Honest Ed’s was located at 581 Bloor St W (between Bathurst St and Markham St) in the Mirvish Village neighbourhood of Toronto.
Ed Mirvish & His Beloved Store
The discount shopping landmark was opened in 1948 by Ed and Anne Mirvish. Starting with one store near the corner of Bloor St W and Bathurst St, the family acquired several properties along Bloor, eventually occupying a city block. The store was put together using existing homes and buildings, which made the store a maze to walk through.
There’s no place….like this place….anyplace!!!
Along with giving free turkeys away at Christmas and Thanksgiving, Ed was known for his marketing stunts like loss-leader bargains. The store was also known for the hand-painted posters with funny slogans, including:
- “Don’t just stand there!!! Buy something!”
- “Come in and get lost.”
- “Honest Ed is for the birds!!! Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!”
- “Honest Ed’s a flop! But his prices will make you flip!”
Along with being a philanthropist, Ed Mirvish was also a patron of the theatre operating the Royal Alexandra, Princess of Wales, Ed Mirvish and CAA Theatres. Also a restaurateur, Mr Mirvish ran several restaurants on King St West, including Ed’s Warehouse. It was said that when Ed restored the beautiful Royal Alex Theatre, he started rejuvenating what we know today as the Entertainment District.
Ed Mirvish passed away in 2007. Honest Ed’s continued to operate for 68 years and closed on December 31, 2016.
Mirvish Village Today
In 2013, the property was sold to Westbank Corp. The real estate development company is building Mirvish Village Condos. It will be a rental-only development with 800+ units and is expected to be completed in 2023.
On Bathurst St, just north of Bloor St W, there’s a parkette dedicated to Ed and Anne Mirvish.
Part of the iconic Honest Ed’s sign is being refurbished, and there are plans to install it at the back doors of the Ed Mirvish Theatre on Victoria St. The sign had over 23,000 bulbs.
Honest Ed’s Photos
The Ed & Anne Mirvish Parkette – Humanitarians, Retail Innovators, Arts Advocates
“Ed and Anne Mirvish, two of Toronto’s most beloved and celebrated citizens were married in 1941 and through a strong commitment to family, enjoyed 66 years of marriage. Ed (Honest Ed), an entrepreneur and Anne, an artist and performer supported, encouraged and inspired each other and with their generous human spirit became a strong driving force in the support of community, the arts, worthy causes and entrepreneurial endeavours.
Together, they founded Honest Ed’s in 1948, Canada’s first discount retail store at Bloor and Bathurst Streets, one of Toronto’s most recognized landmarks, rescued Toronto’s historic Alexandra Theatre from demolition in 1962, created a theatrical renaissance in Toronto, pioneered Toronto’s vibrant entertainment district, and developed Mirvish Village-Art Colony.
At Honest Ed’s store they hosted two long-time traditions in the city of Toronto: Ed’s annual and free public birthday parties, attended by thousands, and the giving of free turkeys to thousands of families at Christmas time.
On the day of Ed Mirvish’s funeral, July 13, 2007, the lights of Broadway in New York were dimmed; the first ever such honour given to a Canadian.”
Through Their Passion, Vision And Dedication, They Created A Lasting Legacy In The City Of Toronto Which Has Enriched The Lives Of The Citizens Of Toronto And Visitors Alike.
Mayor David Miller, Toronto City Council on behalf of the People of Toronto in Gratitude and Appreciation Dedicated this Parkette September 22, 2008
The plaque is located on Bathurst St, just north of Bloor St W
“Honest Ed” Mivish, a beloved Torontonian on the occasion of his 90th Birthday “For his outstanding contributions and service to the city of Toronto and its people. He exemplifies the nobility of the human spirit and has made a difference in many lives. Mayor David Miller, Toronto City Council and the People of Toronto, in Appreciation and Gratitude hereby dedicate this plaque July 24th, 2004.”
The plaque is located at Bloor St W and Bathurst St
SOURCE
- Heritage Toronto plaque
- Mirvish: Honest Ed’s
- Royal Alexandra Theatre: History
- CTV News – Toronto: Honest Ed’s sign will be moved to Ed Mirvish Theatre
- Photos: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photos: City of Toronto Archives
- Toronto City Directory by Might Directories Ltd 1950 & 1955 courtesy of Toronto Public Library
- Street Photo: Bathurst St and Bloor St W 2009 & 2018 from Google Maps
- Artist Rendering Illustration: Westbank Corp & Henriquez Partners Architects
