“Le Journal” in Toronto: loving Taylor Swift is priceless

TORONTO | Alexa Blancas left the Taylor Swift store at the Rogers Center on Tuesday morning, her arms full of her idol’s sweaters. She had it for $700.

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“It’s not fair to me. I have some for two of my friends who are coming to the first concert, Thursday evening,” she explained to Journala broad smile lighting up his face and kindly handing us a friendship bracelet.

She is far from the only one who treated herself to a little splurge two days before Taylor Swift’s first concert in Toronto. Proving that love is priceless, just about every Swiftie we encountered near the store had added a few hundred dollars to their credit card statement once they were done shopping.

Torontonian Dana Krychowski, arriving in the early morning darkness at 6 a.m., was the first in line with three friends before the store’s doors opened at 10 a.m.

Half an hour later, she had spent $400 on sweaters, posters and a Taylor Swift bag. “The money comes back. The memories, we have them for life,” she confided.

Thousands of Swifties expected

The opening of the star’s merchandise store on Tuesday was a sort of kick-off for ten days during which all of Toronto will vibrate to the rhythm of the six concerts that Taylor Swift will give in the stadium where the Blue Jays normally play, the Queen City baseball team.

Under a magnificent November sun, hundreds of Swifties were quietly lining up in front of the Rogers Center, waiting obviously punctuated by the songs of Taylor Swift, when The Journal showed up on site.

According to a stadium representative met on site, thousands of people were expected until the store closed at 8 p.m.

Less stress

For ticket holders who had the opportunity, it was imperative to visit the store before the day of their concert.

“I didn’t want to wait until the day of the show. I hear the lines are super long and I don’t want to miss Gracie Abrams, the opening act. Since I didn’t have class today, I could come,” says Alexa Blancas.

“It’s a lot less stress than the day of the concert. I won’t have to miss parts of the show to buy souvenirs,” adds Bethel Omero.

The blue sweater

The most popular item, by far? The famous blue round-neck sweater from the tour Eras.

“We each have one. It’s really popular everywhere on the tour, all the girls will wear them, you’ll see,” says Melissa Torres, who shopped with Carla Cabrera and Natalia Torres.

“We are from Toronto and unfortunately we were not able to get tickets. Buying these sweaters is the closest we can get to concerts,” she concludes.

No less than 240,000 spectators are expected for Taylor Swift’s six concerts in Toronto. First meeting: Thursday.