Juxtapose Cards & Gifts

“A juxtaposition” might be a good place to start when describing this long-time Bloor Street staple. From temporary tattoos for grown-ups to home decor, accessories, and a greeting card to suit every imaginable taste and occasion, Juxtapose lives up to its name as a study in contrasts.

It’s fair to say that the contrasts extend beyond the store's offerings. The quirky gift shop, formerly known as Outer Layer, has seen its share of changes over the years. Not only did the store have a different name at its inception, it also began with a decidedly different concept as a novelty condom retailer.

“That's where the name 'Outer Layer' came from,” explains Juxtapose co-owner Trinh Ngo, who joined founding owner Shane Moxey in the business about a decade ago.
But as times change, so do tastes. When prophylactic sales started to dwindle, Shane began bringing body products into the store, until eventually lotions, soaps and perfumes were all the Outer Layer sold. As the store continued to evolve, owners brought in novelty gifts, accessories and greeting cards.