Things looked grim for the award-winning magazine store facing a nearly 50 per cent rent hike.  Presse Internationale was on its way to closing because it was unable to negotiate a lower rent, and it was unable to find a new affordable location. 

For nearly 20 years, Presse Internationale has been located at 537 Bloor St. W. near Lippincott Street. The store is known by the community for the friendly owners and their vast offering of magazines.  

However, when the building was sold, the new landlords sought a rent increase from $7,000 to $11,000 per month. Owners, Edith and her husband Huashan, were devasted. They felt that staying close to their original location was important because of their loyal client base, but other  commercial rents on Bloor were prohibitive.

After many stressful months, they found a find a new location at 515 Bloor. St. W., just a 30-second walk from their original location. They are now on the second floor, above Maji Curry.

The new location is calm, quiet, and spacious, with plenty of natural light. There are newspapers and magazines on many subjects. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Friday and on Sundays. On Saturdays they are open from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. It is a great place to find something new to read.

—Eleanor Viella Silva/Gleaner News