Dozens of people lined up Monday to buy a piece of history from an iconic discount store that is embarking on a long and final farewell to Toronto.
Signs that once advertised rock-bottom sales at Honest Ed’s are being sold off on a first come, first serve basis as the landmark at Bathurst and Bloor streets prepares to close at the end of 2016 after nearly 70 years in business.
“It gives us a chance to share a little bit of memory and history,” said David Mirvish, the current store owner and son of founder Ed Mirvish, who opened the business in 1948.
The colourful and wacky show cards were a hot commodity, as people lined up around the block and along a residential street to be among the first to buy them.
Given the store’s mantra, the hand-painted signs were a bargain at 50 cents and up. Proceeds from the sale are being given to Victim Services Toronto.
Last fall, Mirvish announced Honest Ed’s would stay open for at least three more years after the property was sold to Vancouver-based developer Westbank Properties. The property was leased to Mirvish as Westbank Properties decides what to do with the land and existing buildings.
Honest Ed’s has become a Toronto landmark with its outrageous signage and lighting, and discounts that lure bargain hunters, the curious and tourists who were steered there by travel guides.
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