August 16, 2006
TTC Unveils Mediocre Merchandise
Perhaps in response to frequent urgings by numerous writers, a new TTC schwag shop has opened in Union Station aptly named "TTC Transit Stuff".
Before you get excited, Torontoist has to break the depressing news to you: it's still Legacy Sportswear, and you wouldn't be caught dead wearing it.
The corrugated plastic kiosk has been open for "like a month", according to the girl staffing the place, and offers shirts and hats featuring TTC logos, subway cars, streetcars and buses. The prices are admittedly hard to beat: $6.99 for some shirts and a free token holder with a $25 purchase.
Some items bear the familiar "Ride the Rocket" slogan, but Rick Ferri's promise came true: Legacy now offers shirts that say "Toronto's Underground", a phrase that sounds suspiciously like the transit system of another city.
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If the TTC starts making swag on American Apparel, I'll be all over it. Honestly, just the TTC logo, smack in the middle of a black AA shirt, and I'd buy it.
But the TTC does really need to hire some artists or designers to take care of stuff like this. Right now, it's just a tourist trap for a few extra bucks (that's why it's only at Union Station). I still don't think that they understand the money they could make if they made good merch.
what a great idea. but what utter utter CRAP. ttc buttons for sale there?... gee that would sell... there are so many creative people in toronto who have taken the initiative to make ttc related "stuff" that I would not hesitate to buy(and have)and wouldn't doubt would sell at the kiosk as well... this just seems like any of those stores on spadina 5t-shirts for $10, but now its 1 tshirt for $25.
what a waste of space for a potentially great opportunity.
is there going to be another $.25 fare hike for this?
JM- where can we find this unofficial TTC merch?
TTC Transit "Stuff"? Couldn't they have thought of a better name than that? Makes it sound like one of the many other no-name random stores they have in other stations. Oh wait, that's right...it IS. I'm all for TTC-related "stuff", but they could've put a little more thought into the whole thing, instead of making it look ghetto 80s (in a bad way...thought I'd clarify so the hipsters don't get confused).
Can I get a t-shirt with that "garbage gremlins" poster on it? That would be so cool. Those guys at the TTC are marketing geniuses.
I'd actually totally buy that.
After the next fare hike, which now sounds pretty imminent, people will probably be wearing their swanky new TTC shirts while they drive to work in their cars.
I call redundant on that!
I wish the TTC was more creative with their merchandise e.g. model toys and books if they want more money.
I think you can get a free cardboard streetcar or bus at Davisville.
Yeah, you definitely can - I'm picking some up tomorrow, actually. :)