2012-03-30

多伦多服装批发市场

今天无意和同事聊天说起yorkdale，得知那里有条很有名的Orfus road，是这里的服装批发市场 outlet，包括鞋子等，品牌折扣都很低，看来有空的时候可以去那里逛逛了。

说是整条马路两边都是那种warehouse outlet 那样的销售模式，价格非常不错。

http://www.toronto.com/article/636669--orfus-road-clothing

Orfus Road: Clothing

If you're in the market for discounted clothing of any kind, you can get it all on Orfus Road (except high quality). From casual, everyday wares to evening gowns and tuxedos, dressier club gear to bathing suits, it's all here on one convenient strip. 

Authentic Classic Canada Inc (39 Orfus Rd.)

Racks abound outside the entrance, boasting jackets for $4.99, boxers for $1.99, short-sleeved button up shirts for $9.99, shorts for $4.99 and winter jackets for $14.99. A loudspeaker annoyingly announces low prices of various items on loop to a background of beats. Inside, velour sweatsuits for women are $9.99 or two for $15 and jeans with rhinestone patterns are a mere $10.

Family Leather Factory Outlet (39 Orfus Rd.) 

Like any other leather store, the smell of hides hits you when we enter; unlike other stores, the visuals transport you back to the 80s (think: unflattering leather bombers). Au currant style is not a priority here. But if you can find a jacket that flatters, the price is right, with most jackets between $100 and $200. Most purses are under $20 and luggage is far below retail prices, including sets of Heys luggage for $55 (originally $200). 

Tabi International Warehouse Outlet (39 Orfus Rd.)

Tabi International has been around since 1980, selling “timeless fashions”. Unfortunately, it seems “trends” and “style” are synonymous, with few of the items in the outlet having any style whatsoever. If you have very basic, reserved tastes (think: cardigans, khaki slacks, muted colours and button-up shirts), take advantage of some serious deals. Pants are two for $40, button-up shirts are two for $50, basic sweaters are two for $35 and shorts are two for $22. 

UB Liquidation Centre (39 Orfus Rd.)

Like all the mega outlets on Orfus, Urban Behaviour's liquidation centre is packed. The huge line-up to pay makes the prospect of buying anything a rather daunting endeavor. Racks read $9.99, $4.99 and $14.99. Tiered, lacey shirts are adorable and only $14.99, while winter vests are a shocking $4.99. Leggings are two for $10. Clutches (including a very cool black suede clutch with fringe) are two for $10. There is a separate liquidation centre for men down the street.

Le Chateau Outlet Store (47 Orfus Rd.)

Le Chateau makes you check your shopping bags, which is annoying but if the store isn’t too busy, it’s actually helpful (two hands to sift through a LOT of stock). The front of the store is loaded with $39.99 cocktail and evening dresses, great for prom and wedding season. Stock is packed tight, so it takes time and effort to work through the racks. On the plus side, everything is colour coordinated. Some highlights: A huge selection of jeans in every hue and style are $19.99. Cute moccasins are $39.99. There is also a sizeable men’s section. 

Emmanuel Bitini Fashion Outlet (49 Orfus Rd.)

The most diplomatic way to describe the clothing in this store is that it has a European feel; the Europe of sparkles, skirts with jagged hemlines, embroidery, ruffles and lace, that is. There could be diamonds in the rough but I don’t feel like finding them. Prices are cheap, considering the fact that clothing is apparently bought directly from Holt Renfrew. A rogue Hilary Radley coat is $69.99.

San Paolo Fashions Inc. (52 Orfus Rd.)

This is another loudspeaker store, with the phantom voice announcing savings. I don’t want to go in because of the club beats but racks outside have items priced at $4.99 and $9.99 for men and women. All of it appears to be scanty and club-oriented.

PONTI Designer Menswear Outlet (55 Orfus Rd.)

Button-up shirts ranging from wearable to flamboyant greet you at the door, marked down to $49.99 from $145. Ties are two for $100. No brand names and some items are regular price, but entire two- and three-button wool suits range from $198 to $298. My dad tried on a 100 per cent cashmere coat.

