Two best friends just opened a whimsical general store in Toronto

Two best friends just opened their dream general store in Toronto, and it’s got pretty much anything and everything you can imagine.

Bananas is just that…B-A-N-A-N-A-S. The store sells everything from artisan bags to fidget toys, and every single product in the store is handpicked by the two besties, Joanna Stern and Lauren Shulman.

The best friends have a background in invitation and event design, and are now pivoting into the bananas world of operating a retail storefront.

“We loved designing and being creative, but the printed invitation industry was fading fast. We didn’t want to lose that creative spark. We wanted to evolve it. So we dreamed up Bananas,” Sterns tells YourCityWithIN.com.

“We’ve always been nostalgic for the magic of brick-and-mortar shopping. Remember the thrill of popping into a store, discovering something amazing, and walking out with itright then and there? No shipping delays. No wrong sizes. Just instant joy. Plus, people were constantly stopping us, like, ‘Wicked outfit,’ or, ‘OMG, where did you get that?’ So we thought, why not start sourcing and selling the pieces and products that people actually want?”

The self-proclaimed bougie bazaar sells home goods, international sweet treats, accessories, toys, clothing and other gifts.

“It was just the next natural move for us. Our glow-up, if you will,” Shulman tells YourCityWithIN.com. “We took that same creative energy, added a sprinkle of retail magic, and created a space filled with things we love…unique finds, cool stuff from around the world, all curated with our signature flair.”

Not only is the stuff they sell wacky and wild, the space is too: Bananas comes complete with touches like a claw machine, pink walls and neon signs. The best part is, locals are loving it.

“​​People showed up with so much energy and curiosity, and we heard time and again that this is exactly what the neighbourhood needed,” says Stern.

“It’s been amazing to see how quickly the shop has become a neighbourhood go-to, hub for family fun and discovery. We’re so grateful to be part of this community.”

Bananas is now open at 2582 Yonge St.