When most people think of Kingston, Ontario, they picture limestone architecture, historic military sites, and the beautiful waterfront of Lake Ontario. However, for locals and savvy travelers alike, this vibrant city is also a premier destination for retail therapy. From charming independent boutiques to sprawling big-box centers, the shopping scene here offers a surprising depth and variety that rivals much larger metropolitan areas.
Understanding the local retail landscape is key to making the most of your time and budget. Unlike the homogenized malls found in many North American cities, Kingston’s shopping experience is defined by distinct neighborhoods and local character. Whether you are hunting for high-end fashion, unique artisan goods, or everyday essentials, the city provides a welcoming atmosphere that encourages exploration.
The heart of the action lies in the historic Downtown district, where centuries-old limestone buildings house modern retailers and cozy cafes. Here, the emphasis is on walkability and discovery, allowing you to move seamlessly from a heritage boutique to a contemporary gallery. It is an area that rewards those who prefer to wander rather than rush.
For those seeking convenience and larger brand names, the city’s west end offers a different but equally satisfying experience. This area serves as the commercial hub, featuring major retail chains, grocery giants, and specialized electronics stores. It is the practical counterpart to the artistic downtown core, ensuring that residents and visitors have access to everything they need.
Given the city’s status as a university town, the retail mix is uniquely eclectic. You will find stores catering to the student population, such as trendy thrift shops and affordable tech outlets, sitting alongside high-end jewelers and gourmet food purveyors. This blend creates a dynamic market where quality and value coexist.
To help you navigate this retail-rich environment, we have curated a list of the top destinations that define the Kingston shopping experience. Whether you are a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor planning a trip, these locations offer the best in quality, service, and selection.
King's Crossing Fashion Outlet
| Address | 95 Dalton Ave, Kingston, ON K7K 0C4, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (833) 909-9997 |
Kings Crossing Fashion Outlet is conveniently located near Kingston, Ontario, in eastern Canada. The area is beautiful and easy to access, close to Lake Ontario and it a perfect shopping stop for travelers.
We really enjoyed our visit. They offer well-known brands like Columbia, Mountain Warehouse, Laura, and more, with a great selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. Even as international tourists, we felt very comfortable and welcomed. It was a pleasant shopping experience overall.
We used to go here often but most of our favorite stores ( Levi's and Tommy Hilfiger)were gone. However, if you like Columbia then you will love their prices as compared to buying their clothes elsewhere. Great stock, great prices, great quality.
Loved shopping here.stores are less but they have some really good deals and good inventory as well.
Stores always seem to have incredible deals. Especially adidas! However, the public washrooms always seem to be locked up and they lock them at 5pm on the weekends even though some stores close at 6pm!
Exceptional outlet stores, very impressed with mall layout, special area strictly for men and women's washrooms, very nicely laid out, no need to interfere with shopping centers personal space
Cataraqui Centre
| Address | 945 Gardiners Rd, Kingston, ON K7M 7H4, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 389-7900 |
Best mall in Kingston. Plenty of parking and municipal bus service and lots of shops. Food court and a dental office as well as optical services. Starbucks as well. Since the bay closes it’s undergoing a bit of a transition.
So many cool stores to shop in. Lots of great sales and I even had a nice chocolate ice cream cone after my delicious meal. The staff at Sportschek were very helpful as well as very polite. We spent over an hour there and got 2 awesome pair of Nike shoes.
Easy parking, always clean and friendly, solid selection of stores from a "DOLLAR" to Record shop. I did find the cost of a hotdog at the food court a little crazy ($7)?, but many other options like SUBWAY. 🍻 ❤️
It’s a mall with decent food court options, bank, pharmacy all in one place. Budget friendly and decent clothing stores too. The temporary hosting of Kingston Public Library makes it a plus point for me these days.
To be fair, I am not a big mall shopper, so I come at this with some bias. On the positive side, the Cataraqui Centre is highly accessible and serves as a vital transit hub for anyone relying on Kingston’s bus system.
However, the retail mix leaves a lot to be desired if you value quality over fast fashion. It feels like most stores target a very specific demographic of consumerism, but it’s hard to pin down who. Almost everything for sale is overpriced, mass-produced in third-world countries, and lacking in natural materials. I would gladly pay a premium for high-quality, 100% cotton apparel or Canadian-made goods, but you won't find that here. The same goes for the food court—it's expensive fast food, which holds zero appeal if you prefer healthy eating or home-cooked meals.
Honestly, the space is massive, and I wish they would pivot to a market-style concept—similar to the indoor Western Fair Farmers Market in London, Ontario. An indoor, year-round artisanal and farmers market would do incredibly well in this location and actually serve the local community.
