Toronto art store being forced to close after over 40 years

A popular Toronto art store is preparing to take its final bow and needs the community's help clearing out its inventory.

Daniel's Art Supplies, a mainstay in Toronto's Chinatown, has occupied its current location for the past 42 years but must vacate the space that has served thousands of local artists for decades by the end of October.

"The landlord wants his property back," Daniel, the owner of the community staple, tells blogTO, confirming there was no chance to save the business.

The request to halt all operations and vacate the property first came earlier this year, with the original closing date set for June 1. Daniel has since managed to buy more time to clear out his inventory of high-end brushes, canvases, letter sets, and more.

Now, the final days have arrived.

"They wanted me to clear everything out by Oct. 21, but I asked the owner for a few more days," he says. "I have so much stuff to still get rid of, and everything is a mess right now," Daniel says of the clutter left behind by the impending closure.

When asked how he's feeling about saying goodbye to Daniel's Art Supplies, he says, "Confused. It's been a part of my life for so long, and I don't know how to feel." 

Despite the bitter news, Daniel remains in good spirits as he works to clear out the space and find new homes for the coveted supplies that have been staples in so many Toronto artists' kits. "Everything has to go, and it's a negotiable sale on all items," he laughs.

Toronto residents have been showing their support for Daniel on social media, sharing heartbreak, well wishes, and final goodbyes in the comments of posts announcing the shuttering.

"Omg not DANIELS," one supporter wrote, while another reminisced about their longtime connection to the shop: "Oh, I remember your store when I worked at George Brown College Kensington 1979-1984."

Daniel's Art Supplies is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Oct. 29 and is located at 414-B Spadina Ave.