The Sweet Potato is a great store but it is very much a niche like the Big Carrot on the Danforth.
They fit the Junction well given the demographic but Leaside is more of a Whole Foods sort of location. There is a reason stores like the Big Carrot only have one location.
Edit: I stand corrected. The Big Carrot has two locations.
I concur w/that assessment.
Stores such as these, with a focus on local, organic etc offer some wonderful niche and quality product, and that product set can work well in an affluent neighbourhood. It needn't be Whole Foods either, in Leaside, think of Cumbrae's.
However, there is a vibe question, and the way you present yourself.
Sweet Potato/Big Carrot have a certain hipster/activist, I wish I was vegetarian, I grow my own stuff, I brought my own bag before I had to.....energy.
That's not Leaside. That's not the energy at Cumbrae, which is more best-of-the-world, see the awesomeness money can buy. No problem w/that btw, Cumbrae does some great stuff.
But the thing to note is understanding your customer and appeal; either you cater to your neighbourhood, or already fit it.
Sweet Potato could grow, but when I think of its demo, I think Parkdale, Kensington, and Queen West among others.
Leaside was just not the right fit.
Additionally, competition is key, and here, for the drivers, Leaside's options are nearly unlimited, with Longos and Farm Boy (nee Sobeys) over at Laird, Loblaws down at Moore Avenue, Metro at Eglinton and Whole Foods to its north.
While for the walkers you have Cumbrae and Rahier etc.
Tough market to crack.