Tucked away in the heart of Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Plaza is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a community landmark that has stood the test of time. As one of the best shopping centres in Lawrence Manor, this iconic retail hub has been serving locals since 1953, offering a mix of popular retail stores, essential services, and dining experiences that keep visitors coming back. Whether you’re running errands, hunting for great deals, or grabbing a bite at the historic United Bakers Dairy Restaurant, this plaza has something for everyone. Conveniently located at Bathurst and Lawrence, Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor is not only one of Toronto’s best shopping centres, but also a cultural and social hub for the neighborhood. From outlet shopping to banking and grocery essentials, this plaza continues to be a go-to destination. Read on to discover why it’s considered one of the best malls in Toronto!
History of Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor
Established in 1953, Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor is one of the city’s original shopping destinations and remains a key part of the neighborhood’s retail landscape. As one of Toronto’s best shopping centres, it was built to cater to the growing community and quickly became a central hub for shopping and social gatherings.
When it first opened, Lawrence Plaza housed Morgan’s Department Store, which was later acquired by Hudson’s Bay Company. The plaza played a significant role in shaping Lawrence Manor, attracting residents and businesses while establishing the area as a key retail district. Over the years, it has adapted to changing consumer needs while maintaining its reputation as one of the best shopping centres in Lawrence Manor.
Today, Lawrence Plaza is managed by RioCan REIT, ensuring its continued growth and relevance. With its strong mix of retail, dining, and essential services, it remains one of Toronto’s best malls for both convenience and affordability.
Shopping & Retail Stores
Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor is home to over 50 stores and services, making it one of the best shopping centres in Lawrence Manor for both everyday essentials and specialty shopping. The plaza features a mix of retail stores, financial services, and dining options, catering to the diverse needs of the community.
Several anchor tenants contribute to the plaza’s popularity, including:
- Winners – Offering discounted brand-name fashion, footwear, and home décor.
- Metro – A full-service grocery store for fresh produce, baked goods, and household essentials.
- TD Canada Trust & Scotiabank – Providing financial services, ATMs, and banking solutions.
- LCBO – A go-to location for wine, beer, and spirits.
- Shoppers Drug Mart – A pharmacy and retail store for health, beauty, and everyday essentials. From grocery stores to specialty shops, Lawrence Plaza has plenty to offer—but for those seeking quality cannabis products, Toronto’s best dispensaries are just a short trip away.
Other notable stores include CIBC, Second Cup, Carter’s OshKosh, and The Shoe Company, further enhancing Lawrence Plaza’s reputation as one of Toronto’s best shopping centres. Whether you’re shopping for fashion, groceries, or banking needs, Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor remains a top retail destination.
Dining & Food Options
Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor offers a variety of dining options, with choices ranging from classic comfort food to quick-service cafés. A major highlight is United Bakers Dairy Restaurant, a long-standing establishment that has been serving Jewish comfort food since 1912. Known for its dairy-based dishes, soups, and sandwiches, it remains a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
In addition to United Bakers Dairy Restaurant, the plaza and its surrounding area feature several other dining options, including coffee shops, bakeries, and casual eateries.
For those looking for kosher food choices, the plaza’s location in Lawrence Manor, a neighborhood with a significant Orthodox Jewish community, ensures that kosher-certified restaurants and grocery options are easily accessible. With its mix of classic dining and convenient food stops, Lawrence Plaza remains one of the best shopping centres in Lawrence Manor for a quick bite or a sit-down meal.
Community & Cultural Significance
Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor is more than just a shopping destination—it plays a vital role in the social and cultural fabric of the community. As one of the best shopping centres in Lawrence Manor, it has long served as a hub for the Orthodox Jewish community, providing access to essential goods, kosher food options, and gathering spaces that align with the neighborhood’s cultural needs.
The plaza is also located near the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, a leading facility for senior care and medical services. Its proximity makes Lawrence Plaza a convenient shopping and dining option for both residents and visitors of Baycrest, further strengthening its role in the community.
