As a retailer myself, I am a bit jaded when it comes to browsing/shopping in general.
But, here is a list of a few businesses that I would have wished I had known about if I was visiting Vancouver!
Most are quirky, independent entrepreneurs who deserve your support.
STEPBACK ANTIQUES
2936 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC
(604)731-7525
I admire this store. The owners have a great eye for reasonably priced old and funky stuff,
like typewriters,crates,luggage,antlers and metal stools. The displays are perfect, but touchable.
They carry a wide selection of Cavallini, retro-inspired paper products. You will not
leave empty-handed.
SALMAGUNDI WEST
321 Cordova Street
Vancouver (GASTOWN)
(604)681-4648 call for hours
The original eccentric treasure trove store in Vancouver.
I remember going here when I was in still in high school !
A wonderful shop, crammed with wacky and semi-normal stuff,
all displayed with a curator’s eye.
Plastic body parts and skeletons, old toys and memories…..
A visit to the basement is a must !!
BY DESIGN MODERN
915 Cotton Dr.
(604) 876-5215
call for hours
I never thought I would like mid-century Danish furniture until I went here.
A huge selection of consoles,desks,chairs,bookcases,bars…..
I have purchased several pieces here .(I like the rosewood the best)
We forget how beautiful real wood can be !
Selection and quality seems to vary….but there are always beauties to be found.
New shipments are constantly arriving. They ship anywhere !
They also sell on Ebay under ‘Northern Treasures’.
BAKER’S DOZEN
3520 Main Street
Vancouver
(604)879-3348
The other ‘treasure trove’ store in Vancouver.
They have now expanded to three connected retail shops in a row.
Eye-popping showcases and vignettes of nostalgic toys,
religious artifacts, wacky scale models and movie props….. you name it.
I bought three huge canvas circus banners from the 1930′s here.
Someone beat me to the one that said ‘This Way To The Giant Rat’.
Rats !!!
ANTIQUE MARKET
1324 Franklin Ave.
Vancouver
(604)875-1434
A big warehouse full of stuff, but I mostly like
the thousands of pieces of antique wrought iron from Egypt.
Huge gates, grills, fences etc are priced incredibly cheaply.
BRING A VAN ! If you have seen any Egyptian wrought iron
for sale anywhere else in North america, it probably came from here.
Check-out their industrial antiques from India as well !
They are good at making ‘deals’ !!
THE FOUND AND THE FREED
706 VICTORIA DRIVE
VANCOUVER,B.C.
778-872-0295 - call for opening hours.
One of those rare ‘curated’ treasure trove stores !
Cool shops are moving further East in Vancouver, as rents are lower.
Make the journey ! This store has authentic written all over it. Old crates, crocks,
lamps and filing cabinets, alarm clocks and nice houseplants, too !
JOE BLOW
1191 Parker St.
Vancouver, BC.
(604)215-2569
Glassblower Jeff Burnette makes lots of cool stuff,
but it is his each-one-is-unique RAYGUNS that I love.
Very collectable works of art (NASA bought some !)
Remember not to take it home in your carry-on !
SCOTT LANDON ANTIQUES
105 – 2567 192nd st.
Surrey, BC. 604-538-7220
New warehouse/ showroom in Surrey.
This is the kind of store I look for in every city I go to.
Well-chosen industrial antiques, Canadiana pine,
old signage and barber poles, medical cabinets
and just plain cool stuff is displayed gallery style.
Pieces sell quickly here, so don’t doddle.
Hello Leuie
1523 W. 8th Ave. (@ Granville St.)
(604)376-7678
A very charming little children’s clothing store, unlike any other. Comfortable, casual
and adorable. Mother/daughter team Jacquelyn and Sarah curate every inch of
the small space. Knocked- back colours, soft textures…… makes me want children !