Tag Archives: Olive & Wild

Shop Local: East Van Stores That Support Local Makers

8 Dec

There are lots of opportunities to shop local this holiday season. There are, of course, lots of holiday markets this time of year, but if you prefer a more low key shopping experience or missed some of the markets, we invite you to check out some of the local East Van stores which regularly stock items for many local makers. We’ve set out a list of some of our favourites below. Whether you visit them in person or online, we are sure they appreciate your support in shopping local.

Arts Off Main (1704 Charles Street)

Arts Off Main is just a few steps from Commercial Drive and is a collective art gallery that features local artists. You will find paintings, art cards, jewellery, ceramics and more.

Billy Would Designs (2168 East Hastings Street)

Billy Would Designs is located in the space that was formerly Plenty + Spare in Hastings Sunrise. The store carries a large selection of handmade items from local artisans, The owner has put her own spin on this space offering wooden jewellery and accessories made from broken stakeboards and reclaimed wood.

Esthette Lifestyle Shop (3567 Commercial Street)

Esthette Lifestyle Shop is located directly next door to Second Nature Home on Commercial Street (not Drive) in Cedar Cottage. This boutique features ethically sourced, small batch handmade goods.  Lots of items for the home, gifts for all ages including books, stationary and puzzles.

Local Boom (504 East Broadway)

Local Bloom is an all Canadian brands store located on East Broadway at St. George Street.  They care about supporting Canadian small business and feature a wide variety of products including skin care, chocolate, perfume, gift cards, candles and much more.  If you don’t have time to visit in person, check out their online shop. They offer free shipping with most orders over $50.  

Second Nature Home (3565 Commercial Street)

Second Nature Home is a home décor boutique located at 3565 Commercial Street in Cedar Cottage.  The store has a wide range of items outside of home décor including  jewellery, gifts for the foodie in your life, something cute for the new baby or new mom and much more. They usually have extended hours running up to Christmas. Be sure to pay them a visit.

Giving Gifts (4570 Main Street)

Giving Gifts is a very cool space located at 4570 Main Street. The store tucked between 30th & 29th Avenue is made of up 5 rooms packed with items from 100 local as well as fair trade artists from around the world.  It is a gift giving boutique so you will easily be able to pick up a few gifts for just about any age.

Jackson’s General Store (1490 Dumfries Street)

Jackson’s General Store located at 1490 Kingsway (at Dumfries) near Knight Street. This space is the epitome of cool with a distinct retro vibe. Store owner, Mike Jackson, has created an eclectic mix of unique items in store which features clothing, gourmet food, books and if you are looking for a candy fix that is a blast from the past, this is your spot.

The Coast Goods (1302 Victoria Drive)

The Coast Goods is a sweet shop nestled away in the heart of the residential area at 1302 Victoria Drive. This is great neighbourhood shop that focuses on ethically sourced home decor and giftware again supporting our local independent artisans. Be sure to check them out and give them a follow on Instagram.

Olive & Wild (4391 Main Street)

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention this beautiful shop located at 4391 Main Street. They have an amazing array of home decor items and lots of great things on hand for gift giving. They feature local as well as international artists.

Why is it important to shop local?  “for every $100 spent with a BC local business, $64 is re-circulated back into our BC economy versus $14 for multi nationals. Why? Because locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.”

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Shop Local: East Van Stores That Shine At Supporting Local Makers

19 Dec

If you missed the recent artisan markets and craft fairs, there’s still lots of opportunities to support local makers. We are setting out some of our favourite shops that carry a wide range of items that are perfect for gift giving this holiday season. If you haven’t already visited them, check them out in person, or visit them online.

Second Nature Home (3565 Commercial Street)

Second Nature Home is a home décor boutique located at 3565 Commercial Street in Cedar Cottage.  The store has a wide range of items outside of home décor including  jewellery, gifts for the foodie in your life, something cute for the new baby or new mom and much more. They usually have extended hours running up to Christmas. Be sure to pay them a visit.

Plenty + Spare (2168 East Hastings Street)

Plenty + Spare is located at 2168 East Hastings Street. It’s easy to miss by the smells of the bakery next door like will like you draw you to them, but do stop into Plenty + Spare. The have an array of beautiful handmade bath and beauty products along with other gift items brought in for the holiday season.

Giving Gifts (4570 Main Street)

Giving Gifts is a very cool space located at 4570 Main Street. The store tucked between 30th & 29th Avenue is made of up 5 rooms packed with items from 100 local as well as fair trade artists from around the world.  It is a gift giving boutique so you will easily be able to pick up a few gifts for just about any age.

