We asked. Where readers voted. Here are your favourite spots to shop
By Jennifer Patterson
Heritage department at The Bay. Photo by KK Law
Department Store
The Bay
This Canadian company, founded in 1670, is one of the oldest in the world. Over the past few years, this downtown hub has turned into a don’t-miss fashion destination. Label lovers visit The Room, a high-end space filled with the crème de la crème of designer goods, and young trendsetters head to the world’s second-largest Topshop, on the lower level. For holiday decor, see the Christmas Street department.
Finalists
Holt Renfrew; Army & Navy.
China & Crystal
Atkinson’s
Drop by this elegant South Granville space for classic collectibles, including Waterford Crystal or dinnerware by Iittala, Versace and Wedgwood.
Finalists
Birks; Chintz and Company.
Antiques & Collectibles
Antique Warehouse
There’s no time like the present to redecorate. Luckily, Antique Warehouse has over 1,115 sq m (12,000 sq ft) of vintage and antique home furnishings. There’s something for everyone, as this massive collection ranges from 18th-century decor to mid-century modern furniture, all sourced from France, England and Belgium.
Finalists
Antique Market; Scott Landon Antiques; Three Centuries Shop.
Children’s Clothing
GapKids
This popular shop for tots and tweens carries clothing and accessories perfect for school, a holiday party or just playing in the yard. Big-name designers (think: Diane von Furstenburg and Stella McCartney) often design limited-edition collections for the chain.
Finalists
Hip Baby; Beansprouts; Redfish Kids Clothing.
Men’s Clothing
Harry Rosen
Dapper gents head to this downtown store to fulfil all their style-related needs. The rich wood interior complements the custom-made suits, classic casual wear and colourful ties, alongside leather loafers and great-for-winter puffer jackets.
Finalists
Holt Renfrew; Roden Gray.
Ladies’ Clothing
Aritzia
Vancouver’s own Aritzia started life in 1984 as a store-within-a-store, inside Hills of Kerrisdale (page 27) to be exact. Now, many years and stores later, the edgy, on-trend fashions and multiple in-house labels cater to a loyal legion of customers, including much-photographed celebrities and fashionistas.
Finalists
The Bay; Holt Renfrew.
Glasses at Bruce Eyewear. Photo by KK Law
Eyewear
Bruce Eyewear
Stylish specs and cool sunglasses line the cases at this Gastown spot. Unique frames by sought-after labels such as Cutler and Gross, Oliver Peoples and Mykita are just a sampling of what’s in store.
Finalists
Eyes on Burrard; Spectus Eyewear.
Sporting Goods
Sport Chek
No matter what your age or sport, you’ll find all the gear you need—from skis to golf clubs to inline skates—at this mega chain.
Finalists
Mountain Equipment Co-op; Lululemon.
Lingerie
Change Lingerie
This Danish brand designs sweet skivvies and bras, with cup sizes ranging from A to K. Find pyjamas, slips and bathing suits, too. Free bra fittings.
Finalists
Dianes Lingerie; La Vie en Rose.
Books
Chapters/Indigo
Spend an hour—or four—exploring this palatial, multi-level bookstore. Everything from cookbooks to architecture to language has a dedicated section, as do the hottest best-sellers and magazines. Take the tots to the colourful kids’ section, then browse the expanded gift and decor area. Monthly author events.
Finalists
Banyen Books & Sound; Black Bond Books.
Chocolate
Purdy’s Chocolates
Since 1907, this iconic Vancouver chocolatier has satisfied sweet-tooth cravings with sweet Georgia browns, hedgehogs and mint melties. The recognizable gold and purple box—chock-full of assorted chocolates, nuts and caramels—makes a great gift, whether for a hostess or for that chocolate-loving friend.
Finalists
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory; Rogers’ Chocolates; Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie.
Fine Art
Inuit Gallery of Vancouver
This elegant and spacious Gastown gallery has been in business for over 30 years. Peruse the fine Inuit sculptures, along with prints, original drawings and museum-quality Northwest Coast First Nations art. Regular rotating exhibits feature stunning pieces by both established and new artists.
Finalists
Jennifer Kostuik Gallery; Granville Fine Art.
Jewellery & Watches
Tiffany & Co.
This year marks the 175th anniversary for the coveted jewellery label. Expert craftsmanship and attention to detail—not to mention the recognizable robin egg–blue box—keep customers coming back. Don’t miss the eye-catching collections by Elsa Peretti, Frank Gehry and Paloma Picasso. Be sure to check out the selection of crystal, sunglasses, leather goods and home decor, too.
Finalists
Birks; Pandora Jewelry.
Bentwood box at Inuit Gallery of Vancouver. Photo by KK Law
Spas & Salons
Vida Spa
The goal of this chic, relaxing spa is to bring your dosha into perfect harmony, helping to promote well-being and restore energy. Treatments are based on Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of Indian medicine.
Finalists
Chi, the Spa; The Spa at the Wedgewood.
Shoes
Fluevog Shoes
Flights of fancy for your feet. Vancouver’s own Fluevog continues to push boundaries when it comes to footwear, with the help of custom buckles, curved heels and sculpted toes. The motto behind these whimsical shoes: unique soles for unique souls.
Finalists
Browns; Gravitypope.
Shopping Centre
Pacific Centre
In the heart of downtown sits this massive shopping mall housing some of the biggest brands: H&M, Apple, Sephora, Club Monaco, BCBG and Harry Rosen. It’s also home to ultra-luxe retailer Holt Renfrew.
Finalists
Metropolis at Metrotown; Richmond Centre; Park Royal.
To vote for next year’s winners, click here.
Who took top spots in Whistler’s Where to Shop awards? Pick up the new issue of Where Whistler to find out, or click here.
