Three pop-up shops in Leslieville and Riverside this holiday season

A trio of hot new stores have just popped up down the street. From colourful textiles to rare groove vinyl, there is more than enough to get excited about. But you better get there fast because they'll soon be gone. Just like that.

Yes, pop-up season has kicked off for the holidays, and three shops have taken over short-term leases in previously empty storefronts along Queen East in Leslieville and Riverside. The pop-up's transience is part of its allure, and the limited local engagement just might bring you the find that makes strangers ask, "where did you get that?"

Here's what you need to know about the here-today-gone-tomorrow shops currently set up in the neighbourhood. 

KALA HOUSE OF COLOUR

Kala House of Colour and House of Ansley have combined at Queen and Pape with a colourful range of handcratfted home goods, furniture and unique gifts. Taking inspiration from Provence and India, Kala House of Colour blends vintage style with vibrant colours to create a range of spectacularly vivid linens, bedding, scarves, throw pillows, pyjamas and other textile-based items. The shop also has a collection of vintage furniture, plus stationary from Ecojot and other gift items to complement the season. Running until Dec. 20.

1027 Queen St. E
kalahouseofcolour.com

CHRCH POP-UP RECORD SHOP

Stacks on stacks on stacks of over 30,000 records — that's a lot of vinyl. Even the most diligent of crate diggers are sure to find a choice cut sifting through the massive selection at Chrch, which has taken over a vacant house adjacent the TTC streetcar yard along Queen East. Hang by the fireplace and listen to music in this funky shop or just get down to business looking through the motherlode of vinyl. Most of the records are used with a good deal of sealed new/old stock as well. Right now, Chrch is open Saturdays and Sundays with plans to open up the space to other industrial pieces and salvaged finds in the future. 

1401 Queen St. E

AVANI CREATIONS AND ASIRIS TREASURES

Returning to Riverside for a second season, partners Avani Creations and Asiris Treasures have joined forces taking over the empty space of the former Little Peeps location. Asiris Treasures carries fair-trade Al Paca woollen sweaters for children and adults, working directly with artisans in Peru. Beautiful capes, scarves, gloves and hats are also available. Dealing directly with artisans in India, Avani Creations carries fair-trade leather bags and leather journals with handmade paper, hand-painted ceramic knobs and jute bags. They also up-cycle coffee sacks and leather accessories, and make cushions, totes, messenger bags, leather clutches and bracelets. Running until Dec. 24.

768 Queen St. E
avanicreations.com
Asiris Treasures on Facebook 

Have we missed any other pop-up shops currently on in the neighbourhood? Let us know in the comment section below.