Last week, I was surprised to hear that the Vasanji clothing boutique in Yaletown had closed down. Yaletown.ca wrote a great blog post about the store and the importance of shopping local this holiday season* if we want independent stores to not only survive but thrive. And it’s not just Yaletown – the same applies to Vancouver neighbourhoods like Gastown, Main Street and beyond.
* Well, shopping local all year round would be best but even more so during the holidays – many retail businesses rely on sales in November and December to keep them going for the rest of the year.
So if you live or work in Yaletown and haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet, here are a couple of quick suggestions:
Beauty Mark – like a candy shop for beauty products, but without the calories. Many of the product lines carried here can’t be found elsewhere in Vancouver.
Brooklyn Clothing Co – the rare men’s clothing shop where I don’t have to worry what my husband will pick out; he can’t make a bad choice when all of the jeans and shirts look this good. Plus there’s a nice selection of unique belts and other accessories for the guys on your shopping list.
The Cross Décor & Design – I covet almost everything in this fun shop, and especially love how they display the home furnishings and accessories. You never know what you’ll find, but you’re sure to love it.
Fine Finds – as if their eclectic selection of fashion, accessories and gift items wasn’t good enough, the shop is serving up champagne and chocolate every weekend until Christmas.
Skoah – a gift card for one of their soothing fitskin facials or the more decadent facialicious would be perfect for anyone needing a little pampering, and Skoah’s line of yummy-smelling skin care products make for great stocking stuffers.
And finally, it’s not an independent store, but the One of a Kind craft show (at the Vancouver Convention Centre through December 12, 2010) features the work of some ridiculously talented artists, craftspeople and designers from Vancouver and beyond. Great source of truly unique gifts – no mass-produced products here!
How about you? Are you making it a “shop local” holiday, and if so, where are you shopping?
Brain Candy 
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Great list Erin. All great shops.
The Cross is dangerous. I recommend going 10 minutes before closing, otherwise hours will pass by!!
Yaletown does need some kids stores however. Who’s stepping up?
Thanks for the comment and the link!
I remember there being a kids store at Hamilton & Davie a few years ago (where Goorin Brothers is now). Given the number of pricey strollers you see in Yaletown these days, there’s probably an untapped market. A store like Hip Baby in Kitsilano would be a good fit for the neighbourhood.