Design Stores
Russet and Empire
Russet and Empire, in the Junction, just north of Dundas West, is a great stop for anyone looking for some unique vintage pieces or fun, locally-made gifts. The new store successfully walks a tight balance between hippie baby stuff, classic Canadian memorabilia and vintage, antique decor and design items.
The kid and baby items include a set of solid wood egg maracas for $12 and a modern paper playhouse for $25. The playhouse includes a kit of self-assembly furniture, wall, light fixtures and other home accessories. They also have a pink octopus kite for $29 and a wooden balloon powerboat for $13. It's this type of variety and cheekiness that flows though the entire store and makes you want to stop, look and even rationalize buying everything.
For those not in the market for toys and baby related merchandise, the store has some stylish tartan scarves and RCAF bags and memorabilia. Scarves aren't for everyone, but I would think that it's hard not to look handsome while sporting a Canadian, Ontario, New Brunswick or RCAF tartan scarf, available for $50 or $30. I also liked the enormous, but seemingly very practical RCAF bag for $150.
For those into knick-knacks and assorted glassware, Russet and Empire has a good variety of cups, mugs, saucers and jars at a range of prices. A set of vintage Swedish milk glasses for $9 caught my eye, as well as a tin alcohol dispenser - as I am always looking for new and unusual ways to dispense my alcohol - for $75.
There's also a collection of old cameras (ex: Kodak motormatic 35f from the 1960's for $30) and framed, black and white photographs (ex: "Helen's wedding" for $11) in close proximity to an array of candles, soap boxes, flower vases and soap bars.
As I explored the store, I found it hard not to crack a smile as it became clear that every item had been chosen and displayed with a real sense of care and affection. There's a real sense of pride in Russet and Empire and you can't help but root for it. I mean, many design and decor stores across Toronto sell similar stuff, but Russet and Empire is downright heartwarming.
After I left, I spent the rest of my day telling everybody I knew about how much I fell in love with this store. It's bright, friendly and warm, but it's a shame that it's a little off the beaten path, situated on Keele, north of Dundas West, rather than in the heart of the Junction. This likely means it won't get the foot traffic it really deserves.
Photos by Dennis Marciniak
Discussion
51 Comments
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Love this place!!
First of all, it is not true that every item is pictured - in fact, one of my favourite pieces - the stacking gold totem cups - is not shown. And that is naming only one item.
Secondly, to my eye, the store is not sparse, but well curated. The items are not crammed on the shelves - what's the problem with that? Why go out of your way to dissuade people from going in to see for themselves?
She curates with a sense of style that is by all accounts whimsical, refined and clever.
The Modern Paper Playhouse is MOMA.
This corner of the city is coming into its own.
Go here and they check out Mjolk.
Junction all the way.
And nothing is more aggravating than hearing middle-class, usually white professionals with money to burn claiming that a neighbourhood is really "turning around" or "coming into its own" or whatever, when what they really mean is simply that its amenities suit their tastes more than in the past.
I like that Little M says "Junction all the way" when five years ago she/he probably never would have considered moving there. Sigh. Cafes and boutiques are not the principal measures of a neighbourhood. Or they shouldn't be.
Jovana; in reply to "Why go out of your way to dissuade people from going in to see for themselves?".... I'm saving people the time and disappointment of going to Keele stn, then taking the 41/89 north, then realizing that what you saw is what there is.
Matt; well said. I've been in the Junction a while and the yups buying into the condo projects and townhouses that think they're discovering a gem always make me chuckle. 10 years ago most people thought the Junction was a shitty piece of coal, and now those same people are trumpeting the diamond they've "found".
With all the new faces around here, the only thing I've "found" is a longer lineup for breakfast @ the Purple Onion or full tables @ the Pho spot.
it's not that i wish the strip to go West Queen West or anything, but can the junction seriously get "up and coming" on used fireplace mantels alone?
If you are so concerned about this "nice girl" making her rent, why not go back to the place, check out the new merchandise and buy something?
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To the others discussing the trend of neighbourhoods being evaluated solely on the basis of what there is to consume there - I get it. But at the same time, places like R&E and Smash (another cool Junction spot) are more than just retailers. They are set up like showrooms or galleries and host events, offer a place to come see something interesting or talk to interesting people. Local designers and artists are commonly on display and there is more of a sense of neighbourhood support and collaboration between the businesses. So yes, consumerism is bad, and ought not to define neighbourhoods and communities - but at the same time, all businesses and all shops are not alike and can affect their environments in very different ways.
It seems so hard to strike a balance between rejuvenating neighbourhoods and wiping them clean of their old character and grit, to employ an overused word. I like the Junction as is. I`d rather it was a little livelier, but I`d take it in its current form rather than see Dundas and Keele looke like another Queen and Beaconsfield or god forbid, Queen and Spadina.
