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| The older part of the Simpson store fronts on Yonge, Richmond, and Queen Streets. |
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| In 1929, the store expanded into a 9-story Moderne addition on the corner of Richmond and Bay Streets. |
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| Simpson's, extending from Yonge Street to Bay Street along Richmond Street, focusing on the 1929 addition. |
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| The Arcadian Court was a feature of the 1929 building and is one of the most famous deaprtment store restaurants in all of the world. |
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The Robert Simpson Company, Ltd.
Yonge Street at Queen
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Subway Level
Power Tools 692 • Hardware 690 • Garden Shop • Paints 685 • Builder’s Supplies • Auto Accessories • Market Square • Coffee Shop • Rainbow RoomSimpsons Budget Floor
Street Floor
Jewellery 227 • Silver 228 • Cosmetics 204 • Drugs and Vitamins • Scarves 224 • Gloves 230 • Street Floor Blouses 224 • Handbags 225 • Small Leather Goods 225 • Hosiery 229 • Street Floor Lingerie 206 • Wig Bar 204 • Stationery 203 • Personalized Stationery 444 • Notions 202 • Plant Patio 520 • Idea Shop • Arcadian Court Counter • Bakery Centre
Store for Men Men’s Furnishings 251 • Men’s Shoes 285 • West End Shop • Smoke Shop 524 • Men’s Sportswear 260 • Men’s Clothing 266 • Men’s Tailored-To-Measure Shop 264
Second Floor
Fabric Centre 365 • Yarns 368 • Sewing Machines 371 • Luggage 436 • Children’s Wear 335 • Children’s Shoes • Lingerie 325 • Sleepwear 326 • Women’s Shoes 276 • Portrait Studio • Simpsons Travel Service • Store for Young Men 269 • Threadmill 278 • Stage II 268
Third Floor
Sportswear 304 • Dresses 307 • Coats and Suits • ‘The Room’ 308 • The Velvet Turtle • ‘The Room’ Bridal Salon • St. Regis Dresses 305 • St. Regis Coats ans Suits 305 • St. Regis Sportswear 305 • Millinery 312 • Wiggery • Elevation 3 302 • Direction Shop • Bride’s Counsel • Fur Salon 311
Fourth Floor
Linens and Beddings 351 • Curtains and Draperies 385 • Pictures and Mirrors • Broadloom Bazaar 376 • Rugs 376 • Toytown 470 • Sporting Goods 469 • Credit Office • Customer Service
Fifth Floor
Furniture • Rooms • Mattresses • Avon Galleries • Old Colony Corner • Interior Decorating Service • Music Centre 398
Sixth Floor
China 445 • Rosenthal Studio • Wedgwood Room • Bride’s Gift Registry • Glassware 445 • Treasure House Antiques • Gifts • All-Canadian Shop • Housewares 426 • Gourmet Kitchen • Appliances 430 • Small Appliances 424 • Vacuums 371 • Lamps 439 • Television Radio 395 • Elizabeth Arden Salon • Gift Wrapping • Optical and Hearing Aids
Seventh Floor
Auditorium • Photo Finishing Kiosk
Eighth Floor
Arcadian Court • Panorama Room
Ninth Floor
Mezzanine Grill
31 Richmond Street West (Parkade)
Flower Shop • Dry Cleaning Service
Lower Street Floor
Power Tools 156 • Hardware 690 • Garden Shop 156 • Paints 156 • Doors and Windows 162 • Auto Accessories 193 • Toytown 158
Simpsons Budget Floor
Street Floor
Jewellery 103 • Silver 228 • Cosmetics 101 • Drugs and Vitamins 101 • Scarves 107 • Gloves 107 • Street Floor Blouses 224 • Handbags 102 • Small Leather Goods 102 • Hosiery 107 • Wig Bar 204 • Stationery 185 • Personalized Stationery 185 • Plant Patio 520 • Idea Shop • Candies
Store for Men Men’s Furnishings 113 • Men’s Shoes 122 • West End Shop • Smoke Shop 524 • Men’s Sportswear 260
Second Floor
Luggage 160 • Notions 185 • Children’s Wear 144 • Girls' Shop 148 • Boys' Shop 145 • Children’s Shoes 121 • Women’s Shoes 121 • Sports World 158 • Trim-a-Home Shop
Store for Men Men’s Clothing 112 • Men’s Tailored-To-Measure Shop 264 • Store for Young Men 115 • Threadmill 278 • Stage II 268
Third Floor
