Swipe Design books + objects

Book store · Waterfront Communities-The Island

Swipe Design books + objects

Book store · Waterfront Communities-The Island

401 Richmond St W B04, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8, Canada

Highlights

City's best design, architecture, advertising books & objects

401 Richmond St W B04, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8, Canada Get directions

swipe.com

@swipedesign

@onthegrid

On the Grid : Swipe Design

"As the best Toronto destination for design, architecture and advertising books, independent retailer Swipe has survived multiple moves by holding true to a dedication of serving the designer community with the best on the market. Their loyal audience has been purchasing books, magazines and design objects from them in various locations around the city since 1987 and currently from their new-(ish) space in the historic, creative hub at 401 Richmond. While you’re there pick up a Rooster Sriracha wallet, some Pantone Coffee Cups or the latest design tome from Phaidon." - Jacknife

https://onthegrid.city/toronto/downtown/swipe-design

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@onthegrid

"Swipe Design, Downtown by Jacknife. As the best Toronto destination for design, architecture and advertising books, independent retailer Swipe has survived multiple moves by holding true to a dedication of serving the designer community with the best on the market. Their loyal audience has been purchasing books, magazines and design objects from them in various locations around the city since 1987 and currently from their new-(ish) space in the historic, creative hub at 401 Richmond. While you’re there pick up a Rooster Sriracha wallet, some Pantone Coffee Cups or the latest design tome from Phaidon."

Toronto

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@noviabui

Graphic Designer or Illustrator: Stores to Check Out

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Carol F

Google

Lots of unique and great gift ideas for the design/creative folks in your life! Definitely a place to stop by for that interesting gift for someone's birthday or Christmas. Love the professional graphic design related items and lots of diverse products from houseware, books, stationary, toys and greeting cards to name a few. Everything is well laid out and very nice showcase of the products. Also ask the staff if you need assistance, they can search up items on their computers!

Joel Shantz

Google

Anyone interested in design, unique objects, and unique books really needs to go here. It's a place where you easily get cought up browsing and find no shortage of things that would be neat to have. They sell quite a wide variety of things. Must see for yourself.

Victoria L.T

Google

If you love design, will love this store. It’s like half a bookstore and half home decor. They have a variety of other items too. I actually discovered this retailer from a Instagram account who was showing some of their items. I have been in twice since then and this is now where I get cool gifts for all my family and friends. Everything I have gotten from here has been adored by whoever I gave it to. I feel like I’m not sophisticated enough to understand more of their technical books, magazines and design aesthetic but I have found the staff to be exceptionally helpful and while I felt that way. They definitely make you feel like you are, which is so refreshing because the design world can be snooty. This is such a cool spot downtown and really they just have cool things that are unique and almost defy trend. If you go you will definitely become a more styled person, you can’t be around such beauty and style and not pick some of it up. Also the store itself like the building, is also just beautiful.

Stacey O'Neil

Google

Modern and elegant. Small selection of puzzles , architectural books, notebooks, cards and other stationary supplies .

Rebekah Huber

Google

I was able to check out a curated selection of books and calendars from Swipe at the 2024 RGD Design Thinkers conference, and i walked away with lots of great ideas and amazing books I can’t wait to dive into! Next time I’m in Toronto, I plan on visiting their permanent location.

Micah Cooper

Google

Fun little store, lots of art books, lots of local art prints and objects (jewelry etc.). The person working was super friendly and, as with everyone I met in that building, very indulgent of all my many questions.

Anastasiya Kopteva

Google

Great store, lots of interesting books and objects! Really friendly staff :)

Rose Bolotin

Google

I didn't realize it's a bookstore initially since their window display didn't have many books, mostly just stuff. I have been passing by daily for almost a year now. I went inside for the first time because I saw a large sign "Bookstore" quite far away from it and started looking for it. They have so many books about design. All types of design, and workbooks to boost creativity, and just books about so many interesting things. I bought 3 different ones and I felt like a kid in a candy store. It's a little gem in the middle of the city.

Geri M.

Yelp

Wanting to find corner, leather bookmarks, I had called several bookstores and novelty stores. Swipe Design did not have any nor did any of the other stores but they went out of their way, found them on line and ordered them for me. This was done so efficiently having informed me throughout the process. This is old fashioned, exceptional service and I am most grateful. Many, many thanks. PS. They are even having them mailed to me directly. Fantastic!

Avi L.

Yelp

Bought a #xmas present for myself here because my wife tells me I'm hard to buy gifts for. Spent a long time looking at the selection. Got great little gifts for the kids - euro-made self-winding geared cars. I was looking for a social marketing book. Still looking for a place that sells social marketing books. At any rate, I gought the classic Ogilvy on Advertising. Looked at Edward Tufte books. Beautiful Evidence and the others weren't that expensive. Some funny books here and there, big production design jobs. Cool paper and graphic designs. Sick watches. Worth seeing if you're a tourist to Toronto.

Amy C.

Yelp

This is design book heaven. They have almost everything here but I just wish these books weren't so expensive or I would've bought out the entire store in one go! This is a hidden gem in downtown Toronto and kudos to all the adventurers who stumble upon this bookstore on their own without the help of the internetz or a GPS. It's located inside the 401 Richmond building, which has mini art galleries inside, a cafe and a tiny music museum. The interior inside is very pretty so while you make a trip to Swipe, embrace the sounds of the squeaking floors and the feel of the building. This bookstore has a lot of books (not just design books), toys, stationary items and cute unique boutique-like items within the store. It's an awesome place to get some cool gifts for friends or family or for yourself.

Ben W.

Yelp

The selection of books here is superb. They curate a fantastic range of unique design and culturally oriented products. From the most beautiful children's wooden toys and books, to kitchen gadgets, portfolio cases, pantone swatch books, glassware, SPD awards annuals and pens. As a professional illustrator, I really don't know where I'd be without this place. Amazon might be cheaper, but you can get it instantly at Swipe and preview everything in your hands. Support a thoughtful independent business run by gracious people. Aside from what you donate to save the dolphins, forests and children-spend all your money there now! And now: more books on architecture !

Kelly R.

Yelp

Swipe is the perfect place to find presents for picky friends and family, and a really entertaining and enjoyable place to browse if you love beautiful, well designed things. You might want to leave the credit card at home, though, if you've prone to impulse buying. I really had to steel myself to keep from over spending. So many wonderful things!

JL G.

Yelp

I live in Montreal and I called Swipe design to buy some Blackwing pencils special edition that i could not find online anywhere. They were so helpful! Julie took my order, shipped it the next day by Canpar and I got my parcel two days after. I strongly recomend this store for their excellent service!