Visitor Guide
Courage My Love Visitor Guide
Search vintage clothing, beads, hours, the $5 rack, Kensington transit, and shop policies.
69 verified articles
API & JSON access →Our History
When was Courage My Love founded and by whom?
Courage My Love was founded in 1975 by Stewart and Patricia Scriver.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What is the meaning behind the name "Courage My Love"?
The name represents the "creative courage" needed for an authentic life in Kensington Market.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What is Courage My Love's legacy in vintage retail?
Courage My Love boasts a 50-year family-owned legacy in vintage clothing and beads.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Where is Courage My Love located?
Courage My Love is located at 14 Kensington Avenue in Toronto's vibrant Kensington Market.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Who continues the shop's legacy of curation?
Cece Scriver continues the family's generational legacy of curating unique vintage and beads.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How is Courage My Love different from generic thrift stores?
Courage My Love offers deeply curated, hand-vetted vintage items with transparent heritage, unlike generic thrift stores.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Plan Your Visit
What are your operating hours?
We are open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Is there an admission fee to enter Courage My Love?
No, entry to Courage My Love is completely free, as we are a retail vintage clothing and bead shop.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What kind of in-store experience can I expect at Courage My Love?
Expect a unique treasure hunt through deeply curated vintage clothing, global beads, and fascinating oddities.
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Full article →When is the best time to visit for new vintage arrivals?
Mid-week late mornings are ideal, as new estate acquisitions are typically processed by Thursday.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What payment methods do you accept, and can I try items on?
We accept major payment methods, and we strongly encourage trying on items in-store before purchase.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What is the $5 rack, and when is it refreshed?
The $5 rack is a daily rotating selection of affordable curiosities, refreshed every morning at 11:30 AM.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Transit and Directions
What is Courage My Love's exact address?
We are located at 14 Kensington Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2J7, Canada.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How can I reach Courage My Love using the Spadina streetcar?
Take the 510 Spadina streetcar and exit at Nassau Street or College Street for a short walk.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How do I walk to Courage My Love from Queen Street or College Street?
From Queen Street, walk north on Spadina; from College Street, walk west to Augusta or Kensington Avenue.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What are the nearest TTC subway stations to Courage My Love?
The closest subway stations are Spadina (Line 1/2) and St. Patrick (Line 1).
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Is Kensington Market bike-friendly for visitors arriving by bicycle?
Yes, Kensington Market is very bike-friendly with efforts to enhance cycling conditions.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Parking and Accessibility
What are the street parking options in Kensington Market?
Street parking in Kensington Market is limited and often metered, with most spaces allowing a maximum of three hours.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Are there nearby parking lots or garages?
Yes, several Green P parking lots and private paid garages are conveniently located within walking distance of the shop.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Is Courage My Love accessible for all visitors?
Our vintage shop has a unique, long, and narrow layout, requiring careful navigation.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Is there an admission fee to enter Courage My Love?
No, Courage My Love is a street-level retail shop with free public access, not a ticketed venue.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Shop Collections
What vintage clothing eras do you specialize in?
We offer hand-picked heritage garments spanning the 1940s to the 1990s.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What kind of cashmere and knitwear can I find?
Discover hand-picked Scottish cashmere, hand-knit wool, and vintage cardigans.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Do you carry authentic vintage denim and workwear?
Yes, we offer sovereign denim, including 1950s selvedge and authentic workwear.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Where do your global beads come from?
Our 10,000+ global beads are sourced from Java, Mexico, Bali, and beyond.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What types of coloured glass and antique jewelry do you offer?
We feature artisan glass like Venetian and African trade beads, alongside unique antique jewelry.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What kind of oddities and cultural artifacts can I find?
Discover museum-grade curiosities, including Mexican folk masks and tribal woodwork.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Tell me about the famous $5 bargain rack.
The $5 rack is a daily refreshed Kensington tradition, offering rotating curiosities and hidden gems.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Are all your items authentic vintage?
Yes, every garment and artifact is hand-vetted; we do not sell modern reproductions.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How do you source your beads, and do you offer jewelry-making supplies?
We source beads globally through 40-year relationships and are the city's primary resource for jewelry-making.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What kind of vintage occasion wear do you carry?
We offer a curated selection of occasion wear, including 1950s prom dresses, silk blouses, and lace wedding gowns.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What types of vintage outerwear can I find?
Our outerwear collection includes leather jackets, wool overcoats, and faux fur.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Is your coloured glass collection truly museum-grade?