Sportswear 136 • Dresses 134 • Coats and Suits 131 • ‘The Room’ 133 • ‘The Room’ Bridal Salon • St. Regis Dresses 135 • St. Regis Coats and Suits 135 • St. Regis Sportswear 135 • Millinery 130 • Wiggery 130 • Elevation 3 143 • Direction Shop • Bride’s Counsel • Fur Salon 140 • Lingerie 325 • Sleepwear 326
Fourth Floor
Fabric Centre 127 • Yarns and Art Goods 127 • Sewing Machines 120 • Linens and Beddings 151 • Curtains and Draperies 153 • Pictures and Mirrors 143 • Credit Office • Customer Service • China 157 • Bride’s Gift Registry • Glassware 157 • Treasure House Antiques 169 • Gifts • All-Canadian Shop • Housewares 155 • Gourmet Kitchen • Small Appliances 197 • Vacuums 371 • Lamps 154 • Elizabeth Arden Salon
Fifth Floor
Furniture 195 • Rooms • Mattresses • Avon Galleries • Interior Decorating Service • Television Radio 198 • Music Centre 198 • Floor Coverings 150 • Appliances 197
Sixth Floor
The Arcadian Room • Coffee Shop • Arcadian Counter • Bakery Centre
Lower Level
Street Floor
Second Floor
Third Floor
Fourth Floor
Fifth Floor
Queen Street Level
Power Tools 156 • Hardware 690 • Garden Shop 156 • Paints 156 • Doors and Windows 162 • Auto Accessories 193 • Toytown 158 • Television Radio 47 • Music Centre 47 • Appliances 48 • Lamps 154 • Luggage 14 • Stationery 11 • Personalized Stationery 11 • Plant Patio 520 • Idea Shop • Candies • Sports World 158 • Trim-a-Home Shop
Sparks Street Level
Jewellery 103 • Cosmetics 19 • Drugs and Vitamins 19 • Scarves 107 • Gloves 107 • Street Floor Blouses 34 • Handbags 41 • Small Leather Goods 41 • Hosiery 43 • Wig Bar 38 • Notions 185Store for Men Men’s Furnishings 22 • Men’s Shoes 25 • West End Shop • Smoke Shop 524 • Men’s Sportswear 23 • Men’s Clothing 23 • Men’s Tailored-To-Measure Shop 264 • Store for Young Men 115 • Threadmill 278 • Stage II 268
Gift Wrapping • Credit Office • Customer Service
Second Floor
Sportswear 34 • Dresses 33 • Coats and Suits 31 • ‘The Room’ 33 • ‘The Room’ Bridal Salon • Direction Shop • Bride’s Counsel • Fur Salon 40 • Beauty Salon
Third Floor
Elevation 3 35 • Lingerie 325 • Sleepwear 326 • Children’s Wear 144 • Girls' Shop 148 • Boys' Shop 145 • Children’s Shoes 121 • Lingerie 142 • Sleepwear 141 • Millinery 130 • Wiggery 130 • Women’s Shoes 121
Fourth Floor
Fabric Centre 127 • Yarns and Art Goods 127 • Sewing Machines 120 • Linens and Beddings 151 • Curtains and Draperies 153 • Pictures and Mirrors 143 • Silver 228 • China 157 • Bride’s Gift Registry • Glassware 157 • Treasure House Antiques 169 • Gifts • All-Canadian Shop
Fifth Floor
Furniture 195 • Rooms • Mattresses • Avon Galleries • Interior Decorating Service • Housewares 155 • Gourmet Kitchen • Small Appliances 197 • Vacuums 371 • The Rideau Room
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| London 149 Dundas Street December, 1944 (+1953/1961/1969) 209,000 s.f. The Arcadian Room Coffee Shop |
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| Regina 11th St at Howard December, 1946 (+1951) Luncheonette |
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| Cedarbrae Lawrence E. and Markham August, 1962 The Arcadian Room |
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| Yorkdale The Freeway and Dufferin fenruary, 1964 300,000 s.f. The Court Room |
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| Brampton Shoppers' World 1969 151,000 s.f. |
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| Fairview Don Mills Road and Sheppard August, 1970 150,000 s.f. The Arcadian Room |
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| Sherway Queen Elizabeth Way and Highway 27 February, 1971 223,000 s.f. The Restaurant on the Court |
Ottawa
118 Sparks Street
July, 1971
The Rideau Room
Scarborough Town Centre
1973
169.000 sq. ft.
Coming in due course.
Simpsons Yorkdale now The Bay is one of my favorite stores. I believe its ugly really but in a charming way that reminds me of my youth in the USA and feels like department stores felt back then being their own self contained world.
