This is Canada’s first stand-alone Free People store and we got to check it out this past Friday.  Like its sister stores, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, Free People definitely has the eclectic boho vibe.  The store consists of three floors, with the lower level, which sells lingerie, only accessible from the outside.  The styles seem to target a younger clientele – late teens to mid-20s –  from what I observed, but that doesn’t really mean anything.  The store is also a bit smaller than I had anticipated and felt that it could be a bit better-stocked.

It was interesting that they chose to open the first weekend of August.  Sure, it’s a long weekend in Ontario, but opening at this time does pose its problems.   Its not exactly a time that people are often in town and everything at the store is fall-ready, so many of the looks aren’t even wearable at the moment – unless one wants to melt.  Sweaters and thick denim abound, and anyone who does any shopping in this kind of weather is bound to pay and and put away until at least mid-September.  However, if one looks carefully enough, there is bound to be something that would be of interest.

Free People is located at 79 Yorkville Avenue, just west of Bellair and next door to Pink Tartan.  The store is open Monday to Saturday, 10-7 pm and Sunday from noon to 5.  The Toronto location has its own Facebook page.