When the Sonic Boom record store moves out this October, a Bad Boys Superstore will move in. The 12,000-square-foot space is located on the corner of Bathurst and Bloor and is part of the Honest Ed’s building complex. The plan was announced on July 20 during Honest Ed’s 66th anniversary celebration; David Mirvish presided at the event, which featured free T-shirt giveaways, free lunch, and a family magic show. Mirvish said he was “proud to reveal the partnership with Blayne and Mel Lastman of Bad Boys.” Like Honest Ed’s, Bad Boys will offer discount prices on its merchandise. “We thought putting [both stores] side by side would be a great shopping experience,” Mirvish said. “Bad Boys intends to continue for many many years.” Honest Ed’s will still be closing its doors on Dec. 31, 2016. “I didn’t want to say good-bye in two weeks the way retail stores usually do, so we’ve taken three years to say good-bye and we have a long life here still,” Mirvish said. The Honest Ed’s site is slated for redevelopment by Westbank Properties of Vancouver. Head of advertising at Honest Ed’s, Franca Longobardi, is pleased with the partnership and the turnout at the celebration. Every year is full of familiar faces and new customers of Honest Ed’s. “I think it’s exciting, I’ve been here such a long time and it hurts me that we have to leave one day, and the fact that Bad Boys is coming in is giving me hope that I’m going to be around for a couple more years,” Longobardi said. Blayne Lastman of Bad Boys says this partnership is worthwhile. “With the Honest Ed’s name and the Bad Boys name, finally after 60 years in the making it was a great deal.” The Annex can look forward to discount prices on brand name furniture, electronics, and appliances until Dec. 31, 2016.

—Chantilly Post/Gleaner News