Longstanding independent Toronto grocery store closing permanently

A Toronto bulk grocery store that's been a local fixture for decades is closing its doors permanently next month.

In a city whose grocery stores, by and large, fall under the large grocer monopolies, independently-owned spots to restock on your daily essentials are growing increasingly sparse.

From the closure of Danforth's Sun Valley back in 2023 to bare market, also on Danforth, it's undeniable that independent businesses of all shapes and sizes, from restaurants to retail stores, are feeling the pinch and, in the case of an unlikely few, closure is the end result.

It looks like the hits aren't done coming in for the Danforth retail community quite yet, as local bulk grocer Strictly Bulk prepares to pull the plug on its longstanding Danforth location.

The business has been in operation since 1987, supplying bulk groceries and necessities like nuts, chocolates, cookies and even non-edible essentials like soap and diapers for the better part of 40 years, earning itself the distinction of being one of the best bulk stores in the city.

A staff member at the store confirms to blogTO that the rumours of Strictly Bulk Danforth's closure are, unfortunately, true, and that the shop's last day is to be June 14.

As for the reasons behind the closure, the staff member doesn't divulge them, instead alluding to multiple factors that led to the business's decision to close the store.

On the bright side. Strictly Bulk still operates an additional location at 924 Bloor St. W., so anyone enthusiastic about supporting independently-owned bulk stores can get their fix there.

Strictly Bulk Danforth is located at 638 Danforth Ave.