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The Bay
Category: Shopping Department Stores Shopping Fashion Department Stores Department Stores
176 Yonge StreetEaton Centre
Toronto, ON M5C 2L7
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
(416) 861-9111
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for The Bay
Review Highlights
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"The women's clothing has come such a long way carrying..." In 3 reviews -
"The sales associate are super helpful too." In 3 reviews -
"Bar none, this is my favourite Bay in the whole country." In 5 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
The flagship store has had a major overhaul in the last few years. Now you'll see Major luxury brands including Laboutins and Armani to Top Shop, BCBG and Anne Klien. They have lots is selection at the makeup counters including Loccitane and Philosophy. And use you bay card on special days and get discounts !
So did you know, the flagship store at the Bay has a complimentary personal shopping service ? And whats great is that you can set the budget and basically they pull clothes for you . You can also go with her to choose what you like.
But let me start from the beginning. I wanted to get a unique shopping experience for my mom, and after contacting Lana, she was able to cooridnate not only the personal shopping but also a makeup application at my moms favourite brand (and hair if you want as well) to make the day complete.
We were set up with Jean, and after she came to get us , she brought us up to the 4th floor. Theres a special Personal Shopping area that has some spacious changerooms and lounge area.
It was Friday and there was one other person there too.
Waiting for us was a rack full of clothes she had already picked it for my mom based on the client profile form with her favourite brand, budget and sizes.
After she got a sense of what she liked and didn't like, she went around the store to get more. I wonder if she actually goes through the store or just a back room. Anyway, meanwhile we were at our leisure to try stuff on. Usually she has a runner but today she was on vacation.
My mom loved being about to shop but not have to think and walk around. I think this is the only way she'll ever do things now.
The stuff she pulled ranged anywhere from $40 a top to $150. And could be even higher if you wanted to go high end and pull stuff from the coveted "the room" (think holts but on half a floor)
As an added bonus she pulled a few items for me and went with me around the store to look for stuff. I loved it because I do browse thing quickly and so does she. I did find that some of her choices for me wasn't amazing but granted, she didn't spend as much time with me as she did my mom.
The only reason I'm giving 4 instead of 5 stars is because of the lack of personal consultation and partly because she simply wasn't around. I wanted her to see how stuff fit with my mom so that she'd have a better idea.
In addition, there wasn't much choice for me at the Bay. I don't normally shop here and it's a bit easier to find stuff in the mall. A little harder for mom and since you're surrounded by svelte young people. But that's what the mall caters too.
You can book 30 min to 2 hour appointments and we were there for 2 hours at least. Maybe 3.
My mom came out with a whole bunch of stuff that wasn't just all black and basics. For the price we paid you probably would have bought 2 items at Holts.
Also you can use you Bay credit card and get points and even more discount.
After our big purchase and a very happy sales lady , we will get complimentary valet parking and I got free alterations on all stuffs.
Oh and what's even better is that, there's a sale coming up for the designer stuffs in 'the room' and we went around and picked stuff for mom which she'll put away in her size tile the start of the sale and we come back !
Okay 5 for the customer service and personal shopping 4 for the selection of clothes at the bay.Listed in: NOV 2011 - 30 days Yelp…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/22/2011
I have to say that The Bay has revamped it merchandise and look to give it a step up from what it… Read more »
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Review from Sara K. P.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2012
This review is actually for the Bay's online shopping service which is pretty sweet. Being that my job requires me to shop quite a bit, when it comes to shopping for myself or for gifts I find doing the online thing saves me time and the agony of schlepping stuff around on the subway, which I hate doing!
Nearly every time I've visited the Bay on-line there is some kind of promo, or offering of free shipping so it's pretty good if you're looking for something generic and easy to shop for online. Being that hubby is a lover of scotch http://www.youtube.com... I decided to buy him some fancy drinkware for his birthday and the Bay had a pretty good selection and best of all there was a promo for 20% off, actually the best part is that I didn't have to carry them. Shipping is done by Canada Post or Purolator and for standard service it pretty much arrives in less than a week if you're living in T.O.
If you're a lazy shopper like me and are looking for quality brand name shopping at your own convenience, the Bay will let you shop at ease. Who says you can't shop while wearing your jammies and hair curlers :)Listed in: Fevrier Sans Food
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Review from Faye C.
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I haven't been to a Bay location for a while. My friend mentioned to me that the third floor was worth visiting.
They have quite a selection of fancy brands. And "The Room" is up there - if you're in the market for some $700+ shoes, this might be the place to go. The 3rd floor rivals a Holt Renfrew shopping experience.