Costa Blanca Outlet (103 Orfus Rd.)

The store has incredible discounts, but can be hazardous to the shopping experience on weekends. Piles of clothing are thrown every which way and items are scattered all over the floor, not to mention the 20-person line-up. There are basics to be had, including $5 jeans and $1 black shirts. Clothing is pretty small, likely intended to be worn short and tight. Stock is better than at some of the other huge outlets, but the store is smaller.

Bluenotes Outlet (92-96 Orfus Rd.)

Though items are already discounted, everything in the store is 50 per cent off the lowest ticketed price. Shoes, apparel, scarves, bathing suits, jeans and more are all on-hand. Jeans come in a plethora of washes and styles -- all $10. There are plenty of $5 racks (e.g. sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, etc.). 

Siren’s Outlet (92-96 Orfus Rd.)

A large collection of shoes are 50 per cent off the lowest ticketed price, including a killer pair of black and white oxford booties for $10. Some of the shoes are also carried at Stitches. T-shirts with Ed Hardy-esque designs are $2.50 and degrade cardigans are $5. The store is massive, but well-organized and the front has a large section of mix and match basics (tanks, t-shirts and polos) are two for $10. Acid-washed jeans in various colours are $20 and colourful bandage skirts are $7.75. There is also a selection of club wear. Bins at the front carry accessories, purses and shirts for $1 and $1.50.

Fairweather Outlet (100 Orfus Rd.)

The calm after the storm. This store is a bit of a relief after the zoo-like mobs in the other outlets, though that’s not to say this is a good sign. An assortment of prom dresses are $99, which is significantly more expensive than similar styles at other stores. Yoga pants are $10. The back of the store stocks business attire in the form of $20 suit jackets and $29.99 slacks. Some slacks are two for $30. Racks of shorts, button-up shirts and blazers read $10, $15 and $5.99. 

Stitches Mega Warehouse Outlet (71 Orfus Rd.)

This store seems to be the piece de resistance on Orfus, as most shoppers are carrying Stitches bags. The outlet is a monstrosity and none of the men’s and women’s clothing seems to be more than $10. Jeans are $7.50 and racks are around $2.50 and $5. Stitches is less disorganized than other stores, perhaps because it’s gargantuan. Men’s sweaters are $2.50. Shoes range from $5 to $20. Tights are $1.50 and come in solids and polka dot. Waffle shirts for $1.50 are cute from afar, but a quick feel explains the deflated price tag. 

Suzy Shier Warehouse Outlet (71 Orfus Rd.)

Suzy Shier shares a hulking building with Stitches and is much the same, though inventory is less extensive and Suzy stocks more basics. Items are wearable, though relatively unorganized. For the most part, racks carry items marked $1 and $5. 

Bikini Bay Warehouse Outlet (103 Orfus Rd.)

Mix-and-match bathing suits come in a variety of shapes and patterns. Sarongs, cover-ups, bikinis and one-pieces are available, as well as $56 yoga pants. (Note: great yoga pants at Costco are $18.99). Men’s board shorts are $19.99 to $39.99, though the selection is small. Bathing suits for women are $50 to $70. 

The Roots Factory Store (120 Orfus Rd.)

There is little in this store that cries “Roots” and much of the stock is Roots 73. But prices are good. A full children’s section has items ranging from $5 to $10. For adults, organic t-shirts are $9.88 and old-school team jackets with leather sleeves are $29.99. Dated-looking purses are $25. Jeans are $39.99, sweatpants are $24.88 and men’s sweatshirts are $19.88.

International Clothiers (111 Orfus Rd.)

A sign reading “suits: 3 for 1” beckons bargain-hunting men. Row upon row of suits, made mostly in China, are nicely organized by size in various styles (mostly two-button) and colours. Most suits are $250 to $450, with button-up shirts at $20, two for $20 or two for $30. Tuxedos are $99. Casual wear is also available; sweaters and long-sleeve shirts are $10, as are basic polos and t-shirts. Winter jackets are $39.99 and jeans range from $19.99 or two for $45.