Celebrating Our Regulars: 12 Years of Community Love!

It's hard to believe that it's been 12 amazing years since we opened our doors! Time really seems to fly when you're having fun, and it's all thanks to you, our incredible customers, that we're celebrating this milestone this month. We couldn't have done it without your support and loyalty throughout the years!

Being involved in our local community is not only a pillar of Scout as a business, but it's also something that's personally important to me. I love keeping up with other businesses in the area, and as I was reading Type's newsletter I loved their idea of interviewing the familiar faces that we see in our stores (or online!) on a regular basis. So I owe them a big shout out for the inspiration behind this article!

To celebrate our anniversary this month, we decided to turn the spotlight onto our community to glean some of their insights and perspectives. Building a warm and inclusive community has always been important to me, and we've been fortunate enough to have some incredible people walk through our doors and become part of the Scout family.

I chatted with a few of our regulars to ask them about their favourite Scout finds and some of the other wonderful businesses and resources they adore and hold dear to their hearts. 

We hope you love reading their responses as much as we loved putting this together for you!! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making the past 12 years so incredible. Here's to many more years of smiles, shared moments, and cherished connections. You are the heartbeat of Scout, and we couldn't be more grateful to have you here. ❤️

 

 

Carrie (She/Her)

 

How long have you been shopping with us?
I would say since the mid-2010s? I have only been to Roncy so far (I mainly shop online from PEI).

Do you have a favourite purchase from Scout?
It's hard to choose just one thing- most days, I'm wearing at least one piece of jewelry from Scout. Some current faves in my rotation right now are the Etta Hoops from Jasmine Virani and the Lairus Bracelet from Hailey Gerrits Designs. Both are absolutely beautiful pieces of jewelry.

What keeps you coming back to our shop?
I love supporting a small, woman-owned business. I love most of the pieces you bring into the store, and I would buy everything if I didn't put a limit on myself every time I put an order in at Scout :) I also think everyone who works at Scout seems so lovely, I love the little notes that come with the shipped items, so it feels good to support you folks.

What does supporting local mean to you?
I think it's so important to support local- small, local businesses help build community in a neighborhood, and they are often better at treating their employees and customers with more humanity than the larger corporations. There is often more focus on sustainability with small, local businesses, too, than with corporations.

Other than Scout, share another local business you love and want others to hear about!
Whenever I am in Toronto, I make sure to make the trip to Roncy to visit Scout- but I always visit Imelda, too! Another woman-owned business that sells the cutest footwear! I could buy every single pair in there every time I go!

Share a book/podcast/resource that you think will resonate with our customers.
Two recent reads that I absolutely loved were The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett and The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

 

Anne (She/Her)

 

How long have you been shopping with us? 

We've been shopping at Scout Leslieville since we both (Scout and our family) moved into the neighbourhood in late 2018! 

Do you have a favourite purchase from Scout?
Many! I would say your card selection is second to none. My husband Andrew and I both visit you before any birthday/anniversary/celebration and we've been known to pick up the same card for one another which is shocking given the sheer number of (adorable and incredible) cards you stock. I've gotten the reputation with loved ones as being a fantastic card giver and I credit Scout with at least 75% of that. 

What keeps you coming back to our shop?
You are constantly sourcing incredible products. I love supporting a values driven, local, woman-owned small business as it speaks to the types of businesses I want to see more of. I can't help but pop in when I'm walking by to check out what cute new stuff you have brought in. Leah and the gang are always so friendly and welcoming and I often walk out with the perfect card for someone's birthday, a candle or other treat for myself, or the perfect present for a loved one.

What does supporting local mean to you?
I think the pandemic really highlighted the many challenges for small businesses, but also during that time we saw how it was small businesses that came together to support the community. In the early days of lockdowns Scout was my go-to source for puzzles and we'd get them delivered to our place, usually with a sweet note from Leah or Erin wishing us well. We have to vote with our dollars for the future we want for Leslieville/our neighbourhoods.

