It's the end of an era for Toronto's longstanding and beloved DV Shop, as its owner announces the store's closure and his official retirement.
Terry Steyn, the powerhouse behind Toronto's DV Shop, took to the store's Instagram account to announce that the outlet, known for supporting emerging artists as a cinema equipment supplier, will close its doors in mid-September.
"After 25 years of 6- and 7-day weeks, it is time to say goodbye," Steyn, known as DV Dude among industry friends and regular customers, wrote in the statement. The statement adds that the team will not renew its upcoming lease and that the shop's last day of operation is Sept. 18.
DV Shop Toronto, which first emerged in the city's digital equipment scene 25 years ago, started as a video sales outlet but soon became an outpost for all things video production. Today, it specializes in cameras, lenses, lighting, audio, memory cards, and more.
Support and well wishes have been pouring into the comments section since the announcement. "You guys have supported so many filmmakers in this city; it would be hard to find a set without something that came from you," one commenter wrote.
"Guys, I remember day 1 at the old address! You guys will be missed," another wrote.
Although Sept. 18 marks the end of DV Shop's journey, Steyn confirms that his longtime employee, Sean Miki, will open his own store, Cine Storage Plus, a one-stop shop for data storage products for film and television, on Oct. 1.
DV Shop will accept returns until Sept. 12; all sales from Sept. 14 to 18 will be final.
The store is located at 3422 Dundas St. W.
DV Shop Toronto