Kingston is known for its historic charm, its rich arts and cultural scene, and its iconic Lake Ontario waterfront. The city’s shopping scene is truly well-rounded, with a great selection of locally owned stores that have everything you’re looking for. Here are just a few of our favourites.
Bookstores
348 King Street East
If you are a lover of books, visit Berry and Peterson Booksellers on King Street East. This unique space has books in every nook and cranny, filling two levels of the store. Berry and Peterson Booksellers is full of age-old classics, lightly used books, and hidden gems.
156 Princess Street
This independent Kingston bookstore has been selling new fiction and non-fiction books since 1988. Novel Idea specializes in carrying hard-to-find titles by local authors. If something is not in stock, they are happy to place an order. They also carry journals, planners, calendars, magazines, and literary periodicals.
2800 Princess Street
Bookland is a new and used bookstore in Kingston’s west end that has all your favourites. Find used copies of popular titles or explore a variety of genres and new releases. The knowledgeable store owner will help you select the perfect book you are looking for. If something is not in stock, Bookland will order it in for you.
Record Stores
381 Princess Street
Established in 1980, Brian’s Record Option is a Kingston mainstay for music, with a packed selection of used and new records, CDs, cassettes, 45s, 78s, VHS tapes, posters, and sheet music. Brian will help you navigate the stacks upon stacks of posters covering the store’s floor and rows or records.
207A Wellington Street
Something Else Records has a great collection of new and used records, books, cassettes, LP accessories, record players, and record storage. They also buy vinyl. Stop by to peruse their selection of local prints and posters, as well as work by local musicians.
20 Montreal Street
Established in 1991, Zap has a great variety of new & used records, CDs, and music collectables. Zap also offers cash for vinyl and takes requests for CDs and records. As well as a great selection of music in-store, the Zap website has a wonderful digital archive of Kingston concert posters.
Antique and Furniture Stores
77 Princess Street
The Antique Emporium offers not only antiques, vintage, and repurposed industrial pieces, but also new décor and giftware. When you walk inside you will be surrounded by all kinds of things, old and new. Check out their Instagram to see the latest collections and antique pieces.
207B Wellington Street
Antique Alley has been in downtown Kingston for more than 45 years. This collectible and antique shop is tucked away in the back of an alley on Wellington Street. The outside is quite deceiving: once you enter the shop, you'll be amazed at the 4,000 square feet of inventory inside, from mid-century modern furniture to vintage clothing to comic books. Ask the staff if you need any assistance finding what you need.
1640 Bath Road
This upscale consignment furniture and home décor store has a variety of pieces inside a 5,000-square-foot showroom. The staff will be sure to tell you the stories behind the eclectic finds on display.
CLOTHING
Upper level at the Cataraqui Centre
Modern Primitive has been a local Kingston store since 1991. The store is full of treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces including trinkets, jewelry, and clothing. Stop by this eclectic store during your next visit to the Cataraqui Centre.
Food stores
81 Princess Street
Tara Natural Foods is an excellent source for all things healthy. When you walk into the store you are hit with an immediate aroma of herbs and spices. Find fresh produce, vitamins, and other natural food products for sale. Check out their Facebook page for updates on arrivals of specialty products.
61 Brock Street
Cooke’s Fine Foods still has much of the atmosphere of its predecessor, the Italian Warehouse, which opened in 1865. The store’s original floors, counters, and tin ceiling—although with a few coats of paint—are still intact. Cooke’s stocks a huge variety of food items, from imported cookies and savoury treats to Canadian cheddar cheese. Cooke’s also roasts its own coffee beans on site. Choose from a variety of blends to take home. The store is also known for its gift baskets.
55 Brock Street
In 1812, General Brock established a commissary on Brock Street to purchase supplies from local farmers, producers, and artisans to ensure that the garrison and citizens of Kingston would have a steady supply of essentials. Today’s Commissary continues that tradition by bringing in the best of locally produced Ontario condiments, cheese, charcuterie, specialty food, and meals. Visitors will also find a delightful assortment of Canadian-themed gifts and souvenirs that reflect Kingston’s heritage.
62 Brock Street
Kingston Olive Oil Company is a family-owned business that imports extra virgin and infused olive oils that are sourced from a variety of farmers and artisans overseas. The store imports oils seasonally, according to crush date, so any time you visit, you will find a variety of fresh oils. Balsamic vinegars are aged in wooden casks and imported from Modena, Italy. Staff will help you find the perfect oils and vinegars for your next meal.
OTHER STORES
225 Princess Street
Established in 1997 by Jay Bridges, an avid skateboarder and skateboard photographer, BSE offers decks, hard goods, apparel, and shoes that reflect the modern skating scene. The store also has a coffee bar, and a private courtyard in the back to enjoy coffee and a treat.
77 Princess Street
Stop by Sterling for fine silver jewelry. Shop necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in a variety of designs. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or something for yourself, this downtown Kingston store has great customer service and a wide range of unique products that will have you leaving with something you love.
227 Princess Street
It’s hard to miss this home good store’s purple exterior on Princess Street. Lazy Daisies sells a variety of products like sunglasses, jewelry holders, and candles that smell of warm maple butter and sugary cereal. It’s the perfect place to visit when you need to buy a unique gift for your mom or best friend. You can also purchase their products online.
Read "Six local clothing and shoe stores to visit in Downtown Kingston" for a list of local clothing and shoe stores to shop at in Kingston.
