MODERN OFFERINGS RUN THE GAMUT IN THIS MARVELOUS MAINSTAY
Story by Caitlin Agnew
Photos by Joel Di Giacomo
Toronto’s West Queen West neighbourhood is more often than not described as being “in transition.” On-going gentrification has forever changed the landscape of the once derelict strip between Bathurst and Dufferin streets. There are, however, a few stalwarts who were here before Starbucks and have seen it all, first and foremost among them is Martin Myers.
The owner of Quasi Modo Modern Furniture Inc. and, more recently, 120 Modern, Myers has been a purveyor of classic design since 1981. Originally intending to open a clothing store (the name Quasi Modo roughly translates to “almost fashion”), switching to furniture has worked out well for Myers, who selects only the best of the best for his stores. At Quasi Modo you’ll find yourself surrounded by designs from the likes of Frank Gehry, Florence Knoll, and Ray and Charles Eames, while at 120 Modern you’ll encounter sexier and bolder lines like Edra and Ennezero.
I caught up with Myers to chat design, the issue of knock-offs, and how things have changed, for better or for worse, over the years.
You’ve been in the same location for nearly thirty years. What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the West Queen West neighbourhood?
The hookers are gone! Although I’m not sure that it’s better being invaded by hipsters and 905ers. When I opened the area was a bit on the rough side but it was affordable for a new small business. There were still a lot of the old businesses around serving the residential neighborhood then. They are pretty much all gone now.
Why did you decide to open at this location?
My first store was located east of Spadina on Queen Street in 1981. After two years there the rent in the area [was] unaffordable for a business like mine and I discovered that Dufflet Pastries had opened a store/factory at 787 Queen Street West. [The] business was one of the first interesting businesses to open in this area. When I saw the ‘for rent’ sign at 789, I jumped right in.
What got you interested in design?
A girlfriend. I have had no formal training or education in design. The store was her idea and at the time it seemed like an interesting direction to go in.
Many of the items at Quasi Modo are iconic design pieces that have been around for decades. How much has your stock changed, or stayed the same, since you opened?
When I opened my partner and I were selling vintage designer/classic goods. With the transition to new products we are still selling many of the same lines, as these goods are still in production. We have added new products but generally we try to maintain the same aesthetic.
How do you choose a new line to carry? What makes an item right for Quasi Modo?
I am very picky about the type of item we introduce, but I have made many mistakes discovering after the fact that the quality was poor or that people were just not interested in what I have chosen. Now I consult with my staff quite a bit before I make any decision. With Quasi Modo I mostly stick to our core suppliers as we are more like a furniture boutique with fewer than two thousand square feet, so there is not a lot of room to introduce new lines of furniture. With the accessories and lighting, I look at who the designers are and who is manufacturing it, as it is important for us to be involved with the name brands as they do a lot of advertising and get a lot of press [that] we cannot do on our own. By opening a new store I have been able to play a little bit with the lines and introduce things that I wouldn’t want at Quasi Modo but are also great products.
In a city not known for having a huge aesthetic community, why do you think you’ve survived here for thirty years?
I just stuck with it. I worked for many years in the film business, and in tough times just supported the store when necessary. We have always tried to offer good customer service and fair pricing. Of course selling the best brands in the world helps a lot.
What would you say is your best selling item?
Eames designs are by far the best selling products. Even with people all around us selling knock-offs, we sell a lot Charles and Ray Eames designs manufactured by Herman Miller.
Why is it important to invest in original pieces instead of less expensive knock-offs?
The whole thing about knock-offs is a contentious issue. I believe it is important to support the companies and designers who originated the design. That being said, price is often the deciding factor for people. Original pieces are often more expensive and knock-offs have helped lower the bar allowing people to get great designs and design ideas into their lives. But, like copyright issues with music and print material, someone created something and we should be supporting them, not somebody taking advantage of the simplicity nowadays to knock-off a product.
Do you have any advice for a rookie design collector?
Buy originals…even vintage or used, one good piece at a time.
Visit Quasi Modo Modern Furniture Inc. at 789 Queen Street West, and 120 Modern at 120 Ossington Avenue.
