10 Of The Best Independent Stores in Vancouver

The weather is getting colder in Vancouver and that means spending more time at the mall. I don’t mind it so much because my son likes it and it’s somewhere warm to walk around. However, I seldom find things at the mall that I like. After looking at the windows of a few stores, the selection starts to look all the same.

If you want to look for some unique and good quality items, you will have to head to the independent stores. Since it’s almost time for the holidays, I thought I would list some of my favourite local shops for gifts.

MAIN STREET
Much and Little
Carries a nice selection of housewares, women’s apparel, and handcrafted accessories.
2541 Main Street
Vancouver BC V5T 3E5

Eugene Choo
Carries the coolest brands in clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. Archival Clothing, A.P.C., Filippa K. just to name a few.
3683 Main Street
Vancouver, BC V5V 3N6

Vancouver Special
Offers contemporary furniture, sofas, design objects, household accessories, and art and architecture books. The name of the store is a poke at the cookie cutter houses in Vancouver, called “The Vancouver Special.”
3612 Main Street
Vancouver, BC V5V 3N5

GASTOWN AND DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
Old Faithful Shop
Modern day general store that carries good quality items for simple, everyday living. This store is probably my favourite.
320 W Cordova Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1E8

Rowan Sky
Carries some of the nicest selection of shoes for men and women. Also has some bags and accessories.
334 West Cordova Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1E8

The Window
Located in the Downtown Eastside, The Window is a non-profit arts and crafts shop. It features some of the most interesting goods from local designers.
9 West Hastings
Vancouver BC

CAMBIE STREET
Walrus
You can find some great modern gifts here. Walrus carries well-crafted, functional and playful items. The owner of the store is a friendly German ex-pat.
3408 Cambie St.
Vancouver, BC V5Z 2WB

YALETOWN
Global Atomic  is an independent fashion forward store for men and women. The owner of the store is so knowledgeable that you will feel like you’re getting a private clothing consultation with him.

1144 Mainland St
Vancouver, BC V6B 2S2

GRANVILLE ISLAND
Paper-Ya
A great gift shop that carries handmade and unique items. You will find a nice curation of stationary, bags, accessories and writing instruments.
#9 – 1666 Johnston Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2

Circle Craft Shop and Gallery
Circle Craft has been hosting the Circle Craft Christmas Market for 40 years now. It’s a co-operative that promotes the work of craftspeople in BC and in Canada. They also have a brick and mortar shop in Granville Island selling works of various artists and designers.
1-666 Johnston Street
Net Loft Granville Island
Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2

photo courtesy of Christian Yves Photography

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