While not ‘new’ in the typical sense, Kid Icarus did unveil itself bigger, better, and with a new program designed to incubate emerging artists in fall of 2012. With more than three times the square footage and a whole lot more pretty printed inventory, this paper and crafts store kept Kensington Market as its home digs, but stocked its new space with evermore stuffed art sculptures and DIY kits. A Pinner’s paradise, that’s for sure.

Famous among Toronto’s restaurateurs, Stroudfoot decided to take its “sleek decay” style direct to people looking for an alternative to big box design stores. Occupying a sprawling loft space off of Atlantic Avenue in Liberty Village, Stroudfoot is part custom furniture, part refurbished vintage pop-culture pieces, and part pink Godzillas and other Japanese toys. Kaiju fans rejoice.

Who better to tap for select contemporary design pieces than the contemporary design pros themselves? William Craig Design Studio decided to make optimal use of its new streetside Ossington space by combining its corporate office with a gallery shop open to the public. Pieces in this sparsely stocked store are limited to the design firm’s absolute favourites, including rustic wooden iPad stands and hemlock leaning coatracks.

First came the magazine, then came the global brand. And now, Toronto has its very own Monocle retail shop (what of it, London?). New to College Street in October, the Monocle Shop has everything the worldly, sophisticated, modern “Monocle” man needs, including pure cashmere throws from Ongolia and Nordic Air limited edition prints. And remember, a home isn’t a home without a flameless Hinoki wood diffuser from Japan.

This store is a bit of a paper paradise. New to Bloordale in October 2012, this place is plush with prints of your favourite celebs, cards for every occasion, gifts bags, bows, and ties, and of course, the most eccentric of wrapping papers. Find the odd gift and home décor item here, too, including coffee table books on birds and ornaments to decorate your tree or otherwise.