I was watching a show last week where one of the characters talks about drug use and it got me wondering how expensive that habit must be. Not that the expense is the biggest issue there (I mean there is the danger of addiction, the health effects, the fact that it’s illegal, etc), but the cost of it must certainly rack up, and I was thankful that I’d never risked trying anything.

Make it rain

However, as I was standing in Chapters the next day, I realized that I too had an expensive addiction. Books.

And as I contemplated it some more, I realized that they even share some of the same effects and characteristics:

  1. They can transport you to another world.
  2. You can lose yourself in them for hours.
  3. They will leave you broke, but wanting more.
  4. Even if you try to quit, the temptation is always there.
  5. Sometimes, in order to buy, you have to sell, even if you don’t want to.

Hmmm

And don’t get me wrong, in terms of consequences, they aren’t even on the same playing field. I don’t think my addiction to books will ever kill me or get me arrested (knock on wood), but the similarities remain.

Now, if you’re like me and you like to own your books, you’ll need a place to buy. You’re in luck, because today I’ll be sharing my favourite book buying locations!

I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, so in terms of physical stores, they are all located there. However, some of them are chains and some are online, so even if you’re not in Toronto, you may be able to find a local equivalent in your town/city.

1. Indigo Chapters

Chapters

The (I think) biggest book store in Canada, Indigo Chapters (I refuse to drop the Chapters part) is as much a delight for the eyes as it isn’t for the wallet. I go to Chapters when I need to be surrounded by pretty things. Their displays are like no other, their stores are clean and well-lit and though I joke about prices, they do run some pretty good promotions (30% off weekends every now and again if you’re a teacher). They also have 2 point programs (Plum, free and iRewards, 35$ a year) that you can use to get further discounts on purchases.

Starbucks also has an excellent relationship with Chapters and you will find one in most of their locations. If there is a better combo than coffee and books, I’ve yet to find it (Candles and books aren’t bad too. Counter intuitive maybe, but not bad).

Favourite locations

  1. Sherway Gardens, Toronto (See post here)
  2. Bay and Bloor, Toronto
  3. The Barrie, Ontario location is the one I went to growing up, so there is a special place in my heart for that one too.

2. BMV (Books, Music, Videos)

A chain(-ish) that owns 4* book stores in Toronto (that I know of), BMV can be counted on when you need a book fix without spending all your rent money. Their stock is always 40-80% off retail prices, and they are able to do this because they buy older books off customers as well as surplus from publishers and other book stores (note: if things get dire, bring your books here for some extra cash). Though not as aesthetically pleasing as Chapters, BMV does win point with their dollar bins.

You read that right.

All four locations have bins for books that either aren’t selling, or there is no space for and we, the lucky consumer, can snap them up for 1-2$. I’ve purchased many a YA series from these bins (see photo below) and though you won’t be getting new releases, you can find many popular older series if you’re patient/persistent. They may be second hand, but so long as you’re okay with that, then this place is your heaven!

A former BMV haul All of these, in Hardcover, for 11$!

Favourite locations:

The Yonge and Eglinton location has always been my favourite for dollar bin selection. The Bloor location has the biggest YA section, but also a terrible dollar bin. The one at Dundas square is the one I end up at most frequently as it is the closest to me. It is a good mix of the two (medium sized YA section, decent dollar bins.)

Note: There are technically only 3 BMV stores (Near Dundas Square, at Yonge and Eglinton, and at Bloor and Brunswick), but I am about 80% sure that ABC Books around Yonge and Gloucester is also owned by BMV. I’ve noticed some of the staff working between the locations and their premise is exactly the same, right down to the dollar bins. Their dollar bins tend to be more 2-3$

3. The Book Outlet

This one is online only (unless you live near St Catharines, Ontario where the warehouse is located). They are similar to BMV in that they are a budget shopping option, but it is all done online. They do weekly 50% off lists, and the majority of their stock is surplus that they buy from other stores and publishers. They also sell both regular and damaged books (the damage is never specified but can be anything from a small dent to a ruined dust cover. Depends how particular you are about your books).

Book Outlet is also great at sending you emails when they get new stock in that they think you will like. This is based on your shopping cart (mine is always full of things I hope to buy soon) or previous purchases. I also personally like that The Book Outlet is a Canadian business. Huzzah Canada!

The Book Outlet Warehouse Photo taken from The Book Outlet website. This is the archway to the warehouse. You should go there.

To top it all off, The Book Outlet’s slogan is “Read-iculously low prices”. If only for the pun, make a visit.

Location:

You can find them online here or in St Catharines at:

Mailing Address: 340 Welland Avenue St. Catharines, ON L2R 7L9

But don’t forget the library!

Buying books can be an expensive hobby but, as seen above, it doesn’t have to be. The library is also a great place to go if you need to read but find that the cost is hindering you from doing so.

Question time! What are your favourite bookstores and why? Are they online or physical locations? Share below!