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Red Indian Art Deco, Studio Labiri Deadpooled

Posted by Tim / January 26, 2009

7 Comments

Red Indian Art DecoThe time machine that is Red Indian Art Deco is closing its doors. In business since 1982, the Queen and Bathurst stalwart has always been one of the go to places in Toronto to find random kitsch from decades past like old milkshake blenders, jukeboxes and retro salt and pepper shakers.

But now the store has announced it will soon close. Yep, it's not dead yet and is liquidating its inventory with sales from 20-70% off.

Studio LabiriThe same can't be said for the Danforth's Studio Labiri. Written up on this site just two months ago, the once fashionable women's store is now completely empty and abandoned, with no signs or indication why the owner has packed up and left.

This makes two the number of high-endish clothing stores profiled by us since October that have now gone bust. The other? The oh-too-secret nobody knew about it Tevrow + Chase founded by Club Monoco founder and Joe Fresh chief Joseph Mimram.

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Steve K. / January 26, 2009 at 06:53 pm
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Art Deco, how I loved thee. RIP.
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Eli / January 26, 2009 at 07:06 pm
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Red Indian Art Deco is moving, I believe out of Toronto. They are not going out of business, but I wouldn't be surprised if Queen Street's soaring rent prices in light of a recession influenced the move in some way.
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Laura / January 26, 2009 at 07:16 pm
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Red Indian Art Deco is moving up to Sauble Beach - going back to strictly art deco stuff too. The owner's just can't see themselves owning the place in 20 years and bought a church and new home up there. Best of luck!
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keven / January 27, 2009 at 01:00 pm
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RE: "Red Indian"

They really need to change the name. As a person of First Nations descent, I've often thought of throwing something at the sign when walking past it. I find it totally ignorant that anyone would name their store something after a racist/durogatory remark.

I really hope the owners aren't of European descent that would just be added insult to their choice of name.
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crystal replying to a comment from keven / January 30, 2009 at 11:06 pm
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The name threw me off too - as do the smatterings of "cigar store Indians" and other iconic images historically (and still) used to pedal goods... But the store isn't named for a racist remark, rather the owner started his collection by sourcing Red Indian Motor Brand paraphernalia.

http://www.walrusmagazine.com/blogs/2008/05/26/indians-in-toronto/
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Mari / February 13, 2009 at 10:43 pm
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Could it be true, this long time treasure is leaving Toronto! Last day open to the public is May 03, 2009. Ahh, but there is good news after the sad fact! I was relieved to hear Brad is re-locating to beautiful Sauble Beach. He showed me the photos of the Old Zion Methodist Church he bought just at the edge of this beach resort town located on Lake Huron, just 2 hours from Toronto. Brad has been actively stocking up new pieces over the last year along with some of his own personal collection for his Grand Opening Day on Wed. July 01st, 2009 Canada Day. It wil be mind blowing, the best he's ever had to offer. With 2 full floors full of antiques along with a huge parking lot which will host other Antique Dealers and collectors for his Grand Opening Day. He has some maps with directions and more info at the shop to give out, while they last. Won't be called the Red Indian anymore. He says there are some native reserves in the area, so not appropriate since most people would not understand it's meaning. Fact is, Brad's antique shop is named after the Red Indian Motor Oil Company from the 1930's It once had Gas Stations across the country, called Red Indian. A true Historical Canadian Icon. In the 1960s was absorbed by McColl-Frontenac Oil Company. Today its Petro-Canada. Brad's new shopp will be called Sauble Beach Antiques. I Googled Sauble Beach Ontario. Look forward to going there.
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Jade replying to a comment from Mari / July 2, 2009 at 12:44 pm
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Hi Mary Ann
what a pity, no red indian art deco anymore in toronto!!!
I just were thinking coming over in sept-oct to buy some more stuff.
Can you mail me your new phone number that we can contact us???
Best wishes from Germany and best regards to Brad
Jade
my email jadekneip@web.de
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