Jackson’s General Store (1490 Dumfries Street)

Jackson’s General Store located at 1490 Kingsway (at Dumfries) near Knight Street. This space is the epitome of cool with a distinct retro vibe. Store owner, Mike Jackson, has created an eclectic mix of unique items in store which features clothing, gourmet food, books and if you are looking for a candy fix that is a blast from the past, this is your spot.

The Coast Goods (1302 Victoria Drive)

The Coast Goods is a sweet shop nestled away in the heart of the residential area at 1302 Victoria Drive. This is great neighbourhood shop that focuses on ethically sourced home decor and giftware again supporting our local independent artisans. Be sure to check them out and give them a follow on Instagram.

Olive & Wild (4391 Main Street)

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention this beautiful shop located at 4391 Main Street. They have an amazing array of home decor items and lots of great things on hand for gift giving. They feature local as well as international artists.

Why it’s important to shop local: For every $100 you spend with a local business, $46 is re-circulated back into the BC economy (vs $18 for multi nationals). Small business re-circulates 2.6 times more revenue in the local economy as do chains. 

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What’s On East Van: July 27th Edition

27 Jul

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming week.   Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

This There – The Cultch July 27th & 28th

A production asking the big question ‘what does it mean to live’? The meaning will vary from one person to the next, but this show delves into the lives of Alison and Maddie who are at crossroads in life and rethinking their chosen demanding professions. Tickets are $30 or $20 for artists, low income and students.  To purchase tickets, visit The Cultch.

Fraser River Walk – Dogwood Brewing – July 27th

You are invited to join the Sunset Artists in Communities Project ‘wayfinding/wandering’ for an evening walk to explore the Fraser River along the southern border.  Meeting spot is Dogwood Brewing at 7:00 pm. You are, of course, welcome to stop by early for a pre-walk pint from 6:00 pm onwards.

Adult Nights – Playland – July 27th

The last evening for Playland Nights happens this Friday for the 19+ crowd.  There will be beverages, alcoholic and non, midway games, rides, DJs spinning tunes with a definite party theme. There is also a burlesque show and the opportunity to test your lumber Jack/Jill skills with axe-throwing which we understand there’s an extra charge to participate in.  Tickets are $31 in advance or $34 at the gate.

Fundraiser: Families Together! – Wise Hall – July 29th

This Sunday, a group of local musicians including Professor Banjo, Ginalina Music and Curtis Clear Sky & The Constellationz will be hosting a fundraiser Families Together! The event is to help raise funds to support aid organizations helping family reunification at the US/Mexico border.   This issue is far away in distance, but not in the hearts and minds of many.  The event is a family oriented event, so along side the music, there will be a family craft centre hosted by The Learnary. Doors open at 1:30 pm and musical performances happen between 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Suggested donation is $10 – $50, but no one turned away for lack of funds.

Breakfast & Blooms – Olive & Wild – July 29th

Il Fioraio Florist invites you to a floral workshop this Sunday at a great space on Main Street, Olive & Wild.  In this workshop you learn some basics of flower arranging along with some great tips.  Mimosa and light breakfast included.  You will leave with a beautiful centerpiece and the opportunity to shop at Olive & Wild after the workshop at a discount.  Cost of the workshop is $69. To register, visit Il Fioraio.

Textile Sale – Our Social Fabric – July 29th

Our Social Fabric is hosting another textile sale and they are over loaded with zippers, so will be giving some away for free.  If you need sewing supplies, DO check this spot out. They take new fabrics no longer needed to keep them from heading to the landfill. Prices are very reasonable. Sale happens this Sunday, July 29th from 10 am – 1 pm. at 1275 Venables Street at Clark in the Russell/Hendrix Building, 2nd floor, Unit #270.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

If you are a night owl, The Rio Theatre is showing a classic movie, Invasion of The Body Snatchers at 11:30 pm Friday night.   If you love the cats and burlesque, there’s a burlesque inspired FUNdraiser happening at The Rio Theatre Saturday night. Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market in Dude Chilling Park from 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

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Breakfast & Blooms At Olive & Wild

24 Apr

IMG_1932We were recently invited to one of our favourite stores, Olive & Wild, 4391 Main Street. If you are unfamiliar with this store, it features a beautiful selection of items for home décor. This weekend, they hosted a workshop titled Breakfast & Blooms with the talented Jacquie Moysir of Il Fioraio Florist. It was a floral workshop in which Jacquie led a group of 8 to create a beautiful arrangement they could take home with them.  The  morning started with a greeting from Shamus the store mascot followed by coffee, baked goodies and fruit. Once everyone had their hit of caffeine, the workshop got underway with Jacquie giving tips on how to keep flowers fresh. Then the creative got under way. While the group looked on Jacquie created a beautiful arrangement with all the flowers she brought for the workshop along with instructions. After that everyone got busy and created their own arrangement under Jacquie’s watchful eye.  This is fun and creative way to spend a Sunday morning.  Note, after class attendees can shop and receive a 15% discount on any purchase in Olive & Wild. We’ve included a sampling of photos from the event.  The next scheduled Breakfast & Blooms is Sunday, July 29th at Olive & Wild. To register, visit Il Fioraio Florist.

