Zoinks Music & Books

Zoinks isn’t just a fun word to say. The neighbourhood music and book emporium offers an ever-changing selection of hard-to-find used books and vinyl records across a variety of genres. Despite its small size, the well-stocked shop has a fast turnaround on its inventory, which means there’s always something new to discover.

Owner Philippa Pires and her business partner have watched the Bloorcourt neighbourhood change and evolve since they first opened the used book and record store in 2005. “When we first moved in it was a bit run down,” she notes. “Now we’re seeing nicer restaurants, art galleries, and coffee shops moving in.”

The gentrifying retail strip has brought in a whole new clientele for Zoinks. “We’re really lucky because we’ve had our core regulars that have been with us here from the start but we’re always gaining more customers,” says Philippa.