Toose Art Supplies
229 College Street 
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Phone: 416.348.0793
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For lazy UofT students, Toose Art Supplies is the ideal location to stock up on paints, pastels, paper and other art, architectural and graphic supplies. Yep, it's located right across the street from the university's bookstore on College. It may not be the biggest store, or have the best prices but it stocks some stuff that can't be found at Gwartzman's and is at least a few blocks closer than all the stores that surround OCAD.
Unfortunately, during a recent visit, Manager Wael Ayyub was less than thrilled at the prospect of me taking photos of the store. He told me he didn't want anyone to be able to see any prices on any of the products. But he did allow me a few quick, broad snaps that can be seen in all their glory above and below.
Wael is also a man of few words. Here's a response to our recent email Q&A.
What would you say is different or unique about Toose compared to some of the other art supply stores in Toronto?
We have the knowledge and experience of all our products,so we can provide the correct information to the customer, and due to our size and location we provide unique and personal services to all our customers.
What are some of the most popular products you sell?
Oil and Acrylic paint, canvases and architecture material (model building,all drafting material)
How do you feel Toose competes on price compared to most other art supply stores?
We are very competitive in the market
Are there any items you carry that are unique to Toose?
No response given
How advantageous is it to be located across the street from UofT? Do UofT students represent the majority of your business?
Uof T students are some of our customers but we are known by having good quality and brand names and stock availability at competitive prices.
Comments (3)
Toose art supplies is geared more towards quality, rather than variety. They don't sell miscellaneous paints and brushes, sparkles and glues like other 'art and craft' stores in Toronto. It is the best art store for an experienced painter in this city, period. I have been buying art supplies almost exclusively from Toose for the past 15 years, since I was a student. They have always had everything I need in quality painting supplies, and if they didn't, they special-ordered it for me, and very fast. Also, they guarantee the best prices in town, and if you find a better price, they will match it. They are knowledgeable, kind, organized and extremely helpful, especially the manager Wael. Just my experience.
I've also found Toose has the best prices in Toronto... Paint is always cheaper here then anywhere else, and as a professional artist you spend enough on paint that a few extra dollars per tube make a huge difference.
Toose is like any other ordinary art store, unless if it is drafting supplies. In that category, they are simply the best, especially in quality, quantity and price for students not only for UofT arch students, but also for OCAD as well. While Aboveground and Curry's may carry more in stock, Toose offers the better deal. I recommend Toose to any designers and students as first store to look for architectural selections.
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