Downtown Kingston
| Address | 353 King St E #200, Kingston, ON K7L 3B5, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (613) 542-8677 |
Kingston is a beautiful and charming city with a great mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. The waterfront is lovely, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops, and interesting places to explore. The city has a relaxed atmosphere while still offering lots to do, making it a great place to visit or spend some time. Overall, Kingston is a welcoming and picturesque destination that I would happily recommend to others.
We chose the 3-hour Thousand Islands cruise from Gananoque, and it was absolutely worth it. The scenery was stunning from start to finish, with beautiful islands, charming waterfront homes, and breathtaking views along the way.
The cruise was well organized, the boat was comfortable, and everything ran smoothly. The staff were friendly, and the overall experience was relaxing and enjoyable.
If you're visiting the area, I highly recommend taking the 3-hour cruise at least once. It's a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Thousand Islands and create lasting memories.
Kingston is such a charming town. Princess St is always packed with life and things to do. I love the little resting seats offered alongside the whole street
The most lively and touristy area in Kingston! We explored this neighborhood for a couple of hours and were amazed by the historic and charming architecture of the buildings. We enjoyed walking along the cobblestone streets and lanes, and the cool breeze by the lakeshore. We also visited a few shops before having lunch at a restaurant. There were some local artists performing, and after lunch, we enjoyed some live music. Overall, it was a memorable outing, and we’ll definitely revisit in the future.
Downtown Kingston is such a great place to explore. The historic limestone buildings give it a lot of charm, and the whole area is very walkable. Princess Street is full of restaurants, cafés, and shops, so there’s always something new to try. The waterfront is just steps away and makes for a perfect spot to relax or take photos, especially at sunset.
The vibe is lively but still comfortable — summer patios, street festivals, and markets make it feel fun and welcoming, while in winter the lights and seasonal events keep it cozy.
There’s a good mix of local businesses and familiar spots, so you can find everything from unique boutiques to casual eats and fine dining.
Parking can be a bit tricky at busy times, but overall Downtown Kingston is vibrant, scenic, and definitely worth visiting.
Kingston Centre
| Address | Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1H2, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Kingston Centre is a very convenient spot in the city. You can find grocery stores, fast-food places, pharmacies, banks, and other everyday essentials all in one area. It also has one of the main bus terminals in Kingston, so it’s easy to get around from here.
Small Centre with few stores! Lobllaws, Drug store, Walk in medical clinic, dental office, Dollorama, CIBC bank, Canadian Tire. Stackhouse pancakes. Coffee Shop, TD Bank, and a few othrr shops! Bus depot! Spacious parking lot and well maintained!
It's a great place.They have a lot of good events here.
Disappointing how the area is not pedestrian friendly. Such as the banking only has drive through which has caused friction with cars in line ups as well as McDonald's not offering their walk up window service and also only accommodating drivers after the dinning room closes.
Went to a new restaurant in Kingston CentreCalled Stacked. Very clean and awesome service. Prices are very affordable. And my waitress Cee was very friendly and took my order right away. I only took 1 pancake but you can see how huge they are. Very tasty and cooked properly. I'd give this restaurant 5 stars all the way round. Excellentstaff and food and very clean.Ill be back
Frontenac Mall
| Address | 1300 Bath Rd, Kingston, ON K7M 4X4, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (613) 544-9133 |
To say that this mall is dying a slow and painful death is putting it mildly. Most of the shops are boarded up and Dollarama (edit: entrance on the exterior now) and Value Village are the anchor stores. Need I say more? Bright points include a Swiss Chalet, Mandarin, and Food Basics. So I guess there are some redeeming features. If you're looking for a place that has stuff though, head to the Cat Centre.
Not much there anymore , for a place that was full
Of stores
Always busy it’s been replaced by more apartments another gym
It was a delicious experience . I Tried the columbian Chai which literally filled my tastebuds😋
Something I realized quickly is that Claudine (the store owner ) loves her business and customers. And the customers got that same feeling for her.
It's sad that she is moving her store to a different location soon.
I wish all the very best and hope to see you guys in the new store.
Oh,and I doodled about Batman in her memory note 📝 😅
I miss the old Mall and can't wait for updates, stopped by the Hock shop
Frontenac Mall has gone through many changes over the years and continues to evolve as the needs of the community change. While it is no longer the busy shopping destination it once was, the property remains an important part of Kingston and has significant potential for future redevelopment. Its central location is one of its biggest strengths, with easy access to transit, shopping, and surrounding neighbourhoods. It will be interesting to see how the site develops in the coming years and what new opportunities it brings to the community.
