Gardenview Convenience

My girlfriend visited this convenient store late one night to get a few things. She used her debit card to pay for her purchase. The next morning she looked at her bank account only to realize she had been wiped clean of all her money.
Last night, despite what had happened a week earlier, her and I returned to Gardenview since it was the only store open at such late hours. I decided to pay for my food using my debit card since I had no cash on me. We spoke to the manager that night and explained what had happened to my friend. He was completely useless in the matter and pretty much told us off.
This morning I checked my bank account and long-​behold my account was wiped clean. No money!
I’ve had friends have problems with them before and I sense they might have a chip reader. Something is not right there. I’ve called the cops and hope they will investigate deep into the matter.
I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO NOT USE ANY DEBIT OR CREDIT CARDS THERE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.

Among the most worthless shit-​holes I’ve experienced in Toronto. More overpriced than a normal convenience store, bad customer service, expired products on the shelves (including cereal even!). Avoid this place at any costs. You could take a taxi to the next closest minimart and buy a basket of goods, take a taxi back, and still save money. AND you’d get better stuff and deal with less attitude. If this store were a human I’d punch its kidneys out.

A small, over priced selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, dusty dried goods, and a freezer full of Ben and Jerry’s. Slurpee’s– yup, they’ve got it. Snacks galore– organic, natural sugar cakes– got that too.
I once saw a woman spend well over $ 100 to do her grocery shopping and walked out with what would have cost less than $ 50 at Loblaws. Convenience is the key factor here. If you recipe calls for crushed up pretzals, but you just polished off a bag (or haven’t bought them in years) Gardenview has it.

Gardenview belongs in the «enhanced» convenience store category with Rabba and 7 – 11 — maybe a super convenience store? Essentially there is a LOT of selection and because it’s open all night, there is always a random assortment of characters in the store looking to buy stuff. Among the things I’ve rushed in to buy at the last minute: flowers, birthday candles, WD-​40, Triscuits, wet catfood (they actually sell a really good brand called Wellness — surprising), a jar of almonds, soymilk and soy ice cream.
Also, Gardenview is the only place in Toronto (that I’ve seen!) that sells Stroopwafel, the Dutch wafer cookies. They’re right by the cash and cost about $ 4 a bag, and taste just like ‘home’!

Things here tend to be a little more pricey than I initially thought; I spent a few dollars more on kitty litter than I’ve done at another convenience store down the street.
It feels like every time I come here, I’m surrounded by glittery, heeled gals en route to a hoochie club or loud teenagers trying to cut a deal on licorice, like they’re at a freaking Asian market.
The layout is cramped, and all the staples are overpriced — big surprise, it’s a convenience store, duh! So really, it’s only a place I’ll go to if I have to nab a pack of gum or need that last-​minute kitty litter and have no other option.