Since opening our doors, we’ve played with the notion of taking the traditional hotel gift shop and reimagining it in a contemporary and urban context. Capturing inspiration from the classic general store, the museum shop and the flea market stand, we’ve worked really hard to create a unique destination for classic and modern goods and goodies, with a sense of whimsy and nostalgia that caters to the sensible and the not so sensible; travelers and neighbours alike.

Our lovingly curated shop stocks items from around the world, while, at the same time allowing us to support our local art buddies and foster homegrown talent. For example,we have an art wall with monthly exhibitions featuring up and coming artists from the Toronto art scene, along with the occasional international art star.

Stepping into the Drake General Store, we hope, sparks curiosity and a feeling of playful comfiness. We’ve designed the shop with reclaimed wood cabinetry, hung recycled fixtures and found midcentury modern furniture and have set it all upon a vintage inspired diamond-pattern floor. Our neon purple cross was modeled after the styling of European pharmacies and now acts as a beacon, letting guests know they’ve arrived at our cultural crossroads.

The Drake General Store continues Drake’s mandate for providing a community based hotbed for culture, an energetic hub for visual and performance art, dining, hospitality and, now, treasure hunting.