08/17/2026
🖤 Wally is the bestest 🖤
Some businesses become part of a neighbourhood. Some business owners become part of its identity.
For more than 25 years, Wally Watson has been a familiar face in Old East Village through the Old East Exchange.
His store is filled with furniture, household goods, collectibles and unexpected treasures, but the real attraction is often Wally himself.
He loves people, enjoys conversation and believes shopping should include a joke, a laugh and, whenever possible, a great deal.
“I always think it’s like Christmas every day,” Wally says, “because I don’t know what’s coming in.”
Most of his inventory comes from people downsizing, moving or clearing a family home. That means every item has a history, and every visit offers something different.
Wally is also proud of keeping his prices affordable.
“I sell cheap,” he says. “I like to give deals to people.”
He is honest about the challenges facing Old East Village and never hesitates to speak his mind. But beneath the frustration is a deep commitment to the neighbourhood and an unwavering belief in its potential.
After 25 years, Wally is still here, opening his doors, serving customers, making people laugh and reminding us that independent businesses are the heart and character of Old East Village.
Wally Watson is not simply a business owner.
He is an Old East Village fixture.