Since I wasn't really in the market for anything, and didn't need help, it didn't really bother me that no one actually greeted me. I'd say if you're looking for some cool stuff and don't want to be bugged this might be the place you've been dreaming of. -
Review from Denise S.
Updated - 2/6/2012 8 Check-ins Here
This location of the Bay has the best of both worlds -- it's like Holt's quality without the attitude. They've really stepped up their game in terms of luxury goods, with the ground level Burberry boutique, the souped up accessories and cosmetics sections, the Bay heritage boutique (selling classic Bay blankets etc.), nicer/more creative window displays and as always, The Room. But for whatever reason (HBC stigma?), people into designer fashion still seem to avoid this place in favour of Yorkville. Even during the holidays, the Bay is never crowded...
As a result, you can find some ridiculous deals here during sales. Last time I went for winter clearance, they had ALL shoes (think Chloe, Bloch, Brian Atwood) originally $250+ for $70 and shockingly, there were still some nice styles and regular sizes left! In December, I got a blazer by some Korean designer I'd never heard of, originally $500 marked down to $150.
But what made me feel compelled to write this update is that the last time I was here I realized they sell the full collection of butter London nail lacquers!!! (http://www.butterlondo...). So hard to find in Canada! At $17 a pop, it's a bit steep, but the range of colours is unbelievable. And I'd much rather buy mine here, where I can take my time browsing without being harassed by salespeople pressuring me to buy (like at Holt's!).
Combine all this with the vastly improved food options (Bannock, and a fancy cafe/bakery/takeout joint in the basement) and you've got shopping bliss.Listed in: Shop 'til you drop
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/29/2011
I love this flagship store. They always have fun window displays, especially the holiday ones. Ever… Read more »
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Review from Lauren M.
11/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
As someone who dislikes shopping, the Bay drives me batshit crazy.
It is simply HUGE and way too spread out. You can never find what you are looking for, and the people working in each department are useless tools who cannot direct you to the right area.
I was in here last week with my friend trying to return an item she had bought. Finding the "correct" counter to take the return was an absolute gong show. We had to visit 3 different floors and 6 different customer service areas just to get the right location. I mean, really, if I'm returning something just take it at ANY FREAKING COUNTER, you dumb sh1ts. It's not my job to return something to the correct area, I am the customer!
Lots of nice things here, awesome selection but the customer service is a complete piss take.
(rant over) -
Review from Monica F.
11/18/2011
I've been shopping at this location literally since I can remember. I have fond memories of back to school shopping with my Dad and their lovely Christmas decor/displays during the holidays....
More recent visits to The Bay haven't disappointed, either. Since I signed up for "The HBC Credit Card" (and received 15% off my purchase for doing so...) my inbox has been full of invitations for exclusive sales for HBC Credit Card holders.
The Woman's Clothing section on the 3rd floor is super roomy, giving me tons of elbow room for browsing their awesome brands like Top Shop and Free People.
My favourite perfume can be found here, and if purchased at the right time of the year it includes bonus items along with it. Gotta love bonus stuff!
Their cafe in the basement is their best kept secret. Although a little on the pricey side, I could eat everything they make. So good.
My most recent big-ticket purchase here was a $1,500 orthopedic mattress set I got during "Bay Days" for 50% off! Our sales associate was very knowledgeable and patient as we tested almost every mattress there. Delivery was a breeze and I can't be more happy with my comfy new mattress!
The Bay also offers on-line shopping and the shipping rates are quite reasonable.Listed in: Clothes shopping! Yay!
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Review from Maheen M.
9/29/2011
I go to the Queen Street Bay whenever I am downtown in a shopping mood. I love the Bay, I am biased by that is for another story. The Bay organization have been going through extensive renovations recently to overhaul the dated look feel of the department store. I would give the Bay Queen Street a 5 - but the renos are annoying and I can't find where things are anymore. They hope to have the renos complete by the end of this year.
Ok - now to the shopping piece:
Basement - luggage/kitchen - I could spend hours here. Nicely organized and visually appealing. They recently added a upscale cafe, I have to check that out next time I visit.
Main floor - comestics/jewelery/purses - girl's dream - the essentials all on one floor! As previous mentioned, cosmetic associates are great, eager to help and assist in any questions you may have.
the 2nd floor shoes section is the city's hidden gem. I have spent more time that I would like to admit scoping shoes out. The sales associate are super helpful too.
3rd floor (where the Room is) - Women's clothing mecca, fabulous brands with their own mini stores/section. Again sales staff are super friendly and helpful.
There are more floors to shop above the 3rd that I have yet to give my full undivided attention too.
Do visit the Bay, especially this location since it is the flagship store! -
Review from Maddy K.