ReplyDeleteThe Toronto Downtown Yonge and Queen store is still standing and is now a Bay Department Store. It still retains the historical character of Simpson's and on my most recent shopping trip a couple years back (2006), it was like going into a living museum. I had purchased two shirts and a pair of jeans and consider these items I bought museum artifacts that I treasure. If you want to see how a historic department store is like, go to the Toronto downtown Bay (the former Simpson's) next to the Eaton Centre.
ReplyDeleteDon't count on The Bay, Queen Street, as being archaic any longer. It's undergoing renovations that are making it world-class stunning: http://retail-details.blogspot.com/2011/01/hudsons-bay-company-revitalization.html
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in Toronto and it was great going to Yorkdale and shopping at both the Eaton's & Simpson's department stores.
ReplyDeleteI have two Simpson's Department store Christmas Carol song sheets. You were able to sing carols in the morning at 8:40am to 9:00am December 18 to December 24 (except on Sunday) on the Street level of the store in Toronto. I don't know what to do with them. I can't take myself to throwing them out. Why I don't know.
ReplyDeleteFrame them
DeleteI grew up in Halifax, NS where there were both Simpson's and Eaton's dept stores, in both Halifax and Dartmouth. I remember the Santas in each store. I miss these two fine Canadian companies.
ReplyDeleteI worked in Simpsons advertising department (main store - Queen & Yonge) from 1976 to 1984. I have very fond memories of the time I was employed there. Occasionally I search around on the internet looking for Simpsons history etc (there is not much) and I stumbled upon this site. I would be interested in finding out about some of the people I worked with in the advertising department. Anyone who is browsing this site and worked at Simpsons during the late 70's/early 80's leave a comment here... thanks
ReplyDeleteI worked in the Robert Simpson's Flowershop on Richmond Street across from the main store (at Queen & Yonge). The flowershop was located beside the parking garage. I have many wonderful memories of the Simpson's store, as I spent many of my lunch hours browsing the various departments. Although the flowershop was privately owned then ( I worked there 1980 to 1984) I feel very connectedt o the Robert Simpson Co.
ReplyDeleteI have a HOOSIER kitchen cabinet. It still has the brass plate saying it was from the Robert Simpson Co. Toronto. It probably dates back to the 1920's and still looks great. But sorry to say I have to sell it. What a shame I have loved it forever.
ReplyDeleteI have a piece of furniture that is very old and unique. It is a dresser with a swivel mirror, three drawers and on wooden castors. There is a paper stamp on the back that says,
ReplyDelete"The Robert SIMPSON Western Limited
Regina
Transfer No. 6565 ( i think, number written in pencil and is very faded)
P?? 8300 ( i think, number in pencil & very faded, may even have another number ahead of it)
???-36-Cax.23."
There are also three stamps on the back that say
"591"
Has a different shaped mirror that hangs and swivels on spindles. Stain is dark & two tones. There is a pattern carved into front. Has metal ring handles.
**Can someone tell me anything about this piece of furniture???**
How old, how much it may be worth today. It is in original condition, wheels a bit worn over years, excellent condition. There are only a couple fade spots. I bought it 20 years ago at a sale in winnipeg,mb. I have used it for as many years as I have had it.
**I now have to sell it.**
I HAVE RECENTLY AQUIRRED MY GRANDMOTHERS BROOCH THAT SHE RECEIVED WHEN WORKING AT SIMPSON'S. SHE PASSED AWAY IN 1984, AND HAD BEEN RETIRED FROM SIMPSONS FOR SOME TIME. THE BROOCH IS THE SIGNITURE "SIMPSONS" WHICH IS WRITTEN IN RHINESTONES. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS A SERVICE PIN OR RETIREMENT PIN. DID ANYONE RECEIVE ONE, WHAT WAS IT FOR, AND DO YOU KNOW AN APPROXIMATE VALUE OF THIS PIN. THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN PROVIDE.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Simpsons Scarborough Town Centre in the Accounts area for 8 years (payments, refunds, gift certificates etc) from the day it opened. I trained at Cedarbrae in preparation.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I am commenting today is that I just purchased a georgeous 'Simpsons' Lambs wool coat with fur collar in mint condition at a sales table in support of the United Way. It is a reminder of my past and a treasure. C.Cox
Thank you for putting this site together! I can hear the Christmas carols coming through the store speakers as I type... haha.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Simpsons logo. I can't seem to find any pictures of their old store bags which were really stylish.
