Max Wholesale has stood on the northwest corner of Pape and Queen in trendy Leslieville since 1972. But back when it first opened, the neighbourhood was far from chic; it was rough and tumble. There was even a motorcycle gang that lived down the street, though co-owner Donna Makan recalls that when they came into the store they were respectful. “They called me ma’am – it was amazing.”
Brother and sister duo Russ and Donna Makan have worked at Max Wholesale (their dad, Max, was the founder) since childhood. Back then it was a general store that sold everything from clothes to pots and pans. Even though there were five siblings, “My brother and I had sales in our blood,” Donna explains. They took over the store after their father passed away.
The area has changed a lot since Max Wholesale opened its doors. The block is lined with upscale coffee shops and speciality stores. Max Wholesale no longer sells pots and pans, but specializes in jeans. “We changed according to the area and the clientele,” explains Donna.