Toronto, ON
10/26/2011
One of the BEST SHOE sections in the city!!
The bay has gone through a major facelift and i'm a huge fan of all the efforts!!
The women's clothing has come such a long way carrying terrific brands now with great display areas. The staff is friendly with really helps with holds or other store transfers.
GREAT housewares section as well.
I LIVE for BAY DAYS!! GREAT Saless!!
It has quickly become one of my favourite places to shop this year!
now, the bloor and yonge location needs to step up as well - can't wait for their renos to be completed. -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
12/11/2011
We all get it. The Bay is looking to move up market with some of their pricier real estate. I applaud them for this but they don't seem willing to commit. Every time I come here it gets a little better, but it's so frustrating because it always feels like they don't have their hearts in the game. I can imagine the boardroom meetings in which the starch old-guard make their plea that The Bay is not Holt Renfrew and should stop trying to be, while the young hipper executives try to drag those old-farts into the up-scale 21st century by any means necessary.
Coach boutique? That's good. Burberry boutique? Impressive. So why do they insist on keeping the remnants of Bay's gone by? Overloaded display cases and crowded isles with merchandise jammed onto small tables are still in vogue here. Crowds were so heavy here just before Christmas in the time it took me to move through an aisle that was backed up (because of these little tables), three people knocked merchandise off the tables. Get in the game The Bay, either move up market or don't. Make a decision and go with it. Renovate the rest of this place, move out the crap merch, de-clutter the aisles and then you'll have a decent department store. -
Review from Marie F.
8/7/2011 10 Check-ins Here
Bar none, this is my favourite Bay in the whole country.
I am like a kid the night before Christmas whenever they unveil their always epic holiday window displays.
As a fashion enthusiast I enjoy their exclusive lines.
This location has amazing shoes. when they have a clearance its bananas leaving me no choice but to buy multiple pairs for my tootsies.
The cosmetic counter are hit and miss. The Bay near the shoes on the second floor for example is never fully stocked and the staff prefers socializing than helping out. This is in stark contrast to the main floor location, which has the best service and product availability I've ever seen for a non-Pro store. -
Review from Susan C.
Toronto, ON
9/2/2011
The Bay is really hard to write a review for since it's massive. But, I guess I'll try...
I hardly end up at The Bay, but went a few times this year. This is pretty much your standard department store, just higher end of course. I do enjoy that they sell reasonable priced goods as well as designer ones - this gives you a wider range to choose from. (Especially the bag area).
The makeup area never disappoints me. I have visited the MakeUp Forever, NARS, MAC, Clinque, and Origins booths and they are full of positive experiences. They all gave you their full attention and had really good tips to share. They were really informative, which I guess is a really good way to attract the customer into the brand. But, it really works. What surprises me is that they are never pushy for you to make a purchase! They are always willing to let you test it out and explain the product to you, which I really enjoy when they take so much time to do so. Of course, that type of technique always leads to myself making a purchase, but all purchases I made from the makeup/skincare booth had never fail to disappoint me when I got home.
Good place to walk around when the weather is not at its best. -
Review from Nicole B.
11/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I went into the Bay to find a product at YSL. And let the hunt begin! I was told it was near the MAC counter; little did I know that there are two of them on two separate floors.
It didn't take that long to find it but when you're shopping on your lunch break, even 10 min can cut valuable time from everything you're trying to do in that time period. I was helped by a sales associate right away & she was able to match my skin to the product perfectly. I give her kudos for that. But the experience was just okay. I know now that I can find certain inaccessible make up brands at the Bay; but the price mark up makes me feel I'll try online stores next time, especially now that I know the name of the product I want. -
Review from Erika P.
Toronto, ON
3/30/2011
NB: This is a review about The Bay's wedding registry service.
To sum it up: almost amazing.
They sit you down in a nice area with tables and chairs and ask you some questions about the wedding. Lenora, our consultant, was very helpful in explaining how the registry works, completion program and walked us through the catalog. We started in the basement for the kitchen stuff and she even accompanied us down- this was after she took our coats and offered us bottles of water.
The Bay has a GREATER selection of items than Crate & Barrel @ Yorkdale (see review).
The Bay's completion program includes a gift card that gives you an additional 10% off (regular or sale price) up to 1 year after your event. They also give you a list of items and the discount you get if they are still on your registry after the event.
They give you a sleek black folder with all the registry info, catalog and small tags that you can pop into your bridal shower/wedding invites stating that you are registered at The Bay.
I was very pleased with their registry service. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
8/5/2009 ROTD 8/24/2009
How do you hate on The Bay? It's iconic Canadian- older than Canada!