Riverview Shopping Centre
| Address | 1200-1224 15, Kingston, ON K7L 0C4, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 546-6277 |
Riverview Shopping Centre is a convenient retail plaza that offers a good mix of stores, services, and everyday essentials in one location. The centre is easy to access, parking is generally plentiful, and it is a practical place to run multiple errands without having to travel across town. The property is usually clean and well maintained, and the variety of businesses makes it useful for both local residents and visitors. Overall, it is a dependable shopping centre that focuses on convenience and accessibility.
We were here two days on our RC cruise. The beach club was great, but did cost more. You can get away with just going to the other beaches or the Oasis lagoon. We liked how peaceful the beach club was and it was not crowd. Nice and laid back. You also get a shuttle straight from the boat!
We were really happy when the Riverview Centre opened. The west side of Kingston has sprawled and grown so busy. Here on the east end our shopping options have been limited. But now with this new shopping center we have a Food Basics, great especially for its produce, another pharmacy, a pet value and an lcbo. There's even a great pub that has amazing food, great variety of beverages and it's so convenient. We're still in the country but we have great access to amenities without having to go across or downtown.
The Dentistry at Riverview shopping centre is one of the best Dentistry I've ever been to. The staff is very professional, understanding and patient with patients who are afraid of injections like me 😀. Each time I go there, I am treated with kindness and respect.
That's why I keep on going there.
BTW they do direct billing for those who have insurance coverage.
The shopping center is the place for all of your shopping needs whether for grocery, pet foods or liquor with dine-in or takeout restaurants.
For one stop shopping this has most of what you need. Starbucks, pet store, sushi, more restaurants, pharmacy, grocery store an LCBO and a bank!
Lots of parking and easy in and out.
All buildings and parking are accessible.
City + Oak
| Address | 212 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1B2, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 548-4826 |
City & Oak and Cloth are stores run by a mother-daughter duo. Bought a hat from Cloth for $30 that was priced at $20 at City & Oak. While that is totally on me, the sales person told me to go in and tell the owner anyways. The owner was completely rude and just loudly said okay so what? Do you want to buy something? Overall experience was unpleasant and I won’t return to either store.
Lovely experience!
Great selection of clothes and sizes. Wonderful and helpful staff. Definitely a local favourite ♥️
I spent two days shopping for wedding guest formal dresses with zero luck. I also rarely venture downtown. I walked in to store, explained my dilemma and she chose 2 dresses... They both fit like a glove and I felt amazing in both of them. Will definitely do more in the downtown for. Extremely satisfied. She seemed to know exactly what i was looking for.
Great customer service by Marci. She showed me some great fashion and I left with a "few" pieces.
Great experience and beautiful clothing. You must check this place out and also visit Cheryl, Cathy and Lisa at Cloth. Best two stores ever! You won't be disappointed!
Kudos to a great team of women!
My favourite store for new clothes in Kingston! They always have a great selection of seasonal pieces and a well-stocked sale rack. The owner and staff are great and are always willing to lend a hand or give an opinion on items you’re trying on!
Martello Alley
| Address | 203 B Wellington St, Kingston, ON K7K 2Y6, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 767-2966 |
I met the owner David at his other art store, when he told me about this alley and its history. It is very carefully thought out, curated and crafted to reflect Kingston history and Canadian history! A very neat find, lots of cute gifts and art. Worth a visit if you're in the area!
The owners of the shop are the sweetest couple and it is so obvious how passionate they are about creating a welcoming environment and community. They support local artisans by selling their creations in the shop and also being well-versed in their artists’ lives and creation process. I learned so much about Kingston and its artists from the man who owns this shop. Overwhelmingly kind and an extremely well curated shop with all types of art and knick knacks. Highly recommend!
Found this place on Facebook and loved it! The walls are filled with amazing art from local artists, paintings, magnet, photographs, etc. David was super friendly and gave us a great tour of the alley. It's so colorful, definitely adds some much-needed color to Kingston's grey winter🌈
Really cool experience to see artworks from 45+ artists in one place. One of a kind place in ontario and they've got artworks and items scross different ranges $10 to $1000 if you'd like.. a must visit to support local community.
Touristy, artistic, instagram worthy alley. There were really cool and interesting art works on sale. And a cute cafe! Nice corner to explore.
Antique Alley
| Address | 207B Wellington St, Kingston, ON K7K 2Y6, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (613) 545-1120 |
Me and my husband is in love with the old times so antique shops were a haven for us. This place is so so full!!! I am overwhelmed. I feel like they could totally use morr soace so they can showcase more items properly. They have an amazing collection of everything!! We were able to purchase several items and would love to get so much more! The owners were very friendly and accomodating. I will keep coming back to this gem whenever I am in the area!
