The Parlour’s Guide to Shopping in Stratford

The Parlour’s Guide to Shopping in Stratford

Stratford has so much more to offer than just world-renowned theatre. Get pleasantly lost while shopping in Ontario’s most beloved heritage town. You’ll find one-of-a-kind stores offering upscale modern fashions; arts and culture havens; foodie boutiques and an incredible array of handmade items and antiques.

It would be impossible to tell you about every worthwhile shop in Stratford, but here is a snapshot of some of our favourite spots to find exactly what you’re looking for – or something you never even imagined!

Bradshaws Kitchen & Detail

Where: 129 Ontario Street Stratford N5A 7V4

You’re an impressive cook, so you deserve to work within an impressive kitchen while perfecting your craft. Since 1895, Bradshaws has offered local and regional visitors kitchen gadgets and décor that are well-suited to the home cook and the master chef.

Chocolate Barr’s

Where: 55 George Street West Stratford N5A 1A6

Treat your sweet tooth in the centre of Stratford, Ontario. Discover over 160 handcrafted chocolates and candies that are all made on site. Don’t wait to unwrap one of these delicious bites to see what all of the fuss is about. Grab a freshly made gelato or sorbet and experience flavours that many never expect to find in a small town.

CloseKnit Quality Yarns

Where: 106 Wellington Street Stratford N5A 2L5

Are you an avid knitter? Do you love to crochet special gifts for the ones you love most? Look no further to find everything you may need to create exceptional knitted goods. CloseKnit boasts an amazing array of local and Canadian suppliers, and if you look carefully, you can usually find a great selection on sale.

Rheo Thompson

Where: 55 Albert Street Stratford N5A 3K2

If you claim to love chocolate, you know the name Rheo Thompson is associated with some of the finest goodies you can purchase in the region. Choose from more than 150 different confections and give them as gifts, so keep them for yourself to indulge in when you need a chocolate-y pick-me-up.

MacLeods Scottish Shop

Where: 80 Ontario Street Stratford N5A 3H2

You don’t have to travel to the United Kingdom to get amazing gifts, trinkets and souvenirs that are representative of the nation. Just visit Macleods, in the centre of Stratford, to find high-quality clothing and giftware from Scotland, Ireland and England.

Meet Your Makers Handmade Gallery & Gifts

Where: 62 Wellington St. Stratford ON N5A 2L2

This new boutique features gifts and a small gallery that showcase independent designers and craftsmanship. The business goes beyond offering unique items to encourage Stratford shoppers to re-think how they buy to support socially-conscious purchases.

Olive Your Favourites

Where: 21 York Street Stratford N5A 1A1

Culinary enthusiasts look no further to fulfil “olive” your needs. This specialty shop offers extra virgin olive oils of the highest quality. The shop owner collects these olive oils from experts around the world – including olive oil producers from Italy, Spain, Chile and Australia.

Taste olive oil flavours that will surprise and delight you. From sweet to spicy to savoury, you can sample many of the shop’s varieties and then return home with your favourites to create exceptional meals with olive oil at the centre.

Stratford Antique Warehouse

Where: 2977 Forest Road, Stratford ON N5A 6S5

Find the fruits of more than 120 dealers’ labour in one of the most charming antique stores in the area. From Victorian-era pieces to vintage toys, this shop is an antique hunter’s dream.

Stratford Festival Shop

Where: 99 Downie Street Stratford

Whether you’ve just watched a play or if you are simply looking for the perfect gift for the theatre-lover in your life, you will find many unique items that embody the spirit of the Stratford festival here.

Swanson’s Jewellers

Where: 83 Ontario Street Stratford N5A 3H1

Visitors to Stratford and locals with discerning tastes have been falling for the Swanson difference for more than 65 years. Many of the creations here have been carefully handcrafted by their on-site goldsmith, so custom pieces of jewellery are a habit of this establishment, which is known for is distinctive jewellery and gifts.

The Artful Badger

Where: 98 Downie Street, Stratford, Ontario N5A 1W9

Indulge the man in your life with high quality grooming products. The Artful Badger specializes in classic shaving food and beard care, as well as a variety of other products to keep men looking and feeling fresh.

The Barkery

Where: 4 George Street West Stratford N5A 1A5

You love your pet, and you know they deserve the best. The Barkery offers pets and their owners a wide selection of delicious and healthy treats. They only used the highest quality ingredients and they are dedicated to producing all-natural goods for your furry companion.

The Magic Box

Where: 26 Ontario Street Stratford ON N5A 3G8

Discover mystical and religious relics in this unique shop. It’s a truly magical experience and the service is exceptional, so take a peek and add a little magic into your life.

The Wee Book & Photo Shop Treasures

Where: 151 Ontario Street Stratford N5A 3H1

Long live the book and all of the delights one can experience when they start out on a new literary adventure. This wholesome boutique is a great spot to stop if you still love the feel of a hearty novel in your hands. Rediscover old favourites and find new narratives to explore in this local favourite.

Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar

Where: 84 Ontario Street Stratford N5A 3H4

When you think of the wholesome and lively vibe of Stratford, a store like Watson’s is likely to come to mind. Discover an amusingly eclectic mix of goods from around the world – something new is always arriving, so you’ll never get bored of this great bazaar.

Wills & Prior

Where: 22 Wellington Street Stratford

Do you have a flair for décor? Visit Wills & Prior to discover specular pieces that will beautify your entire home. This boutique celebrates local and international artisans who share your love of quality home goods.

Shop till you drop and then retire to upscale accommodations and enjoy gourmet pub food in the heart of Stratford, Ontario at The Parlour Inn. Your stay at The Parlour will be the perfect way to cap off a day of shopping adventures.