I love Bay stores both the interior art deco (right?) and the large interior with EVERYTHING you would ever need. And to top it off everything is like, lifetime return policy because it is a big retailer.
My favourite departments are the bags & shoes (huge selection and VERY affordable- but ranges to designer) and the jewellery cases, where you can find some solid deals (prices comparable to little girl accessory stories i.e. claires & ardene, but at awesome quality).
And then my most FAVOURITIST dept is the pharmacy. They seriously have food sales that kick grocery store ass. A dozen large eggs for 2.19??? AT THE BAY? How can you get better than that?
And sometimes (because few people actually buy their groceries here) the eggs come to 1-2 weeks close to expiration date and go on sale for 1.80$
that's a crazy deal!
I can eat a dozen eggs in a week!, can't you?! -
Review from Eric B.
4/4/2009
The Bay is the modern day evolution of the old Hudson Bay Company, which was founded in 1670. It was said that its initials (HBC) actually meant "Here Before Christ" and in a sense that's true as they did precede missionaries into much of the north woods.
The old HBC was once the de facto government in parts of North America before European-based colonies and nation states existed. From its longtime headquarters at York Factory on Hudson Bay, it controlled the fur trade throughout much of British-controlled North America for several centuries, undertaking early exploration. Its traders and trappers forged early relationships with many groups of First Nations its network of trading posts formed the nucleus for later official authority in many areas of Western Canada and the United States.
So there's a lot of history to consider when you walk into this modern and inviting department store. My little piece of that history is my high-quality and 100% wool Hudson Bay Point Blanket. However, the next time I come in, I'll need to keep Gayle in mind as I consider the wise advice of Kat F. -
Review from Kat F.
Updated - 9/8/2009
While I still think the 7th floor at The Bay (Eaton Centre) is the nuts, the same can't be said for the main floor (jewellery, cosmetics, hosiery). I defy you to find an employee to cash you out.
Everyone on the main floor suffers from "it's not my job"-itis and will go out of their way to ignore you. Earlier tonight one of the "sales"people shushed me when I asked her if she could help me, because she was on the phone with her S.O. Eff you very much?Listed in: Toronto's Best Fitting Rooms
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/3/2009
I am the most massive fan of The Bay Queen Street (aka Eaton Centre location)'s lingerie department… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
12/28/2009
I don't "get" the Bay. People give me gift cards to the Bay all the time and I really don't have any desire to shop there. I can never find a cashier. I see all these signs that point to "Customer Service" and I don't find any service in sight. It's like wandering around Honest Ed's with that feeling of aimlessness. Except Honest Ed's has some deals and it's fun to go in there when you're high. Not the Bay, though.
Today, I saw this child screaming like a maniac in the bedding and bath department. The parents probably equated the tantrum to her being 3 and not wanting to be strapped into a stroller. I equated it to being in the Bay and needing to get the hell outta there.
The women's clothing section is really skdfjhsdkjfhsdf and ksjdfhaksjfhlksjf to everything else. I am full of hate today. No, I love the world! -
Review from Jonathan S.
York, ON
9/16/2010
Once upon a time, the West End Shop at the Bay on Queen Street offered a similar level of service and merchandise.
The same sales vets still prowl the floor, but the back of house has changed. Tailoring that was once the province of prune-faced old men now seems to be outsourced, and the sales staff aren't always sure how to measure accurately.
Brands have been downscaled, with an emphasis on more popular-priced lines like Boss, Strellson and Joseph Abboud. A few token Samuelsohn and Coppley suits sit lonely on their racks in improbable sizes, waiting to be deep-discounted.
Made to measure is offered, but the results are wildly inconsistent. Two sportcoats in Zegna fabric look completely different: one is trim and stylishly tailored, the other a big blue box.
A pair of suits ordered for a biggetr guy are ghastly; the jackets are cut with T-Rex arms, and the pants taper suddenly and comically at the knee, for the wearer who can decide whether he's going to a board meeting or a Comedia del'Arte.Listed in: The Shirt Before The Shirt
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Review from Jay S.
Toronto, ON
4/23/2009
I specifically went to this store to get a hold of a messenger bag(a necessity for anyone who takes the TTC), lo and behold when I got there a whole section dedicated to messenger bags.
Although it didn't have exactly what I was looking for, I found something that more than adequately did the job. So I came to realize, if your looking for decent quality, fair prices, and many choices this would be the place to checkout. -
Review from Kim B.
ON
1/30/2009 2 photos
You've come a long way from beaver pelts, haven't you Hudson's Bay Company? Yes. Yes you have.
This is one of Canada's oldest retailers, one that built its status in the fur trade.
