Top 5: Places to Buy Local

Granville Island
Granville Island
Food items, art, spirits, jewellery, and even whimsical brooms can be found at one of our favourite spots – Granville Island. The shopping district is overflowing with local craftspeople, artists, growers, distillers, brewers, musicians and eateries. Whatever that item is on your list, you can find it on Granville Island, from locally made honeys and salts, to works of art expertly crafted from glass, metal, wood and textiles, there is no better place to find an authentic West Coast creation.

Giving Gifts
4570 Main Street, Mount Pleasant
Giving Gifts is your one-stop-shop for locally made, fair trade, and eco-friendly products. Divided into five rooms, the shop offers items from over 100 local makers who are making a difference through their creations. The store brings local brands together and provides a space to sell their goods. Products here range from fancy sweatpants to adorable magnetic bookmarks in the shape of fast food items. Other items you can find here include clothing, items for babies and kids, stationary, home décor, body care and items for living waste-free.

The Eastside Flea
1739 Venables Street, Strathcona
Touted as Vancouver’s hippest vintage and artisan market, the Eastside Flea is a spot for perusing collectables, upcycled items, and locally made goodies all while enjoying live vinyl deejays. More than 50 vendors set their tables up offering a diverse range of goods, from vintage clothing and housewares to wellness products, plants, arts and crafts. Come hungry because you can also find food trucks, coffee, and plenty of seating to enjoy it all while bopping to tunes on rotation. The market is only open on select weekends, so check their site for details.

Local Boom
504 East Broadway, Mount Pleasant
This little space on East Broadway between Main and Fraser is chock full of local finds. Everything is sourced from small Canadian businesses, and many brands are from right here in Vancouver. You’ll find some food items, treats, great cards and stationery items, and some sweet smelling natural cleaning products, but where Local Boom really comes up roses is the personal care category. From luxurious body products, to locally-made candles, and the bath bombs to end all bath bombs (made by the owner!), you’ll find a gift for everyone at this place.

Shop Makers
38 Water Street, Gastown
Yes, Shop Makers is now a chain with 18 locations across BC, Alberta and Ontario, but not only does it champion local artisans and entrepreneurs, but it also started right here in Vancouver with a Gastown store! The model works with makers paying a monthly fee for their in-store display and then receiving 100% of each sale, making it a great place to find products from new local businesses and artisans just starting out. Makers are also responsible for re-stocking their own displays, so expect to find something different every time you visit.