As a child my parents & I visited the Toronto Downtown stores of Simpsons & Eaton's and yes 2 great Canadian Company's. Great Memories and wonderful Canadians singing Christmas Carols and happy to be gathering together and looking in the Simpsons windows at the Christmas work shop. I too have 1 song sheet from Simpsons and 2 from Eaton's. Thank you. Mrs.Muise
ReplyDeleteI worked at the Queen St. store starting in 1968 and took the management course in 1970. From there I was sent to the new Fairview store as asst. manager of dresses, coats and the Room. A year later Sherway was in the works and I was sent in the same depts. for opening. Promoted to Dept. manager of most of the main floor at Yorkdale in 1971.Then asst. buyer in sportswear in the main store. I left in 1974 to start a family. My husband Doug Syer also worked in the Main Queen St. store. Very fond memories of the "family"
ReplyDeleteJust came across your blog, and it brought back many memories! Simpson's Queen Street Store was always my favorite, especially when visiting Toytown on the 4th Floor at Christmas. This store was also used as the backdrop for the popular 80's children's TV Show "Today's Special" and several episodes were filmed there. The Yorkdale store was also pretty spectacular, with the giant spiral staircase leading to the Court Room Restaurant (which is also now gone). It's a shame Simpson's is no longer around. It was a great store. The Bay is just not the same.
ReplyDeleteHello, I have a Picture framed at Simpson's the stick on back can anyone tell me about what year did Simpson's had a frame shop and what store had them.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
chefdav2006@yahoo.com
As a U of T student, I worked part time in the custom picture framing dept. of the yonge/ queen store in Toronto between 1980 and 1985. I was hired in the toy dept. as a Christmas casual, then stayed on in framing dept. It was a great store. The people I worked with (Rita, Mary, mrs. Matthews, Mary M, Del, Kim...) were a lot of fun. I remember meeting some of them in the panorama room for coffee before the store opened on S
DeleteSaturday mornings. I helped in the special events
dept., and met Wayne Gretzsky when he was promoting
GWG jeans and signing autographs. I remember as a child going shopping with my mother, and we would stop for a steamed hotdog and an orange drink in the lower level at Simpsons.
I worked part time at Simpsons, Downtown Toronto between 1980 and 1986. I was A student and was hired as Christmas help I Toyland, then ended up staying on working primarily in the custom framing dept.
DeleteI worked with a great group of people, (including Rita, Mary, Kim, Mary M, Del) what a great store it was. I also helped out in promotions, and met Wayne Gretzsky when he was promoting GWG jeans.
j'ai travaille chez simpson's les galeries d'anjou a montreal j.ai debute en 1969 dans le rayon des sports``758'j'usquau changement sous le non de la baie ou j'ai continuer a travailer dans le meme edifice j'usqua ma retraite en 2008.je n'oublirai jamais toutle plaisir et le sentiment D'apartenance que nous avions pour lenon SIMPSON'S yves pellerin
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed looking over your blog. I truly miss Simpson's and Eaton's. I remember the last time I was in a Simpson's store, which was the one on St. Catherines St in Montreal, now Simmons. The Bay just doesn't seem to have the charm that Simpson's had.
ReplyDeleteI have two catalogs , one from 1917 and the other from 1924. Does anyone know what they would be worth and where I can find info on them .
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the value of the catalogues, but I recently acquired a mint condition cloche hat made of the "finest imported furfelt" with a Simpsons label, and I wonder if such a hat is advertised in your 1924 catalogue. I would love a copy of any pertinent catalogue pages to keep with the hat.
DeleteI have china marked Thomas Bravaria in green and stamped in red - The Robert Simpson Company Limited Toronto. The border pattern is alternating blue and pale yellow background segments each containing various colored flowers. The center of each plate / saucer is white with a thin gold border .. any idea where I can get more info. on this china ?
ReplyDeleteI still have my Simpson's credit card.
ReplyDeleteI have an aluminum token with a 3 in the center. Around it is The Robert Simpsons & Co Ltd. Do you know whether this was used in the store, when and for what? Any connection to British Ceylon??
DeleteI grew up in London where Simpsons was the big downtown store. The Christmas windows were a destination for all families and we still remember those times. Expanded several times the store had a great 6th floor Arcadian Restaurant that overlooked the market below and the city in the distance. When Eatons arrived in London in 1962 in an enclosed downtown mall, Simpsons met the challenge by enlarging and modernizing the store. Briefly a Bay store, the building now mostly houses offices.
ReplyDeleteAh, the memories! When I grew up in the late 50's early 60's Simpson's was the only department store in downtown Regina. Eaton's for some reason was located in the warehouse district to the north of downtown and was rather frumpy. Of many memories, some of my favourites were when they installed automatic elevators and got rid of the elevator operators and better yet when they installed escalators linking all six floors of the Regina store. I remember riding all the way up and then all the way down and maybe repeating it again! Also, the Christmas windows were a popular must-see. We shall never see such grand department store days like those ever again.
