2025 was the year Toronto said goodbye to several long-standing institutions, from neighbourhood staples to family-run shops and innovative grocery stores. While plenty of bars and restaurants also shuttered this year (RIP Imperial Pub), this past year was also defined by lots of closures across fashion, music, entertainment, sustainability, and culture. As we approach 2026, here's a look at some of the iconic Toronto businesses that closed their doors over the last year. Corso Shoes If you grew up in Toronto's east end during the 90s and early 2000s, chances are you have at least one childhood pair of shoes that came from Corso Shoes. The chain's Riverdale location at 446 Danforth Ave. officially closed its doors in June after 30 years in the neighbourhood. Fortunately, Corso Shoes still operates other locations in the Beaches (1942 Queen St. E), and at Danforth and Woobine (2000 Danforth Ave.). In Vintage We Trust After 11 years of serving Toronto's resale fashion hunters, Parkdale's long-standing vintage shop In Vintage We Trust closed its doors this summer, following an exciting opportunity to relocate to New York City. The premium vintage brand originally began as an eBay shop in 2010 before opening its brick-and-mortar location at 1580 Queen St. W. "New York has always had a gravitational pull for us," co-founder Josh Roter previously told blogTO. The vintage shop officially closed in late July. Parkdale's In Vintage We Trust closed its doors in July. Photo: Matt Forsythe. Lazy Cat Café Scarborough's adorable Lazy Cat Café quickly gained a following for its cozy atmosphere and mission to help find forever homes for rescue cats. After expanding to a second location on Queen West, the shop's team announced that its downtown output would close in May 2025, citing overwhelming costs and physical demands. Since then, its Scarborough location has also been listed as "permanently closed" on Google. The Fantail Barbers After four years of building a loyal following in Brockton Village, The Fantail Barbers announced its heartbreaking closure earlier this year. Founded in 2021, the shop became well-known for its welcoming atmosphere and steady stream of clients. The business officially closed on March 22 at its location at 1122 College St. The Green Jar Shop St. Clair West's sustainability refillery, The Green Jar Shop, closed its brick-and-mortar location on Aug. 31 after nearly six years in the community. The shop, formerly located at 1061 St. Clair Ave. W., opened during the pandemic with the aim of reducing single-use plastics and household waste, and offered a wide range of products from natural sunscreens to soaps and dog treats. Although the shop's physical storefront has shuttered, it continues to offer services online. The Sweet Potato After just two years in business, the Leaside outpost of The Sweet Potato grocery store officially closed on Feb. 14. The local grocer, which is known for its ethically sourced and organic products at wallet-friendly prices, opened in 2023 at 1678 Bayview Ave. following the success of its Junction flagship. Although the Leaside community had to mourn the local grocer, The Sweet Potato's original location at 108 Vine Ave. remains open. The Sweet Potato is known for its accessible prices. Photo: Hector Vasquez. Sari Not Sari On the entertainment side, Parkdale's community-driven nightclub and cultural hub Sari Not Sari closed its doors after four years of unforgettable memories. Created by Justin Bella (owner of BB's), Sari Not Sari quickly became a go-to spot for dance parties on the weekend, comedy shows, live music, and collaborations with local brands like Ruru Baked. The venue hosted its final farewell party back in February and closed its location at 1566 Queen St. W. William's Shoe Store One of Queen West's longest-standing institutions, William's Shoe Store, closed its doors this year after an incredible 75-year run. William's Shoe Store on Queen St. W. pictured in 2023. Photo: Jack Landau. Opened in 1950 by William and Maria Czarnota, the shop offered an impressive collection of premium men's and women's shoes and became a true neighbourhood cornerstone. The shop was even presented with a certificate of recognition to celebrate its 75th anniversary, just a few months before its permanent closure. William's Shoe Store was located at 750 Queen St. W.