When the going gets tough, the strong go shopping.

Seriously. With the world still singing the recessionary blues, consumers are guarding their moolah. Someone needs to keep the economy going, right?

While on a recent stroll on Avenue Rd., trying to save the economy and all, I was gratified to see businesses adapting to challenging times.

I wouldn’t have thought a consignment furniture and décor store would do well in this ’hood, but turns out Warren Hales’ year-old shop Around the Block is becoming a mecca for décor savvy recessionistas.

Not to imply the goods are cheap ’n chintzy. Take a gander at the featured products at www.aroundtheblock.com and you’ll find mahogany dining room sets, teak armoires and swanky armchairs in the offerings.

It’s best to roam the two-level space to get an idea of the sheer breath items up for grabs. They’re always changing and turn over is fast, so if you see something that makes your inner Martha Stewart sing nab it quickly.

A bargain basement decorator, I pick up the majority of my art at Goodwill — but the stuff here is way better. Warren’s had 12 years in the appraising and consignment biz so he has a good eye and prices pieces below what they’d go for in the galleries.

My fave: a still life by Montreal artist Nathan Letovsky, $595, that has an abstract painted on the back that Warren discovered after a rip in the paper tore off. If you hang the piece from a pipe as he’s done, say in a loft, you’ll have two paintings in one.

There’s contemporary and vintage, with most pieces in impeccable condition, but there are some fixer uppers too. Two humungous 19th century armchairs with wood carved trim are only $45 each. If you have an eye — or a decorator — you can jazz them up with new foam and fabric.

A few months ago I found a lovely worn blue Persian runner rug here for just under $100.

I’m not much into kitsch but the marble-topped podium — or pulpit? — with orange faux stained-glass panels on the side that light up when you plug it in is almost heavenly it’s so tacky. I’d pay the $50 to get a peep at the house that came from.

The work of “art” I snap a photo of Warren in front of — a gilt-framed needlepoint wonder with a 19th century gentleman striking a pensive pose — came from the same abode and is too schmaltzy for words.

I bag a 1950s multi-tier gold and pearl costume necklace for $10. Diamonds are under glass but the $5 bauble bin is more my bag.

1903 Avenue Rd., 416-546-1760 www.aroundtheblock.com

A few doors north I pop into Su Casa, a shop I’ve been meaning to check out since receiving a call from owner Paula Cohen two years ago.

Alas, I learn Paula is on a buying trip, but colleague Gloria Andrews and I have a great chat. Though the store still specializes in furniture, home décor and gifts, they’ve shifted into fashion accessories of late.

Indeed the “Home & Country Living” that’s etched on the store window doesn’t quite fit with the yummy fashion-forward handbags and jewellery that fill the space where the bath and body products used to be.

It doesn’t matter that the fall merchandise hasn’t yet arrived. I take advantage of the 50 percent off summer handbag sale and snap up a big bright yellow handbag with industrial clips on the strap.

The bendable silver-tone tubular necklaces, $29–32, have been trending the last few seasons but they have a Euro bohemian look I love.

Leather clutch purses, wallets and cuff bracelets by Ontario native designer Angela DeMontigny are beautifully crafted. The cowhide clutch, $295, is moo-tiful.

And the cocktail rings? Don’t get me started. These silver rings from Mexico are the nicest I’ve seen — and this coming from a ring bling nut. One, a bright aqua-hued glass with multiple fine facets, $65, is on my wish list.

1971 Avenue Rd., 416-483-7887 www.sucasadesign.com

On my way home I pop into Helen Laniak’s store, Girls and Pearls, which I’m happy to report will be celebrating its second anniversary this fall.

Helene (pronounced “Hel-lean” — I discover I’ve been saying it wrong all this time) fills me in on the latest store happenings. To accommodate her market, she’s shifting away from medium-end costume jewellery and going more high-end.

A new jewellery line has just arrived from France and it’s super special. Bijoux Rosebud is made from copper, brass or silver plated tin and features necklaces and bracelets with jangly lockets and other darling baubles — real statement pieces to boot.

The reversible belts, $35, are on my style radar, as are the scents for men and women by Italian company Acca Kappa.

Luscious fall scarves have already arrived, and coming in September are Peter Kent luxury handbags, which sell for about $650 a pop.

Look for a new website and a Myka jewellery trunk show around the shop’s B-day.

1919 Avenue Rd., 416-782-3260