ReplyDeleteDo you remember the jingle: "You'll enjoy shopping at Simpsons
ReplyDeleteWith their money-back guarantee?
Satisfaction in ev'ry way
And your money refunded cheerfully.
You'll pay no more at these great stores
With so much more for you:
Service! Selection! Value! Satisfaction!
And free delivery too!
You'll enjoy shopping at Simpsons
. . . ."
and I can't recall the last line in the ad.
It would be nice if someone had a recording of this and could post it on the internet!
I had completely forgotten this and as I read the words I could hear the tune. Thanks for that memory.
ReplyDeleteSimpsons entered the Ottawa market by acquisition of Murphy-Gamble in 1972.
ReplyDeleteI have an Etching by B Mac Donald it is Titled Phi Gamma Delta and dated 1929 It was matted and framed by The Robert Simpson Co any one know of this Artist Thanks
ReplyDeleteHello I have an Etching that is titled Phi Gamma delta That was done in 1929 by B Mac Donald. It was matted and framed by The Robert Simpson Company can anyone help me with this piece.
ReplyDeleteThanks
I have an unopened package of miniture cars with Simpsons Logo on it and the cars are called Duramites. I cannot find them anywhere else. I would like to know if they are truly collectibles.
ReplyDeleteCar set Duramite-I will give you 20.00 for the set I am in Toronto
ReplyDeleteemail coatesleon@msn.com
I have a red fox fur coat from Simpson 3 quater length, excellent conditions the buttons are hooks
ReplyDeletethese hooks buttons are no longer being made these crafts mens are no longer around the sleeve inside are leather, if you are interested I am in Toronto email- coatesleon@msn.com
I have a picture that looke like an english cottage on the back it has Robert Simpson co also a number 4-10847
ReplyDeletesize is 5" by 8" Does anyone know where I can find information on this picture. I have had it for almost 40 years
My grandmother just gave me her mink coat she bought from Simpsons Fur Gallery many years ago. She paid quite a bit for it back then and it still looks brand new. Outstanding craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad how the Bay took a company that never operated at a loss, even during the Depression and ran it into the ground.
ReplyDeleteAs a new landed immigrant from Scotland in the 1960's, Simpson's downtown was a store my parents took us to every Christmas, just to look in the windows at the displays. It was such a treat. My aunt and cousin worked there for years, my aunt in Maynard's candy department and that too was a treat for me. Love looking back at this , since my Mum and I used to travel to Acadian court restaurant yearly for Chicken Pot Pie....I can still taste it! thanks for the memories
ReplyDeleteI worked in Simpsons from 1973 to 1981. I worked in hardware then Simpson Security, I met a lot of nice people who worked at Simpsons. There was one clerk I will always remember Tammy Quinton . She was a wonderful person.
ReplyDeleteMarket Tower was the original home of London’s largest and most successful department store - Simpsons. For most people living in the area in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, a trip to see the Simpsons windows was a necessary part of the Christmas tradition. With new themes every year including “A Little Swiss Christmas,” “A Mouse’s Tale” and “Christmas with the Forest Folks,” windows were painstakingly decorated with whimsical settings and playful characters animated by light, movement and sound.
ReplyDeletehttp://londonfuse.ca/blog/market-tower-presents-simpsons-christmas
Great blog. I have vivid memories of seeing Santa Claus at the Simpson's in downtown Montreal (I also recall getting lost and scared, but found). I also have fond memories of the Simpson's in Fairview Pointe-Claire. It was fun to go there - so ... Canadian.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a Great Blog
ReplyDeleteLike most of you, I just stumbled onto this web site, and it is now on my favourites list...Jan, I worked with your husband Doug Syer for about a year, in the fabric department, and a great fellow named Sepsy Blake...he moved to menswear and I transferred to the Display department, where I worked on those great Christmas window displays, interior decorating, Brides Counsel, and floor displays...what a great career...I worked with Jack Prior, Leslie Kotras, Don Harmon, George Anderson, Phil Greenaway and so many more true gentlemen...my wife, Anne was a buyer in handbags and small accessories...I was transferred to Kitchener and worked there in management until transferring to Kingston in the late 80's...what great memories...L.Insley
ReplyDeleteI have a set of dressers with the Robert Simpson Company Limited Furniture name on them. Is there anyway I can find out what they are worth?
ReplyDeleteI have one with the same stamp. Did you find out their worth?
DeleteDoes anyone remember the Happy Face Cookies they sold!! I was wondering if anyone had the recipe as these were the best and I still crave over 30 years later!!