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Shop Local With These East Van Shops

19 Dec

WhiteChristmasFinished your Christmas shopping? If not, the countdown is on. We recommend skipping the craziness that is the malls. Why not stop into one of these great local businesses that will a) not only appreciate the business, but b) offer some truly great service.  We’ve set out a few of our favourite spots we think are great for gift giving. Note, many of the stores have extended hours this week to help you with your Christmas shopping.

Les amis du fromage – 843 East Hastings Street

For the cheese lover, this is a great spot, but that’s not all they have.  They have a host of kitchen accessories and gourmet condiments perfect for giving gift.  Add to that, they are hosting a Sweet Pop Up Shop with delish items from Lisa Lou’s Chocolate Bar until December 24th.  If you know a true cheese lover, take note of their upcoming Wine & Cheese Tasting classes in the New Year.

Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 East Hastings Street

Who does not love to receive great food at Christmas?  There is such an array of delectable food items in store at Gourmet Warehouse whether for entertaining over the holidays or gift giving.  You can find just about everything here whether it’s small appliances, knives, condiments, baking items or maybe a gift certificate for an upcoming cooking class. There are lots of great gift ideas in store.  This week, they are making it easy for you. Gourmet Warehouse is open 10:00 am to 8:00 pm until December 22nd. Saturday, December 23rd 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and December 24th 8:30 to 4:30 pm.

Bird On A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street

Bird On A Wire Creations is located near Kingsway on Main Street and features a host of new as well as established Canadian artists. They have an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind items.    If you missed artisan markets and craft fairs, you will find many of local makers in this store.  They are are open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm this week.

Giving Gifts Co., 4570 Main Street

Giving Gifts is a unique concept store made up of 5 rooms with items from over 70 local artists and small businesses in one lovely boutique shop.  The items are also eco-friendly and fair trade made. This store also has a great selection of gifts for kids and toddlers.

Little Mountain Pop Up Shop, 4386 Main Street

The Little Mountain Pop Up Shop is currently hosting ‘Holid-eh!’ featuring over 20 Canadian makers.  A few participants include Fox & Fancy, Bar Skin Bar, True North Trading Post and more.  They are open for holiday shopping until December 24th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and for those last minute shoppers, December 24th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Olive & Wild, 4391 Main Street

If you are looking for some beautiful unique home décor items for gift giving this year, we recommend checking out Olive & Wild. Lots of beautiful items in store sourced locally and globally.

Second Nature Home, 3565 Commercial Street

Second Nature Home is great little shop just steps away from the Commercial Street Café in a great little stretch of road nestled next to the Toso Wood Gallery.  It boasts an array of eco-friendly items from Canadian artisans many of them local.  There is a wide selection of products and we might add great knowledgeable service. This week, they are open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday, December 24th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive

Doctor Vigari on The Drive boasts quite a collection of art from BC and Canadian artists whether you are looking for large or small pieces, there’s lots of choose from including tiles, prints, jewellery, sculptures, furniture, ceramics and much more.  Also framing is available in store to finish off that perfect piece of art whether purchased in store or elsewhere.

Lala’s On The Drive, 1748 Commercial Drive

A newer addition to The Drive, Lala’s has an array of gift giving items, some silly, some sassy, many just plain fun.  Lots of unique items for gift giving.

Wherever you shop, we hope you will continue to support our local businesses.

 

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New In Town – Olive & Wild A Beautiful New Store At 4391 Main Street

4 Oct

olivewild1We stopped in to check out a beautiful new store on Main Street this past weekend called Olive & Wild. It is located at 4391 Main Street and situated across the street from the Little Mountain Shop and just doors down from the YWCA Thrift Shop at 28th Avenue.  When you walk into this store, you will find an array of beautiful home décor and gift items. The mix is local as well as international. You can expect to find beautiful throw pillows by Eight Mood as well as award winning unique metal ware by Michael Aram. Some local artisans include beautiful ceramics by Laura van der Linde and work by Christina Hillborne and Claire Olivier.  The store has barely been open 2 weeks, but word is certainly out. We hear people are flocking in locally as well as from White Rock, Surrey and the North Shore.  The store has its official opening October 23rd by which time their website will be up and running with a small e-commerce component.  A nice added touch is that Olive & Wild offers gift wrapping with their signature black paper and white & black ribbon. Olive & Wild is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm, Sundays 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and closed Mondays. We invite you to stop by and check out this great addition to the many great stores along this stretch of Main Street. Or you can check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

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