The Shops on Steeles and 404

This mall really should get torn down. Anywhere a McDonald’s can’t survive is telling the whole story.
They wanted to turn it into higher density mixed residential/​commercial space but the nimby neighbors fought it.
It’s a garbage mall in a great area, too bad.

This is a weird excuse for a mall. There is a massive Sears outlet store filled with shmatas and I thought that’s where it ended. But no! Through the doors of Sears lies a small, circa 1980, shopping mall. There is a Shoppers Drug Mart, a Chinese food place, some other little shops and a Food Basics supermarket. The most interesting store is a jam-​packed one that sells sports fan paraphernalia. Have you ever wondered where to get a mini pair of boxing gloves for the rear-​view mirror with your nation’s flag on it? The Shops on Steeles and 404!

The long slide down started years ago. They have a Sears Outlet that features what are probably higher prices than regular stores. But it has that «stock clearance» feeling.
There are a few small merchants that are worth supporting. There is a cobbler/​key maker/​belt and wallet seller, a branded sports clothing store specializing in Soccer sweaters and shorts, and a great alteration store.
They had the first exclusively Pandora store in Canada, and it failed.
Their anchor is a Food basics.
Not much here… but at the front of the mall is Congee Queen and that is a whole ‘nother story.

I work right around the corner from The shops on Steeles and 404 and find myself there at least twice a week. There are some really useful establishments inside such as: TD Bank, Fit N’ Stitch and Superior Dry Cleaners; but the remaining stores are a lost cause.
The interior has travelled straight from 1975 and hasn’t looked back since. They attempted to modernize by putting a tv playing CP 24 in the lobby, but it looks out of place. Like a smart phone in a Western Film.
Since most of the establishments do not have their own Unilocal listings I will detail my experiences.
Subway — First, they do not participate in national subway promotions e.g. $ 5 Footlong. Their prices are at minimum $ 2 higher for every footlong on the menu. The veggie sub starts at $ 7.50. If that wasn’t bad enough, if you don’t ask for cheese they will try to slip one past you. Don’t even think about asking for extra toppings, they snarl and say no. So, for example if you ask for pickles, you get five slices. Tomatoes, 4 slices. No more, no less. Considering there are 3 other Subway stores within 1 km I am flabbergasted this place is still in business.
Wimpy’s Diner — You can’t blame Wimpy’s Diner for looking tired, the brand itself is tired. I have never seen more than 2 patrons inside at one time, and it extrudes an overwhelming sense of sadness whenever you walk by.
Sears Outlet — I would imagine I would have a bette experience if I walked into a warehouse full of stolen merchandise. The entire Sears is dirty, unkempt, and merchandise is strewn all over without any care or structure. The prices themselves aren’t even that great, and you cannot find a single employee in the entire two levels.
Lotto Outlet Stand — Doesn’t accept credit or debit cards. Enough said.
Milano Fashion Outlet — A large collection of cheaply made clothes. I purchased a belt once, and it didn’t last until the end of the day before it fell apart. They sell suits for $ 99. Enough said.
JK Bag n’ Baggage — Same as Milano, but with bags.
L & W Lingerie — Having a lingerie store that is always empty is always odd. The fashions are straight out of the 80’s, and don’t look appealing in any sense. True, I don’t buy ladies underwear very often but I rarely, if ever see anyone inside this place let alone purchasing something.
Marlin Travel — Why do travel agencies even exist, let alone in a brick and mortar store.
Rogers — The guys in here are actually quite nice. They are a registered re-​seller for Rogers. Their inventory is light, but they are more than happy to help you out with anything.
Superdave’s Superstore — Dave is nice, maybe even super. If you are in need of knockoff sports memorabilia, this is your place to go. A wide selection considering most of it doesn’t pertain to the demographics of Markham.
Cuccina Moda — Overpriced, low quality kitchen appliances. Nothing compared to Kitchen Stuff Plus
They also have a rolling tally of independent vendors setup in the main hallway. Anything from coin collectors, to furniture repair, to children’s books. All of which is of the lowest quality, and just screams «Scam»
This mall could really benefit from a big renovation, they are far overdue.

Great location for a strip mall but nothing really good there.
Go there for the food basics, subway and TD bank. There used to be a McDonalds here but it turned into a Rogers store I believe. There is an Esso and Tim Horton’s outside of this mall as well.
I wonder if they added good stores here would it take off? It is a great location!

The Shops on Steeles and 404 is quite a decent neighbourhood mall. It is right next to 404 that makes it really accessible by car. Even it is located at Thornhill but since it is right on Steeles so still accessible by TTC.
The Shops on Steels may not be the best mall to shop for gifts or high fashion but for everyday needs it has Shoppers Drug Mart, Food Basics, TD Bank, Scotia Bank…
For food selections it is more interesting as there is quite a diversified offerings: Wimpy’s Diner, Congee Queen, Oshio Japanese Restaurant and King’s Wok
If you do check their tenant directory most of them are services orientated: alternations, nails salon, accountants, dentist…
Love the Plasma TVs and the comfy sofa in the Centre Court area. good place to hang out to watch some CP24 while you surf online using their free WIFI!
*No too many shopping malls provide patron with free WIFI access…