Celeb-frequented vintage store in Toronto is closing and moving to NYC
After eleven years in business, one of the city's most frequented vintage stores is set to close its doors and move to New York City.
In Vintage We Trust (IVWT), located at 1580 Queen St. W., is known for its curated collection of premium and rare vintage pieces. Co-founders Josh Roter and Chantal Varela initially launched the brand in 2010 as an online shop through eBay before opening a brick-and-mortar store in 2014 in Parkdale.
IVWT quickly became known for its selective and distinct approach to vintage curation, with the store's inventory spanning decades of fashion, including sportswear, workwear, military jackets, vinyl records, sneakers, and accessories, all organized by style or category, rather than size or colour.
The store quickly garnered a loyal following over the years, with customers including vintage-loving celebrities like John Mayer and chef Matty Matheson. The store's constantly rotating stock also included vintage hip-hop gear, Fubu jackets, North Face outerwear, and perhaps most notably, nostalgic Raptors memorabilia.
Roter announced the store's relocation to New York City on Instagram, to the dismay of regular customers, who have eagerly awaited the shop's drops every week for the past decade.
"After 11 incredible years on the Queen West strip in Parkdale, we felt it was time for a new chapter. New York has always had a gravitational pull for us, and it's a city that Chantal and I draw a lot of inspiration from," Roter told blogTO.
"We're not moving because we've outgrown Toronto. We're moving because we want to see how far this thing we built can go. The spirit of IVWT has always been about preserving the past and pushing it forward, and NYC felt like the right city to continue that."
Roter also acknowledged the city's role in shaping both the business and the founders themselves.
"What started out in a tiny office has evolved into a retail store that became a destination for collectors, stylists, and neighbours alike. The Parkdale community showed up for us in ways we'll never forget. So yes, we’re incredibly excited about what's next, but we’re leaving with full hearts and deep gratitude. It’s bittersweet. Always will be," he said.
"To every customer, every conversation, every person who popped in just to talk shop, you’re part of this story forever. We’ve always said IVWT is bigger than just clothing. It's always been about connection. This isn’t goodbye. It's just a new page. Come visit us in New York and trust we’ll carry a piece of Parkdale with us always."
As expected, the announcement caused dozens of loyal customers to flood the comments section with messages of support.
"I'm so proud of y'all but this breaks my heart! I’ve been buying from IVWT since 2016! You’ll be so missed, but all the more reason to visit NY. Blessed to have called in vintage my fave shop in Toronto," one customer wrote.
"My favourite store in Toronto! Sucks to lose it but gotta do what's right for you and can't pass up this opportunity congratulations and best of luck," another person said.
IVWT will officially close its doors in late July.
Matt Forsythe
