Criterion Collection, the New York‑based distributor of classic and contemporary cinema, opened its first brick‑and‑mortar retail outlet in Toronto this September. The new shop, located in the city’s downtown core, offers shoppers a broad inventory of physical media, including DVDs, Blu‑ray discs and 4K Ultra HD titles. The launch marks the company’s initial foray into a dedicated storefront in Canada.
The store’s shelves are stocked with thousands of titles spanning the company’s curated catalogue, ranging from restored silent films to recent award‑winning releases. Customers can browse and purchase individual discs, as well as explore bundled sets that the company often assembles around directors, genres or thematic programs. In addition to sales, the space provides viewing stations where patrons can sample films before buying.
Criterion Collection has built its reputation on meticulous restoration and supplemental features, and the Toronto location extends that philosophy to a physical setting. While the company has sold its products online and through third‑party retailers for decades, the decision to open a standalone shop reflects a broader industry trend of catering to collectors who value tangible media. The Toronto store joins a limited number of specialty film shops in the city, offering an alternative to streaming platforms.
The September opening coincides with the company’s ongoing effort to celebrate cinematic heritage through direct engagement with audiences. By making its extensive catalogue accessible in a single venue, Criterion hopes to attract both longtime aficionados and new viewers interested in high‑quality home‑theater experiences. The shop will operate daily, with staff available to advise shoppers on titles and technical specifications.