BMV Bookstore, with three branches in Toronto, is a serious book lover's haven. This flagship branch in The Annex neighborhood offers four storeys filled with popular as well as rare books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records and magazines. The highlight of this place is that the pre-owned merchandise is available at highly discounted rates, yet this store ensures that their products are not worn out or unusable. This is one of the biggest second-hand book shops in Canada. One can spend hours browsing through the racks of classics, best sellers and special editions. This place is most popular for its large collection of comics, where customers can complete their collection of books featuring their favorite comic characters.
Paradise Bound is a unique shop that sells Japanese woodblock prints, wall art, antiques, collectibles and hanging scrolls. Its merchandise dates back to the 16th Century right up to the mid 20th Century. It also sells classic vinyl records in genres such as Synthpop, Electronic, Jazz, Pop Rock, Soul and Funk. It specializes in Kakejiku, which is a form of hand-painted or calligraphic Japanese hanging scroll with edges made of silk fabric. Shop for old landscape paintings depicting the Far East Asian countryside in muted tones, and woodblock prints with floral patterns or street scenes. This shop also purchases old vinyl record collections from customers.
Sonic Boom serves as a second home to music-lovers of all kinds, particularly to vinyl aficionados as it has the best record selection in the city. After moving their vinyl section from the back of the store to the basement and simultaneously creating a stage for free all-ages shows, it jumped to the forefront of must-visit stores for any indie music fan looking for a rare find or a great recommendation. The staff is helpful and friendly, which is a nice change from the pretentious attitude that is sometimes displayed at other record stores in the city. Open late every day, swing by to sell your used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, videogames, and even videotapes.
Grasshopper Records is a modern music connoisseur's delight, nestled in the Dundas West neighborhood of Toronto. Its airy, red brick-walled interiors offer racks replete with CDs and DVDs featuring established as well as upcoming local artists. The genres of music covered include Soul, Classic Rock, Reggae, No Wave, Psychedelic, Noise, Dub and New Wave among others. Shoppers can even get their hands on posters of their favorite concert scenes and rock stars. Discover the groovy or soulful music of a lesser-known artist and browse through a fine selection of music and art books at this music haven.
Founded in 1996, this 100 percent Canadian-owned super bookstore chain has created a name for itself by providing a comfortable, homely atmosphere with bookshelves and armchairs resembling those in a living room. You can sip a coffee in the Indigo Café while reading the latest bestseller and listening to a live jazz performance. There are also special author appearances and book signings.