After 68 years of business, Honest Ed’s closed their doors for the final time on December 31, 2016. Impossible to miss, this World Famous Bargain Centre at the corner of Bathurst and Bloor is engraved in the memories of tourists and locals alike, but for Red Coral it also represents a milestone where John and Judy made their first big sale of – wait for it – KLEENEX BOX COVERS and BANANA CLIPS!
“I remember we were almost jumping up and down outside the store in front of that big sign. We were so excited!”, Judy happily remembers. Already, top sellers at the St Jacob’s Farmers Market, as these were a huge hit! Honest Ed’s soon came back for all manners of toys, novelty items, and of course hair accessories. “When we heard they were closing, we felt sad. It was so many years ago that we did business together, but we always had a high regard for Honest Ed’s.”
Banana clips. The height of sophistication and style.
Like dresses for your Kleenexes!
John and Judy still think of Honest Ed’s and founder Ed Mirvish, fondly – remembering all his philanthropic work and genuine care for the community he was a part of. His traditions still live on, like the famous Turkey Giveaway!
Toronto is an every changing city, and as the building makes way for new community needs, we remember the blinking lights, the terrible (yet amazing) puns, and all that Honest Ed’s has meant to us.
Check out this blogTO article for details http://www.blogto.com/events/an-honest-farewell-a-4-day-city-festival-at-honest-eds/
All imagery from Google Maps and CTV news.
