HONEST ED'S- A very famous store in Toronto

One day  I was very surprised to see many people lining up outside HONEST ED'S. Later on I was told that the store gave away free turkeys at Christmas.

Since then I was very interested in him and started to know of him and his story.

Honest ED's is a giant discount store in Toronto. If you have the chance to travel to Toronto, don't miss to visit it or shop there. The store is very famous. So is its flamboyant owner, Ed Mirvish.

Ed Mirvish was born in 1914. He grew up in a poor family. When he was 15, his father died. Young Ed had to quit school and ran the family grocery store. That time were very tough , and Mirvish had to work hard.

In 1941, he and his wife, Anne, opened a tiny women's clothing store. The store did  very well. But after a while, Mirvish got tired of selling dresses. He began to buy discount merchandises from fire sales and bankruptcise. He sold the merchandise from boxes on the sidewalk. On a sign, he painted, " Name you own price! No reasonable offer refused! Our prices are the lowest in town!"

That  store was an instant success. Honest ED's was born at the historic moment.

Mirvish attracted crowds of customers with sales, prizes, and crazy publicity stunts. He started doo-crasher specials ( special prices for the first people in the store.) He gave away free turkeys at Christmas. In the mid-1950s, he built a huge sign with 23,000 light bulbs. Every morning, people lined up to get in the store, which sold all kinds of merchandise. Amazing, isn't it?


In 1962, Mirvish bought the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. This began his career as a theatre promoter and restaurant owner. Today, he owns several theatres and restaurants. He runs them with his son, David.

In July 1998, Mirvish celebrated his 84th birthdayand the 50th anniversary of his store. After half a centruy of bargains, the store and Mirvish are still going strong. At 84, Ed Mirvish was not slowing down, He still worked 12 hours a day.

This year Mirvish celebrated his 91st birthday at the store located in the intersection Bloor and Bathurst ( you can reach there by taking subway and get off Bathurst staion), Our mayor,miller, gave a wonderful speech. Many people, some from  nearby communities, some from far away , atteded the birthday party.Honest Ed's is as busy as ever.

May good people be safe all his life. Long live, Mirvish!!

[:494:]

wow! excellent writing. it looks very different. really impressive. both thumbs up!

wonderful story presented by you, many thanks for your sharing.

good story for us to share.

If you have a chance, Please come to see the store. Enjoy every single day!