There are antique shops - and then there's the Antique Alley!! This shop is, without question, the best antique shop that I have seen... The quality of the items that they have on display is PhD-level...
Every time we are in town we make sure to stop off at this charming spot. Like visiting a gallery of inspiring objects, curiousities, furniture and more. Exploring the various rooms and displays is always fun. If you’re looking for unique gifts or decor definitely check out this magical place.
A beautiful story run by wonderful people! As soon as you step in you're welcomed by music and an old homey feeling. I would recommend looking in every corner, its packed with treasures!
Honestly, the prices are really high... but I guess it attracts a specific niche. Pretty cool though, it left me on memories lane. Felt like a free museum. Cute old dog near the entrance.
Waterfront Gifts & Apparel
| Address | 248 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 5P7, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 549-8012 |
Buy tickets for Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises at Waterfront. There are also many exquisite gifts to buy.
Bought a resident pass and wish would have purchased online. Didn’t know until the next day that some seasons events ended 30 June but you have to read through the booklet you received after you paid. No discount for late season purchase either. Dont get the booklet after mid June. Girls at the front were really nice so I couldn’t be mad though. If they could make it known beforehand that’d be appreciated.
Nice souvenir shop. Local Kingston or 1000 Islands souvenirs. Prices reasonable.
A lovely store right at the waterfront offering a beautiful selections of gifts, homewear, and clothing. There's abundant choice and a terrific place to find a surprise for a friend or yourself. Staff is friendly and proud of their space.
Extra bonus of a souvenir pressed coin machine so bring a loonie with you for a small keepsake of your visit.
Bit Expensive on stock there, but because your there once in time you price does not matter. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Cruise boarding pass are available here next step staff will guide you.
RioCan Centre
| Address | 670 Gardiners Rd #616, Kingston, ON K7M 3X9, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (416) 866-3033 |
Kelsey's presented delicious food as usual. Even during the uncertainty and trying times of running a business during COVID 19. Well done and thank you Kelsey's.
RioCan Centre is one of the most convenient shopping destinations in Kingston. It may not have the charm of a traditional downtown shopping district or the atmosphere of an enclosed mall, but it does an excellent job of bringing together a wide variety of stores, services, and restaurants in one location. Whether you are running errands, shopping for household items, picking up groceries, or grabbing a quick meal, there is a good chance you can accomplish everything in a single trip.
One of the biggest strengths of RioCan Centre is the selection. Having major retailers, specialty stores, restaurants, and service providers all within the same area makes it extremely practical and efficient. The parking is generally plentiful, and the layout allows shoppers to move between stores relatively easily. For busy families and working professionals, convenience is often the deciding factor, and RioCan Centre delivers on that front.
What I appreciate most is that it has become something of a one-stop shopping destination for Kingston residents. Instead of driving across the city to visit multiple locations, you can often find everything you need in one area. The site is generally clean, well maintained, and accessible, which contributes to a positive overall experience.
That said, the centre is very much designed around the automobile. Traffic can become frustrating during busy periods, especially on weekends and around holidays. Pedestrian access between some sections could also be improved, and the overall design feels more functional than inviting. While it serves its purpose extremely well, it lacks some of the character and sense of community found in other shopping districts.
Overall, RioCan Centre is not necessarily a destination that people visit for the experience itself, but it excels at what it was designed to do. It offers convenience, variety, and accessibility, making it one of Kingston's most useful retail hubs. For everyday shopping and errands, it is hard to argue with the practicality of having so many services and stores located in one place.
PetSmart is a great store lots to choose from pricey dog food and cat litter tho. Lets bring down these essential items for pets and they all might be taken care of just a little better ❤️
I like the riocan centre. From banking to building and office supplies
Couldn't count how many stores and services located here. But all of them are so handy
Even has a nice big theater and a lot of restaurants.
You can shop for your pet, your car, your home and your office. Without leaving the same parking lot
The riocan center has even a good selection of furniture stores, like the Brick and husk
And to round out the handy stores theres Best Buy and staples
I was at your store at the Rio Can Mall Kingston, Ontario purchasing a plastic table cloth to be cut on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, I was serviced by Jen and Carolyn. Jen was helpful in my decision on the pattern I preferred most and the measurements that would be the best fit for my round table. Took me over to a rounded table approx the same size and I could affirm that was pretty much the size of my table at home. The cut was so perfectly done that I just had to place it on the table and it fitted perfectly! Yeah!