Other than Scout, share another local business you love and want others to hear about!
How can I not mention Queen Books - I LOVE our local bookstore. Grocers: Raise the Root is a gem. Mercatino E Vini has become a real go to for fantastic Italian groceries (think cheese, olives, wine). Foodwise: Tinga Kim is new to the neighbourhood and has incredible Mexico-Korean fusion. The Mess Hall is such a welcome addition to the neighbourhood and Marchelle of Butter and Spice (located in the Mess Hall) makes the tastiest brownies and other delicious baked treats!

Share a book/podcast/resource that you think will resonate with our customers.
I'm a big podcast fan. If I'm walking around the neighbourhood I'm probably listening to one of the following: Ten Percent Happier, The Happiness Lab, or We Can Do Hard Things

 

Keystone (They/Them)

 

How long have you been shopping with us?
I've been shopping at Scout Leslieville for probably 5 years... that's how long you've been here right?!

Do you have a favourite purchase from Scout?
I love purchasing cards, specifically made in Canada, or even better Toronto; but when they can't be local, I like when the purchase supports some other mission, like supporting education or meal programs, etc. Also, I really LOVE the t-shirts, but raising three kids in this city, I can never justify buying something for myself!

What keeps you coming back to our shop?
The decadent, eclectic and diverse options for gifts... from baby slippers, to family games, queer books to unique moisturizers, and cards cards cards! Oh, and it's super close to my house. Last, but not least, the staff of Scout have been so welcoming and helpful to both myself and my kids. Recently my littlest wanted to surprise me with a birthday card, and despite me being present, the Scout staff helped execute a brilliant plan for secrecy! And wouldn't you know, that particular day I was due for a free card (q 10), so my little could capitalize on that win too!

What does supporting local mean to you?
I think supporting local is integral to creating community, supporting independent ideas and creative expression. Brick and mortar business is the cornerstone of my neighbourhood, and therefore a beacon of my community. 

Other than Scout, share another local business you love and want others to hear about!
My famjam LOVES Ed's Real Scoop and Queen Books - no explanation required!

 

 

Cameron

 

How long have you been shopping with us?
Since I first moved into Leslieville in 2018. 

Do you have a favourite purchase from Scout?
There are so many to choose, but my all-time favourites are the Roland Pine-scented candles from the Soap and Paper Factory. I grew up near the Rocky Mountains and every time I smell the scent of these candles it brings me so many warm memories of vacations, adventures, and visits to family (as well as a hint of Christmas, too) 

What keeps you coming back to our shop?
The friendly people, the wonderful selection, the commitment to the community and responsible products, and a constant evolution in selection while keeping true to a range of products. I am a big card lover and the selection of artisan-inspired cards is what brought me to Scout in the first place and is responsible for many of my visits. 

What does supporting local mean to you?
This is a big part of what makes a community what it is. Scout and its local peers (stores, restaurants and more) are part of the fabric of Leslieville. 

Other than Scout, share another local business you love and want others to hear about!
I’m interested in learning more about the others that are promoting ethical, responsible product lines if and when they come. 

Share a book/podcast/resource that you think will resonate with our customers.
The podcast Hidden Brain is a delightful way to learn about how we are as people. It’s a little nerdy, but very enjoyable

 

 

Midori (She/Her)

 

How long have you been shopping with us?
I recall looking up the website for Scout’s Roncesvalles opening date way back when! Been shopping since my teen was a baby, so since the beginning! 

Do you have a favourite purchase from Scout?
Lots of wonderful gifts and pieces, but I love my hip bag from Sticky Lemon, my Roncesvalles key chain, and my little card carrier. Think of Scout every time I leave the house!

What keeps you coming back to our shop?
Beautiful selection of cards and gifts, great puzzles and art sets as treats for family nights in, and the kindest staff who are an important part of the community. 

What does supporting local mean to you?
It means a thriving community. I try very hard to support the kinds of businesses that add vibrancy and kindness to our neighbourhood. 

