True - but you know what?   That little children's bookstore -- the Constant Reader on Harbord Street (now closed) -- where the owner knew practically every children's book ever printed in the English language, was a gem.  The owner recommended several "below the radar" books that I'd never have known about as gifts.   And she was consistently right on the money.   The kids (and the parents) always loved the books she suggested.   And the books she suggested were always affordable.

This is just one example.   It's sad to see places like this close.   There are still some good independent bookstores in Toronto, but they are dwindling.