Today though, it's just a high end department store....which is sometimes all you're looking for. I tend to like The Bay better than Sears, because they have a bit better quality stuff.
Some notes: The Bay actually has a really great women's underwear section, for those interested in getting a cheap-ish good bra (male or female, I don't care). It also now does the Olympic clothing thing, which is the only real thing that's still remotely "Canadian" about it. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
10/31/2008
It would be an understatement to say that The Hudson's Bay Company was
integral in the formation of Canada. It would also be fair to say that
the glory days of The Bay are long past. The main store in downtown
Toronto is a very nice department store, although there are no beaver
skin hats, it's very upscale and I fear for its survival. The store
has many different departments with the most interesting
on the basement floor where other companies have set up booths.
In the basement you can find a Godiva Chocolateirs and a Nesspresso
counter that do nothing but sell those products. Before Christmas is
the best time to visit the Bay because they do a window display that has
all the makings of familial tradition. I wish the Bay was better, I wish
they had a museum or at least something interesting. It isn't a good
store and though it pains me to do it I don't recommend it, it's past
due.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/17/2008
Whenever you go to the Eaton Centre (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...), you can't help but notice The Bay to the south of the mall. Why's that? Maybe it's because it's attached to the mall by a catwalk that crosses Queen Street directly into the second floor. The Bay on Queen Street is the flagship of The Bay stores into Toronto. It is one of the largest and oldest of the stores into Toronto and as such has a bit of history and a strong sense of customer service.
The thing I love most about this store is that there is a floor dedicated to each department. This has meant to me that there is no ambiguity as to whether I am looking at close for men or not. All I need to do is go to the men's floor and I know that I'm looking at the right things. For whatever reason I always seem to go to The Bay whenever they're having a big sale, Scratch and Save, or some other scheme that's supposed to save me money. I'm sure that one time when I was purchasing pants and two shirts on a Scratch and Save day and a discount for using your Bay card, I'm sure they ended up owing me eight bucks.
The staff seem to have been there forever and as such seem to know the store back to front. If you find yourself lost, there's usually someone around that can help you out. This store is best entered when there are sales on. Fantastic as well for killing off Christmas lists. -
Review from Jade H.
4/20/2010
It's just a department store to me.
Macy's on Herald's Square seems more magical and historic. This place just seems like a high end department store that seems not that different than the Sears down the block. Supposedly the Hudson Bay Company is what made the Kanucks who they are as fur traders. Eh. It now is just like any other department store. Was I in the wrong one? -
Review from Leslie-Anne W.
Toronto, ON
11/11/2010 5 Check-ins Here
I love this particular Bay. It is well organized and has designer and regular brands. The new 'Room' is way beyond my price point, but is such a treat to browse in. If you have a lot to look for in a short period of time, the Bay is a great store to do it. They have just about everything, and a fantastic view from the 8th floor - seriously worth a trip up the elevator - and a good hidden place to have lunch at Great Cooks on 8.
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Review from Amanda L.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2010
I used to find the bay completely overwhelming but lately I've turned into quite a fan. A great selection of bathing suits and I love the Calvin Klein stuff and the whole floor of shoes. I also find the sales people at the Clinique counter to be very helpful (and always giving me free facials!). I recently took my teenaged 'little sister' here and she pronounced it her new favourite store after we were able to knock off her entire camp list in 2 hours. The best part....there always seems to be a sale!
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Review from anna k.
8/15/2011
Came here from the US. Nice store but couldn't get AMEX cards to work with their system for numerous purchases.Then bought a blouse, came home to the US to realize the salesclerk left the security tag on. I've called the manager and asst. Manager as well as customer service and none have returned my call for help. This place is no Nordstrom that's for sure. Hope to resolve this annoyance.
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Review from Jimi S.
ON
11/26/2008 4 photos
the allure of the bay on queen street is its vast array of clothes, accessories, furniture, electronics, everything, everything and a few everythings. they do have lots of brand names and other names not as well known so the prices for things range.
we had a registry there for our wedding and were able to have the convenience of one place with many options, both for ourselves and for those guests that really cared what it was from the registry they bought for us. they were pretty down to earth and helpful in the registry department and we found decent to great quality products in any section.
we managed to have some leftover cash from the registry (after we decided against some items) and we put all that money on an hbc card which is usable not only at the bay, but also at zellers, home outfitters, and a couple more. this again is a convenient feature and further increases its breadth of choices and needs on a general everyday level.
whats most remarkable about this location however, is its Christmas windows where they set up painstaking fantastical yuletide scenes using models for both environment and figurines. i remember seeing these as a little kid and they still have the same charm.