Other than Scout, share another local business you love and want others to hear about!
Between Scout, Another Story, Scooter Girl, and Chocolateria, I’m super lucky to keep my gift-giving and treat-buying local! 

Share a book/podcast/resource that you think will resonate with our customers.
Currently re-reading “We Do This Till We Free Us” by Miriame Kaba and  “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.  Cultivating hope is a real discipline and these help me stay grounded in that.

 

Liane (She/Her)

 

How long have you been shopping with us?
I spotted Leah when Scout first opened on Roncy. We recognised one another from a previous store. I sensed that something special was coming to the neighbourhood and I really hoped it would succeed! Roncy can be a challenging location. In the early years, I was often checking to make sure Scout was still there!

Do you have a favourite purchase from Scout? 
I'm a big fan of the greeting cards. For me, it's a fun wall of discovery and I enjoy seeing whatever's there.

What keeps you coming back to our shop?
I love fragrance, sometimes I just come in and smell stuff, candles, soaps, deodorants, reed diffusers. Scents can be great mood boosters.

What does supporting local mean to you?
For me, it's shopping with awareness and consciously being part of the future you wish to see.

Other than Scout, share another local business you love and want others to hear about!
I discovered a tiny store called Beadles last winter. I purposely ventured onto a section of Bloor near Lansdowne to see if anything was open in a zone where road construction had completely closed the street. I figured if any businesses were surviving there, they could use all the shoppers they could get. I found a gem! Lots to see, good variety, and the owner is super helpful.

 

Shady (he/him)

 

How long have you been shopping with us?
I've been shopping with Scout since it opened :) So I guess that is coming up on 12 years! I usually shop at the Roncesvalles location.

Do you have a favourite purchase from Scout?
Honestly, this is a hard question to answer. I have purchased quite a few things over the years, and it's hard to narrow it down to just one thing. I did buy a travel coffee mug with a really neat design by Orla Kiely that I do use quite often.

What keeps you coming back to our shop?
The friendliness of the staff is always a plus (and how I got to know Leah when she first opened the shop since I was in there so often :P). On top of that, the card selection is like no other shop, and I have been able to find so many unique gifts for colleagues, baby showers, friends and family there. It's really become a go-to shop when looking for something for someone else.

What does supporting local mean to you?
Supporting local is so important for so many reasons. I enjoy supporting a local business owner who cares about the neighbourhood and her customers. Roncesvalles is a street of independent shops, and it's shops like Scout that give this area such a unique feel.

Other than Scout, share another local business you love and want others to hear about!
On Roncesvalles, there are lots :) I'll try to narrow it down to a few. Round the Horn has been our local pub for years, and like Scout has great independent ownership staff that care about their customers and neighbourhood. The Revue is always great, Cherry Bomb and Reunion Island have amazing coffee, Ding a Wing, The Ace, and T-Dot Jerk (among many others), have great food.

Share a book/podcast/resource that you think will resonate with our customers.
The High Park Library has so much to offer, I think I will just leave it at that.

 

 

Eden (She/Her)

 

How long have you been shopping with us?
Probably been shopping at the Roncesvalles location since I moved into the neighbourhood, so since the latter half of 2015.

Do you have a favourite purchase from Scout?
Perhaps the hand knit Bubble mittens I bought in Jan. 2021 (inspired in part by Bernie Sanders’ mitts at Pres. Biden’s Inauguration). I liked them so much, I bought them in various colours for the women in my family.

Do you have a favourite purchase from Scout?
I can almost always find the unique stationery I need for social occasions and holidays. I have also bought gifts for friends and family of all ages. The staff at Scout are always friendly and helpful.

What does supporting local mean to you?
Buying local strengthens the community. I like to find unusual items not available at big box stores. 

Other than Scout, share another local business you love and want others to hear about!
I also love Scooter Girl on Roncy.  It is the best toy store!