STORE:Uncle Otis
CITY: Toronto, Canada
SINCE: 1991
FOUNDED BY:Roger O'Donnell, the keyboardist from The Cure, now Donnell Enns is the current owner.
PRICES: $$$ (out of 5)
WHY WE COSIGN: Nowadays, it's rare to find a store that is able keep a well balanced selection of fashion forward brands and streetwear apparel. Most stores either reach for the stars with looks straight off the runway or stay in the streets with brands only mentioned on blogs. Not Toronto's own Uncle Otis. What may sound like a southern eatery is actually a store founded by the keyboardist from The Cure, Roger O'Donnell. Keeping their style to a minimum and never too over the top, Uncle Otis stays ensures their customers stay fresh by cultivating a selection of understated, luxury style. "We're obsessed with details," says new owner, Donnell Enns. "[As well as] fabric, fit, construction and a one-of-a-kind selection." Sounds like the perfect balance to us.
BRANDS CARRIED:Surface to Air, Levi's and Levi's Capital E, Naked and Famous, Filippa K, YMC, Stüssy Deluxe, Mosley Tribes, Rokin, Red Wing, Canada Goose Japan, and more..
For our interview with Donnell Enns and pics of the store its address and web site, see below...
MOST POPULAR ITEMS:
PUBLIC SCHOOL PILOT LEATHER JACKET
Click here to Buy It Now at Uncle Otis, $250
SURFACE TO AIR TWO FINGER "A" RAW RING
Click here to Buy It Now at Uncle Otis, $85
CANADA GOOSE JAPAN MONTREAL VEST FOR UNCLE OTIS
Click here to Buy It Now at Uncle Otis, $250
Complex: So how did you end up with your own shop?
Donnell Enns: I took over from a couple of other guys who were done with high end street wear. Previous to 2000, I was working here and very much enjoyed offering clients great product that includes great customer service so I bought the shop from the previous owners in order to extend my personal touch.
Complex: What's so cool about your shop anyway?
Donnell Enns: We're located on a side street in Canada's premier shopping area named Yorkville. But our vibe and customer service most definitely doesn't mimic the other high end shops in the area — because we're cool with everyone who comes through. Plus our space is very comfortable, and our selection is very classic and timeless in wear ability. Having "exclusive" merchandise is kind of bullshit these days — cause all you really need is clean and classic quality craftsmanship, but we do try to keep our merchandise as rare as we can without being stupid about it.
Complex: Where do you see Uncle Otis in the future?
Donnell Enns: Consistently pleasing our loyal customers and educating the new generation of fine apparel wearers.
STORE INFO:
UNCLE OTIS
26 Bellair Street
Toronto, ON
M5R 2C7
416.920.2281
Monday - Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
