The Nike store has recently finished some renovations to give all you runners better service and access to products. The best improvement they made was moving the Toronto Nike Runners Lounge (TNRL) into the store which was formerly located at Younge and Summerhill. I would even go as far as saying they have created a new runners mecca.
The TNRL portion of the store is a great way to try out Nike running products before shelling out the dough. The TNRL staff will give you everything you need to run including shoes, shorts, shirts, iPod, and Nike+ Sports Kit. Then they'll send you out on a run with one of their friendly run leaders. When you get back they walk you through the Nike+ website to show you the breakdown of your run, all while you enjoy FREE Vitamin Water and Kashi granola bars.
The lounge is a great way to meet fellow runners through the many different types of FREE running groups the TNRL coordinates throughout the week. For you ladies there is a women's only night on Wednesday's where they go for a run and you come back to a guest speaker/activity which has included chiropractors, physiotherapists, yoga instructors, and more.
If you liked the products you tried out in the lounge then you can turn around and buy those products right away. The Nike staff are all very knowledgeable about the products and can answer any of your questions.
If you're concerned abut the prices I can assure you the price you pay for the technology you are getting is worth it. I just ran my first marathon and my shirt stayed dry the whole time thanks to Nike's Dry-Fit technology.
PROS:
Free trial of Nike running products
Free Vitamin Water and granola bars
Free running groups and training groups
Easy access to running specific products
Knowledgeable staff
Great central location right at the subway
Cons:
TNRL only open 5 days a week for limited hours (Nike store open regular hours)
Because its downtown you have to pay for parking