Beyond shopping, the plaza contributes to local businesses and employment, supporting a mix of retailers, service providers, and dining establishments. As one of Toronto’s best shopping centres, Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor remains a key part of the neighborhood’s daily life, offering both convenience and a sense of community.
Unique Features & Highlights
Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor stands out as one of the best shopping centres in Toronto for its mix of convenience, history, and affordability. With a well-balanced selection of big-name brands and local businesses, the plaza caters to a diverse group of shoppers looking for both essential goods and budget-friendly deals.
A key highlight of Lawrence Plaza is the presence of United Bakers Dairy Restaurant, a Toronto institution that has been serving the community since 1912. This family-owned restaurant is a landmark in Jewish comfort food and adds to the unique character of the plaza.
The shopping center is also known for its outlet and discount stores, making it one of Toronto’s best malls for affordable shopping. Lawrence Plaza is a convenient shopping destination, but for bargain hunters seeking even bigger savings, checking out Toronto’s best outlet malls is a must. Whether visitors are looking for groceries, fashion, or essential services, Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor remains a go-to destination for convenience and value.
Events & Promotions
Throughout the year, Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor hosts a variety of seasonal sales and holiday promotions, making it one of the best shopping centres in Lawrence Manor for shoppers looking for great deals. Many retailers within the plaza participate in discount events during major holidays, including back-to-school sales, Black Friday discounts, and special promotions during the holiday season.
Several anchor tenants and independent stores at Lawrence Plaza also organize their own special events, including exclusive product launches and customer appreciation sales. These promotions make the plaza a prime destination for budget-conscious shoppers and deal hunters.
Additionally, Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor has strong ties to the local community, often collaborating with businesses and organizations to support community initiatives. With its commitment to offering value and engaging experiences, Lawrence Plaza continues to be one of Toronto’s best shopping centres for both savings and local involvement.
Location & Accessibility
Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor is conveniently located at 534 Lawrence Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario M6A 3C9, at the northwest corner of Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue. This prime location makes it one of the best shopping centres in Lawrence Manor, easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
For those using public transportation, the TTC 7 Bathurst and 52 Lawrence bus routes provide direct access to the plaza. Additionally, the nearest subway station, Yorkdale Station, is just a short commute away, offering connections to the rest of the city.
Drivers can reach Lawrence Plaza with ease via Highway 401, one of Toronto’s major roadways. The plaza offers ample free parking on a first-come, first-served basis, making it one of Toronto’s best shopping centres for convenience and accessibility. Whether you’re commuting by car or transit, Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor remains a hassle-free shopping destination. Visit the Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.
Real Estate & Development
Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor is a two-floor retail and office structure, with most of its stores and services located on the ground level, while offices occupy the second floor. The only exception is the two-level building on the corner, which originally housed Morgan’s Department Store and later Hudson’s Bay Company.
As one of the best shopping centres in Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Plaza has undergone various updates over the years to meet the evolving needs of shoppers. While there are no major recent renovations or expansions publicly announced, the plaza continues to maintain its space efficiently under the management of RioCan REIT, a leading real estate investment trust in Canada.
Future redevelopment plans, if introduced, could further enhance its reputation as one of Toronto’s best malls by potentially upgrading facilities or expanding retail space. Lawrence Plaza in Lawrence Manor remains a key retail hub, balancing historic charm with modern convenience.
FAQs
- What stores are in Lawrence Plaza?
The plaza features over 50 stores, including Winners, Metro, TD Canada Trust, Scotiabank, LCBO, and United Bakers Dairy Restaurant. - Can I find kosher food at Lawrence Plaza?
Yes, the plaza offers a variety of kosher food options, especially with United Bakers Dairy Restaurant and other local retailers. - How do I get to Lawrence Plaza by public transit?
You can take the TTC 7 Bathurst or 52 Lawrence bus routes, with Yorkdale Station being the nearest subway stop. - Is Lawrence Plaza a good place for discount shopping?
Yes, Lawrence Plaza is known for its outlet and discount stores, making it a great spot for budget-friendly shopping. - Is Lawrence Plaza part of a larger shopping district?
Yes, it is located near other shopping plazas in the area, including those along Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue, creating a bustling shopping district.