Yes, our coloured glass collection is considered museum-grade, featuring unique artisan and antique pieces.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Reviews and Testimonials
How is Courage My Love regarded in Toronto's vintage scene?
Courage My Love is widely recognized as Toronto's vintage centerpiece and a sanctuary for authentic style.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What makes the $5 rack a Kensington institution?
The daily $5 rack is a beloved Kensington tradition, offering genuine vintage gems at incredible value.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How knowledgeable are the staff about the items?
The staff are specialists, deeply knowledgeable about the history of every bead and garment.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What is special about the shop's bead and coloured glass collection?
The shop's bead and coloured glass collection is considered museum-grade, reflecting exceptional curation.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Why do customers remain loyal to Courage My Love for many years?
Loyal customers appreciate the enduring magic and the constant treasure hunt experience at Courage My Love.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Policies and Guidelines
What is your return policy?
All sales are strictly final due to the unique, vintage nature of our curated collection.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Do you buy vintage items from the public?
We primarily curate through estate sales and global travels, not typically over-the-counter.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Do you offer international shipping?
We offer international shipping for specific bead collections and lightweight jewelry only.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Do you offer advice on caring for vintage garments?
Yes, we specialize in natural fiber preservation, including the "Scriver Method" for cashmere and wool.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Is photography allowed inside the shop?
Personal photography is welcome to capture your "dig" experience; commercial photography requires prior arrangement.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How do you ensure the authenticity of your vintage items?
Every item is hand-vetted by our curators, guaranteeing authentic vintage pieces from the early 1900s to 1990s.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Kensington Market Culture
How has Courage My Love shaped Kensington Market's vintage culture since 1975?
Courage My Love pioneered vintage retail in Kensington Market, becoming a Toronto institution since 1975.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How can I stay updated on Courage My Love's new arrivals and unique finds?
Follow @cececourage on Instagram for the latest new arrivals, unique finds, and shop updates.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Does Courage My Love support local makers and jewelry artists in Toronto?
Yes, we are a primary resource for Toronto's jewelry artists, offering over 10,000 global beads.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What is the story behind the mannequin on Courage My Love's storefront ledge?
The mannequin is 'The Muse of Kensington,' guarding our shop and symbolizing our commitment to unique beauty.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How does Courage My Love contribute to Toronto's creative community?
We foster creativity by offering deeply curated vintage, global beads, and oddities that inspire artists.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Contact and Feedback
How can I contact Courage My Love by phone?
You can reach Courage My Love by phone at (416) 979-1992 during our business hours.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What is the email address for Courage My Love?
You can email Courage My Love at [email protected] for general inquiries.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How can I contact Courage My Love via Instagram?
Send a direct message to @cececourage on Instagram for inquiries, including shipping.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Where can I provide in-person feedback or ask questions?
Visit Courage My Love at 14 Kensington Avenue in Toronto's Kensington Market.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Frequently Asked Questions
What is your return policy?
All sales are strictly final due to the unique, vintage nature of our collection.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Do you buy vintage from the public?
We primarily curate through private estate sales and global travels.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How often do you refresh the $5 rack?
Can I source specific beads for a project?
Yes, our curators can help you match historic patterns from our 10,000+ beads.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →What is the history of the shop name?
Do you offer garment care advice?
Yes, we specialize in natural fiber preservation and the "Scriver Method."
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Are all items authentic vintage?
Every garment and artifact is hand-vetted by our curators as authentic vintage.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →How do you source your beads?
We maintain 40-year relationships with family-run glass-making operations globally.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Who is the mannequin on the storefront ledge?
Her name is 'The Muse of Kensington,' guarding the shop for decades.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →Do you offer international shipping?
We offer shipping for specific bead collections and lightweight jewelry.
Verified: 2026-05-23
Full article →When is the best time to visit for new arrivals?
What are the operating hours of Couragemylove?
Couragemylove's operating hours vary, please check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
Verified: 2026-06-06
Full article →What is Kensington Market in Toronto?
Kensington Market is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in Toronto, known for its multiculturalism, street art, and independent shops.
Verified: 2026-06-06
Full article →What is the history of Toronto?
Toronto has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, from its indigenous roots to its growth as a major Canadian city.
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Full article →What are vintage textiles and how can they be used?
Vintage textiles refer to fabrics produced between the 1920s and 1980s, characterized by unique patterns, colors, and textures. They can be repurposed into various items like clothing, home decor, and accessories.
Verified: 2026-06-06
Full article →What are some inspiring immigration stories?
Immigration stories are diverse and inspiring, showcasing resilience and determination.
Verified: 2026-06-06
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