Slushy streets, thick coats, and a giant tree in Nathan Phillips Square can only mean one thing: the holiday season has arrived in Toronto. And along with the cheery festivities is the inevitable shopping frenzy for unique presents that are guaranteed to elicit a response of surprise and delight. Lucky for Torontonians, 'I Have a Crush On You' is a one-stop shop for unforgettable gift ideas for everyone from chummy co-workers and friendly neighbors, to lifelong best friends and loved ones.
IHACOY is a beautiful and breezy retail space located in Toronto's historic Liberty Village. But despite its charming boutique exterior, IHACOY is not just another hip Toronto store, rather it is a hybrid space that functions as a gift shop, gallery, studio, and sweatshop all rolled into one. For many in Toronto, the delightfully whimsical space is a hidden gem filled with a never-ending supply of treasures waiting to be discovered.
These beautifully designed products can be found at the front of the store, which functions as both a bespoke gift shop and a visually creative gallery space. It is here that customers can find a rage of unique and locally-made products that can range from a Bill Murry-themed coloring book, to a perfume inspired by Helvetica font.
The shop is also filled with beautiful, handcrafted greeting cards, which are made in the back design studio and sweatshop affectionately known as 'Smitten Kitten.' In this space, cards are printed on a 100 year old C&P Pilot letterpress called 'Beauty,' and a foil printer fondly known as 'Beast.' These locally made products are then sold internationally in places such as Urban Outfitters, Paper Source, and Nordstrom Canada.
Voted one of Toronto’s Best New Design Stores by Designlines and Blog TO, IHACOY and Smitten Kitten offer the perfect solution for anyone looking for the kind of unique gift idea that will be remembered for years to come.
This post is sponsored by IHACOY.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Hybrid Gift Shop Workspaces
- Opportunity for retailers to combine gift shops, galleries, and studios in a single space to create a unique shopping experience.
- Locally-made Products
- Increasing demand for locally-made, handcrafted products in the gift industry creates opportunities for artisans and small businesses.
- Bespoke Gift Shops
- Growing trend of curated gift shops that offer unique and personalized products for shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind gifts.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Retail
- Brick-and-mortar retailers can explore the concept of hybrid gift shop workspaces to enhance the customer experience and attract a wider audience.
- Crafts and Art
- Artisans and crafters can take advantage of the trend of locally-made products and collaborate with gift shops to showcase their unique creations.
- Printing and Design
- Opportunities exist for printing presses and design studios to partner with gift shops and offer customized greeting cards and other bespoke products.
