ll probably hang on to it.”
The market is opening with 30 tables less than usual to create nine-foot aisles to assist with social distancing practices. Vendors will be both inside and outside.
Alongside some of the most popular vendors from previous years, the Sunday Antique Market will feature several new tables including a watchmaker who does vintage repairs.
For many of the vendors and customers, the Sunday Antique Market is a source of more than just retail. “People were telling me their stories of how much the market meant to them and how much it was part of their lives,” says Cook. “I mean, I’m sure they could have bought on eBay or Etsy and all those sorts of things, but it was the connection with the market that was really important.”
The Sunday Antique Market is opening this Sunday August 29 from 7:00 am to 4:00pm and will run every week out of 125 The Esplanade in St. Lawrence. COVID-19 protocols will be in place, including spacious aisles, mandatory masking and sanitizing policies.