ReplyDeleteSame here...trawling the internet looking for this recipe. They were the biggest treat when I was a kid.
DeleteThe photo above of Simpson's in Regina should be 11th and Hamilton St. There never was a Howard.
ReplyDeleteThe Simpson's in Windsor was on Howard Ave. My father worked at the Regina store from '56 to'63
DeleteInteresting read and great photos! I bought an old plaster frame from Salvation Army the other day and when I opened the back there was a Robert Simpson Company logo sticker on the other side! I posted photos on my blog: http://trinketeer.blogspot.ca/2014/12/vintage-luggage-brooches-and-more.html
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day :)
Tried to contact you to ask if you had any information about the frame you found. I just purchased a custom framed print by Simpson's with a note on it from 1976.
DeleteMy Mother recently passed away. In cleaning out her things, I found her original Simpson's ChargaPlate. It is in very good condition, still in the original red case. Pamela Hazlewood
ReplyDeleteI worked in Simpsons wonderful Magic Display Department from 1966 to 1971. I had done done buisness school and Display training in Copenhagen Denmark, to where I returned in 1971.. I will never forget all the highly creative people I worked with, such as Billy Taylor, Lee Harris, Mark Thurman, Tony Ishmael, with Herb Holway and (Uncle Jack) Jack Prior in charge of the then 50 very talented staff , Some of us are still in contact after so many years.
ReplyDeleteOve Mogensen, Gildbrostien 19, 2635 Ishøj, Denmark
My grandfather, Herbert E. Burnett, worked at Simpson's prior to his death in 1933. He worked for them in London, England, circa 1904-1906, as a buyer, then returned to Toronto and became Vice President of Catalogue Sales. I remember seeing a book by C.L. Burton, a contemporary of H. E. Burnett, about his version of the history of the business but wonder if there are other publications available? Have enjoyed looking at the pictures and other people's comments which have brought back memories of visiting the downtown Toronto store as a child.
ReplyDeleteThere was an english academy in that tower on the 24th floor in the late 70s. Do you remember its name?
ReplyDeleteI have an old Simpson's Department Store associate name tag.Does anyone know if it is legal for me to sell it?
ReplyDeleteIm looking for original pictures of inside Simpson's department Store located in Downtown Toronto on Queen street.
ReplyDeleteMy wife died recently, she worked in the China Deptmt at Simpsons and spoke very highly of the Buyer in the 1960/70 years, I met him at the Frankfurt Fair, and I am going crazy trying to remember his name, can anyone help ?
ReplyDeletePaul Ormos somro11@rogers.com, thank you
I worked in Simpsons Contract Division on Richmond St W, from 1956 to 1958; also for a short time in 1963. I was a very new emigrant but was made very welcome and look back on those years with great affection. Anyone remember those days?
ReplyDeleteGreat reading, as I worked at simpsons for 16 years. Good old arcadian court. Amazing place. Started as a dish washer to becoming the executive chef 1972 to 1982,left to open my own restaurant (Dantonys) Clovredale mall !982 to 2001. Great times.
ReplyDeleteHi! Do you know about Leslie Kotras 's family? He was my grandpas Cousine and emigrated from Hungary! Does He has a child? I am looking for my relatives. I am Detty Kotras
ReplyDeleteHi Detty, I worked with Leslie Kotras from the mid 60èrs to 1971, and later meet up with him when I was back in Toronto. To my knowledge he had no children. Do You know what year he died, and perhaps where he is buried? I would be very interested in what You perhaps might know of he later years. My E-mail adress is: ovemog@gmail.com. From: Ove Mogensen, Gildbrostien 19, 2635 Ishoj, Denmark.
DeleteHi Detty...Leslie was married to a young lady named Cheryl Russell...Cheryl was my next door neighbour while we were growing up in Windsor, Ontario. Her family moved away when I was around 10, and I never saw her again, until I started working in the display department at Simpsons in 1970. They had no children. You may not know, Leslie was named as a Canadian team member of the national water polo team that played in 1963. He played for the Hungary in the Olympics and came to Canada afterward.
DeleteWe would have been working in the display department at the same time! I was there from 1969 to 1973 ... Ron Baker - please write if you remember me (KiltmakerRon@gmail.com). I also remember Cheryl.
DeleteJust found A Brand New "Simpson's" Calculator in case with instructions. Mint condition.
ReplyDeleteNo Date, Very slim, Maybe a promotional Material. Anyone Knows about this item?
Yes it was a promotional give away. I believe it was used to promote the new Simpson's credit card. Which is why the calculator looks so much like one. Seems to me it's green with Simpson's in white and came in a brown or black plastic flip type holder.