I would go back to the store because both Jen and Carolyn were very friendly and professional and fun to talk to. They were very patient and polite. I could easily select the two of them as "Besty's" if I had that option. No pun intended. Carolyn is a super friendly Cashier and the two of them work very well together as a team. I would highly recommend them for Admin. or Management. Super nice and very informative! Keep up the awesome service!
Note: Not 2 reviews. Phone glitch. Thanks!
Hatley Boutique Outlet Kingston
| Address | 112 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1A7, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (343) 477-0299 |
Small downtown store for children's clothes. If you have girls or grand daughters it is fine. For boys, you need to look elsewhere. Very little to chose from for boys and few size selections. The last several times I have visited the store I have left empty handed.
Shout out to to Dana for outstanding service. We were on a video call with my daughter showing off various outfits to purchase for her children. Dana immediatly began supplying us with suitable sized items for the camera. Dana was very attentive and super polite. What a great employee! Thank you.
We had a wonderful experience at this Kids clothing store! The collection is fantastic, with a wide variety of adorable and high-quality outfits. The staff was incredibly friendly and went above and beyond for us—staying open an extra 30 minutes so we could wait out the rain comfortably. The discounts were an added bonus, making our shopping trip even better. Highly recommend!
Great choice of kids garments, but almost nothing for adults. Only selected items are on sale up to 25%, so I wouldn't call this outlet, just a retail store - small, inconvenient and way below our expectations. You can grab some cooking ware for almost free, but t-shirts will cost at least $25, and moreover - kids items are even more expensive!
The staff was very friendly and helpful, but the assortment is poor. Lots of clothes for boys and girls but practically nothing for adults. The shop is small and it’s not easy to find something because all the clothes was mixed on the shelves. There were some good discounts but it doesn’t worth coming from other cities.
Tips for a Successful Shopping Trip in Kingston
To truly maximize your retail experience in this historic city, a little local knowledge goes a long way. While the shopping centers and boutiques are welcoming, understanding the geography, timing, and local customs can save you time and money. The following strategies are designed to help you navigate the city’s diverse commercial districts like a seasoned local rather than a tourist.
Park strategically and walk when possible. Downtown Kingston is highly walkable, but street parking can be competitive during peak hours. Instead of circling the block, park in a central municipal lot or utilize the city’s park-and-ride options if you are coming from the outskirts. Once parked, keep your car in place and explore the downtown core on foot; the distances between boutiques are short, and walking allows you to discover hidden alleyways and pop-up shops you would miss from a vehicle.
Time your visit to avoid the student rush. Because Kingston is home to Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College, the retail centers experience distinct seasonal fluctuations. September and late April see a massive influx or exodus of students, making malls and big-box stores particularly busy. If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, aim for weekday mornings or the summer months when the student population significantly decreases.
Look beyond the big brands for authentic souvenirs. While the major shopping centers offer convenience, the true character of Kingston lies in its independent retailers. When looking for gifts or keepsakes, prioritize local artisans and food producers. Items like locally roasted coffee, regional maple syrup, or handcrafted jewelry found in the downtown core offer a far more authentic representation of the city than generic merchandise.
Dress for the weather and the lake breeze. Kingston sits directly on Lake Ontario, which means the weather can change rapidly, especially near the waterfront shopping areas. Even on a sunny day, the breeze off the lake can be chilly. Wearing layers ensures you remain comfortable whether you are browsing an outdoor market or walking between climate-controlled stores.
Support the local farmers’ markets. If your visit aligns with the weekend or a seasonal market day, prioritize these community events. The Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market and the historic market square offer an excellent opportunity to shop for fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts while interacting directly with the producers. It is a shopping experience that provides both high-quality goods and a sense of the local community.
Utilize the “shop local” loyalty mindset. Many independent stores in Kingston participate in community loyalty programs or offer discounts to local students and residents. Do not hesitate to ask a cashier if there are any local perks, mailing list discounts, or upcoming sale events. Engaging with store owners often unlocks personalized service and deals that are not advertised online.
Kingston’s retail landscape is a reflection of the city itself: historic yet modern, practical yet artistic. Whether you are spending a day browsing the limestone-lined streets of the downtown core or efficiently ticking off your list at a major retail center, the experience is defined by a distinct sense of place. The absence of heavy traffic congestion and the general friendliness of the local merchants make shopping here a low-stress, high-reward activity.
Ultimately, the best approach to shopping in Kingston is to embrace the variety. Allow yourself time to transition from the big-box convenience of the west end to the curated charm of the historic center. By doing so, you will not only find exactly what you are looking for but likely discover a few treasures you never knew you needed.
