From big chains like GAP and Lululemon Athletica to small independent boutiques, and antique shops, Midtown Toronto has a little bit of everything when it comes to shopping. 

The most particular shoppers never leave here empty handed. Shopping in Midtown Toronto can be a fun experience for everyone.

Midtown is north of Bloor, which is considered downtown and south of Lawrence Avenue, which is uptown. Since the year 2000, the area has been undergoing a lot of commercial growth and many young, urban professionals have moved here. 

Some people simply refer to the area as "Yonge and Eg" because much of the shopping and nightlife activity takes place in the Yonge and Eglinton area of Midtown. There are others who call it "Yonge and Eligible" due to the high concentration of single businessmen.

The corner of Yonge and Eglinton is dominated by the Yonge/Eglinton Centre; one of Toronto's most popular malls. It includes 75 stores, a multiplex theatre, an office tower, and a residential tower. 

The centre is connected to the Eglinton Subway for easy access. You will find all the top chains in the mall, as well as special services and restaurants. 

The Yonge/Eglinton Centre is open 7 days a week. Monday to Friday it is open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m for your shopping convenience. 

Saturdays you can shop from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sundays from noon until 5 p.m. For more details on the mall visit www.yongeeglintoncentre.com.

When you mention Midtown Toronto, many people picture themselves strolling along the street browsing the many shops along the way. 

The "shopping strip"; as some call Toronto's Eglinton Avenue, has clothing boutiques, men's shops, sidewalk cafés, food shops, restaurants, and specialty stores. Here's a list of the types of shops that might not get as much advertising as the bigger chains in Midtown; however, they have a large, loyal customer base. 

• Book Stores
• Records/DVD's
• Lingerie
• Home Décor
• Bead supplies
• Stationary supplies
• Kitchen Ware
• Environmental Solutions
• Antiques

Since there is a young, urban population in the area that uses public transit, it is not uncommon to see people walking along Yonge Street, carrying an antique table or armoire. 

In fact, often purchased items become the subject of conversation on the streets of Midtown; considered one of the friendliest parts of the city of Toronto. 

As modern and urban as Midtown Toronto is, it is also home to a Canadian tradition with rural roots.  Mary Maxim was established in a tiny Manitoba town back in 1952 and grew into the largest mail order merchandiser of knitting, needlework and craft materials.  

For years you could only get Mary Maxim products either through the mail or through the internet, but the Yonge/Englinton Centre has a retail outlet. Keep in mind some items still have to be ordered. 

You can do that right at the store if you like. For more information go to www.marymaxim.ca, look at the top of the homepage and click on Toronto retail.

Midtown isn't all about Yonge and Eglinton. Mount Pleasant sits just south of Eglinton and it has a high concentration of good quality retail shops, such as fashion stores, accessories and specialty shops. 

The business community has tried to develop variety and gauge the needs of residents who live in the area. For example, there are a lot of young families in Midtown. Belly Maternity specializes in fashionable, durable clothing for moms to be. 

There are also discount shops to appeal to those who want to capitalize on a good deal. For example, Act Two is a store in the Mount Pleasant road area that sells lightly used Prada, Chanel  Armani, and Michael Kors items. 

You can also find nature shops, grocery stores, as well as décor and design stores in this area of Midtown Toronto.

People who frequent the Midtown area say that shopping here is an adventure; that you never know what unique items you will walk away with or what new store you will discover and fall in love with. Some would describe the area as "cool" and "unique".   

Although Midtown is still part of the city, it can be less hectic than downtown Toronto. For those who are used to the hustle and bustle of downtown shopping, browsing the streets of Midtown can be a rather laid-back venture. 

So, if friendly, cool, unique and laid-back is what you are looking for, a trip to Midtown will make for a great shopping day.