DeleteYes it was a promotional give away to launch the release of the new Simpson's Credit Card. I believe the calculator is green with the Simpson's logo in white and it came in a plastic brown or black flip open case. I'm thinking it was back in the late 70's or early 80's
DeleteI bought the item. it was used as a give-away for Beau*Mark appliance sales persons (mid 80"s.
DeleteJim
The Hudson's Bay (formerly Simpson's) store in Toronto is the largest store in the company. I believe the sizes of Canada's Bay stores are as follows:
ReplyDeleteToronto 851,000 sq. ft.
Winnipeg 656,000 sq. ft.
Montreal 655,000 sq. ft.
Vancouver 637,000 sq. ft.
Calgary 489,000 sq. ft.
Ottawa 335,000 sq. ft.
My father and I were in the Simpson TV commercial for the 100th Year celebration. It was done in Toronto on a Sunday. I remember the song we sang: 100 years of serving you; 100 years of growing too -100 years in every way we can surely say - You will love shopping at Simpsons and we'll enjoy serving you here. You'll enjoy shopping at Simpsons for another 100years.
ReplyDeleteWere you and your father eating candy in the commercial?
DeleteOne could only have wished . . . Simpson's was such a great store!
ReplyDelete-Bruce
I was at Simpsons Downtown Toronto from 1983 to 1986, with most of that time in the Last Stop, Dept. 610, Budget Floor. I still have my green and my red badges somewhere. The Last Stop was always very busy, usually chaotic, and a lot of contingent student staff. The Manager was Mr. Douglas (Jack, a friend of mine) He came from the Toy Dept. originally. Mrs. Verna Cooper, Section Head, who was unforgettable, fought for her staff, and retired in the mid-1980's funny. Some stand out in my memory. Norm Henriques, from Mississauga, who retired at 65, Catherine M. McMillian, died from cancer, but one day she found baby mice in her shoe in the fitting room, Mary Priestley whos was another Beaches person, Mrs. Green. Mrs. Cumberland in the book dept., who was 71 years-old and worked harder than almost anyone. I had the Trim-A-Tree Dept. for a couple of Christmases, and Elwood Glover was there one morning, with his wife, hosting the Christmas Carol broadcast that was a fixture of Toronto radio then. The other managers who were around, were Tim Kelly, Danny Wall, Jim Maybin, and the Store Manager Mr. Wiseman who was a fearsome character with a flat-top brush-cut. Does anyone remember any of them? It was a great time, but it was hot in that basement in the summer, but the unusual characters who came through the store from the Subway were entertaining to see.
ReplyDeleteJim C
ReplyDeleteI worked for Simpsons for 33 years started as parcel delivery driver
ended up safety supervisor for Toronto fleet
loved going down to Arcadian court for the individual chicken pie
Simpsons was an amazing store. I remember my dad taking me and my friend down to see the Christmas windows. They were beautiful. And I must say better than Eaton's :-)
ReplyDeleteI had the distinction of working for Eaton's Halifax and Corner Brook Nf 1973-1976 and Simpsons Halifax 1976-1979. At Simpsons I was area buyer and dept mgr for draperies and linens. I really enjoyed "going to market" in Toronto and Montreal. Meeting with suppliers.
ReplyDeleteIn 1969, I started in the Display Department when Jack Prior was the manager. Began in the art studio with Mark Thurman, then on to interiors, home furnishings, Queen Street windows, and finally Yonge Street fashion windows. I worked with Billy Taylor, Lee Harris, George Anderson, and so many Talented other people.
ReplyDeleteI met and married my first wife while working there ... Janice Burton, daughter of G. Allan Burton & cousin to Doug Syer.
Ron Baker - KiltmakerRon@gmail.com
I do remember You from my time in Simpsons Display Dept. (1966-1970) - 48 years ago, but still being in touch with Mark Thurman, Tony Ishmael and Jenny Hermes. Jack Prior, George Anderson, Billy Taylor and Lee Harris have sadly all departed for the eternal display fields. Working with the Christmas windows made one feel being at the Disney studio`s the department was a creative heaven with so much talent. Ove Mogensen,- ovemog@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteTo William (Bill) Carter. I worked at Simpsons from '74 to '92, mostly downtown. Started in the toy dept, then in the hardware, then on commission in furniture. I well remember the men you mentioned, Messrs Kelly, Wall, Maybin, and Wiseman. Yes, Mr. Wiseman was fearsome looking, and a man not to be crossed. Danny was also a tough nut, and a personal friend of mine. Working in the lower level for 4 years, I always saw the characters coming from the subway, and there were some beauts! Remember the dolly man? I enjoyed my years there, and made some great friends.