Plus, I want people without loads of money to be able to live and shop in the community.
So I think, yes we want new people, new business, but we have to be concerned with who can participate in and benefit from the improvements in a heighbourhood. R&E is not an upscale, exclusive place. It has quirk, taste and fun, but if you notice from the article, most items are in the $15-$25 range. It is certainly cheaper than Mjolk, the other Junction design/gift shop. I think that is pretty accessible - and this is coming from a totally skint student.
Gosh you're thoughts are both so poignant - as if the concept of gentrification hasn't been exhausted on this blog, in this city. Get off your righteous soap boxes already, that we can't simply be stoked to see a fledgling store owner try to make something out of ... nothing... and this in regard to a vintage shop, is ridiculous?! It's great to see empty storefronts attract attention! Eff, it's not like I was praising the installation of a Rick Owen's pop up shop or something similar. It's just a cute and quirky shop and I'm happy to see good people trying out new things in a space that would otherwise go derelict, or ... and perhaps your would prefer, another cash n go?!
It just so happens I've lived in the Junction my whole life...30 years. I'm a second generation Humberside Husky with penchants for Busker bakery and cheesecake from the Annette Fruit Market (which my family owned). As much as I love a good knife fight in front of Shox... I would much prefer to hear more of your profound insight into the kind of white yuppie I am, so please...
Hopefully the retail businesses that goes into the main floor of Heintzman Place on Keele st. are a little more sustainable. Oh... and a sushi place would be nice. Just sayin
With your "knife fight in front fo teh Shox" comment you again put for the false dichotomy that we've got to choose between gentrification and, well knife fights and ghettos. The problem is that neighbourhood revitalization never seems to reach an equilibrium... it just keep going until the neighbourhood is unaffordable and is overrun with doggie clothiers and pricey foodie joints.
Sorry to offend you with my concern for my city adnd neighbourhood.
In the meantime, spare us your criticism of the hard work done by merchants, the BIA and the community, who over the last decade have driven huge positive change in the neighbourhood. As far as neighbourhoods go, The Junction is one of the least commercialized, one of the most community engaged and is far from exclusive. If you have a real point, real examples of negative impact or other specific criticisms feel free to articulate them. But blanket statements saying gentrification and stores like these = bad for neighbourhood is tired.
I just said I'm wary about where the neighbourhood is going in the future. (i.e., I hate the idea of it being "hot new neighbourhood" and losing what it has now--variety, relatively inexpensive retail rents, etc.)
Stop being such a defensive twit, btw. I'm not attacking you or anything. Just expressing my opinion. I really wish Internet comment forums could host discussions rather than stupid, unproductive back-and-forth sniping.
(Thanks to Jovana for having a real conversation, unlike Shakes and Little M.)
Maybe I'm going to stop trying to discuss this with you. Because people who disagree with you are not necessarily full of "bullshit." Maybe they just have a differing opinion.
(Again, I'm not wishing for a vagrant-filled strip, and I wasn't attacking you or this store. I was lamenting the fact that every inner city 'hood is rejuvenating in the same way: boutiques and galleries and shit catering to the same demographic, a broad homogenizing of the inner city. Yeah, that's a problem. Bye for now.)
A number of little gems have opened up recently, Aquila, Russett
and Empire and my new favorite weekend brunch spot The Junction Eatery at Dundas and Indian Grove. The decor is a little miss matched but with time and more capital I'm sure it will be great.
If you like the Junction support the Junction. If you like small business support small business. If you don't that's your choice, but I really think this is a great time for this neighborhood and everyone should take advantage while they can.
I wish all the new business owners the best of luck.
P.S. I bought a really neat Glass moulded 1940's toy pistol at Russett and Empire. they have really well thought out products.
"It's no secret that the Junction is one of Toronto's most up-and-coming neighbourhoods. But for all its cool shops, cafes and restaurants it's painfully obvious that the retail concentration is still a fraction of what it needs to be to become a legitimate shopping destination. So it's good news that another shop has opened in the area"
I think it is materialistic, short-sighted and just plain stupid to judge the quality of a neighbourhood by what can be purchased there. What about parks, community initives, organized activities, the state of the schools, relationships between neighbours etc.?
I'm not saying the Junction doesn't have these things only that BlogTO's definition of a neighbourhood is limited to what can I buy and how much. This lazy attitude is becoming more and more evident on the blog and is reducing Toronto to a menu and a catalogue. I should probably just stop complaining and read some other blog.
http://www.blogto.com/toronto_holiday_gift_guide/2010/12/toronto_gift_guide_totem_stacking_tea_cups/