Public Butter

By the time Tracey Opperman, John Christmann and Bernard Chung opened Public Butter in the winter of 2008, they already had more than half a century of experience in Toronto’s vintage fashion scene between them.

But, while Black Market, their popular thrift store founded by John in 1982, is a veritable treasure trove of affordable clothing and accessories for $10 or less, the launch of Public Butter meant that the trio now had an outlet for their other interests: furnishings, architectural salvage and vintage items that would’ve otherwise been too pricey to hang on Black Market’s discount racks.

Of course, just as at Black Market, there are countless cozy flannels, vintage tees and army surplus flack jackets to sift through at Public Butter. Plus, shopping here won’t break the bank ― a price tag of about $20 is the store’s average. But more eccentric pieces such as analogue stereos, typewriters and even the odd mantle salvaged from an old home join the store’s array of clothing, too.

“There’s a little something for everyone,” says manager Kendall Coontz of Public Butter’s diverse stock. “You come in here not looking for something particular, you’re gonna leave with a lot of stuff. If you come in here looking for something particular, you’ll leave with something.” Or, as Tracey puts it, it’s a one-stop shop for customers looking to “outfit bod and abode.”