ReplyDeleteAs a student, I had the pleasure of working for Simpson's Toronto distribution centers (Lawrence Ave and Metropolitan Rd) from 1971 to 1977. I have many great memories from that time, especially from the Lawrence Ave Service building. Particularly those dedicated & loyal Simpsons 'big ticket' delivery drivers whose Simpsons branded trucks were a fixture on Toronto's streets.
ReplyDeleteSo many great people, from the front office staff, to the carpet (broadloom) cutting dept team and the Clearance Center sales staff.
So glad I was part of it all.
I worked at the Simpsons Cedarbrae store I the receiving office from 1965-1982 then transferred to the MIM office in the downtown Toronto store till 1985
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice surprise to stumble upon this blog. My Grandfather Steve Kaiser(Csaszar) and his Wife Elizabeth emigrated from Hungary and settled in Toronto. He would often tell us stories of working at Simpsons Arcadian Court as a Cook/Chef, sometime in the late 1940's - 1960's. In my posession is a photograph of what I believe is the Kitchen. In the photo is my Grandfather set in the back with the rest of the Kitchen staff along the sides. Everywhere you see, there were roasted chickens in large pots, in bowls, on plates and being held.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid growing up in the 50's my mother would take me downtown to Eaton's (remember the soft ice cream cones in the tunnel?)I also remember looking out the window from Simpson's at them building the subway.And the toy dept at Christmas I still have the picture of me sitting on Santa's knee.What a shame they should be part of our life.
ReplyDeleteHi this is my first post. I was a Christmas helper after I quit Ryerson in 1974. I was totally trained to do everything ie change paper rolls on cash, answer the phones, be polite etc. I am still friends and see her often with my first co-worker in Ladies Budget Were. It was on the low floor by the subway, the great deli, and the Orange drink place. Also the small cafeteria by our dept. They had super soup.
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled across this blog and have enjoyed the trip down memory lane. The annual Christmas shopping trips to the Toronto flagship store c. 1960's, the phenominal windows, the selections and the quality from every dept., the absolute best chocolate cake from the Rainbow Room and those chocolate malts from the tunnel .....
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for sharing their shades of more a innocent and joyous time!
BTW .... does anyone happens to have the recipe for that chocolate cake? Yum!
I was in search of information on my Grandfather, Bill Briggs and Great Uncle, Red Baynton. Both were delivery drivers for Simpsons. My Grandfather started deliveries by horse-drawn wagon in around 1919 I think. I have a set of silver 100th Anniversary cufflinks he was gifted with, his Anniversary watch and some old photos of him and some coworkers posing by the fleet. If anyone knows of anyone whom remembers my Grandfather, I would like to find out more about his time with Simpsons.
ReplyDeleteHello, my wife and I actually have an antique chest from The Robert Simpsons Company Limited and its actually in excellent condition. I don't think this is something that should go to Goodwill or any other regular donation site. My wife is Canadian and we received this as a gift when we moved to Florida. Do you have any suggestions on where this should be donated?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember going up to Simpsons' records dept to see the Four Lads etc singing and getting their autographs. I'm 76.
ReplyDeleteWas there a "cool" youth clothing department in the basement of the Queen/Yonge Simpsons in the 80's?
ReplyDeleteI think it was called 3 Below and I also think it was off the Dundas Street entrance if we're thinking of the same one, I hung out there a lot with a bunch of young teens, were you one of them?
DeleteExcellent work! I am impressed and good luck to you at all times. Would love to see your article to be continued.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. This site is excellent. I have 7 original unfolded Simpsons Green boxes for sale originally acquired from the Montreal store more than 50 years ago when I worked there. These are originals. The price is $100. Contact me at racarswell@rogers.com if you are interested.
ReplyDeleteI worked at simpsons for almost 20 years starting as part time in the men's wear just inside the bay street doors. Past the Dunhill Humidor. One of the nicest people I got to know was the man who was in charge of the Richmond St parking garage. His name was Godfry Parkman. Perfect name for the job. He retired with 50 years of service to the company and was presented with a new car on his last day. I think it was a Caddy. Not sure.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a young man, I often came to Toronto to visit the big department stores. They were just great; I always parked in Simpsons garage, so I may have met him at one point, never thinking that by now Simpsons would be gone, and I'd be trying to keep the memory of our department stores alive through this blog and my books. I should write a history of the store, and of The Bay (retail). I have already given Eaton's its due.
Delete-Bruee
Spelling error: That's Bruce!
DeleteDoes anyone have the recipe for the Simpsons yellow happy face cookies from the 70’s?
ReplyDelete