Home › Archive for Shopping
Blog Archives

West 4th Avenue BIA Celebrates the End of Construction with a Shopping Party May 25

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Taraneh — No Comments ↓

shopping party

I had a chat with Russ Davies, CEO of the Kitsilano 4th Avenue Business Improvement Association and got the scoop on the end of construction on West 4th. They’re done early, folks. And West 4th Avenue plans to celebrate. Join the merchants at the West 4th Shopping Party May 25 from 11am to 4pm. Details below in an article I wrote about it for the Westender.

West 4th roadwork ends ahead of schedule; shopping party to celebrate

By Taraneh Ghajar Jerven – WE Vancouver
Published: May 17, 2013 4:00 PM
Updated: May 17, 2013 5:17 PM

Large-scale city infrastructure projects are often associated with disruption and delays. The West 4th Avenue sewer upgrade, however, which is the biggest city infrastructure project in 2013, bucked the trend by finishing early.

In addition to sewers, West 4th’s retail and restaurant strip between Burrard and Balsam will sparkle in time for summer with repaved roads, new curbs and sidewalks, as well as wide wheelchair ramps sure to please the neighbourhood’s ample stock of parents with strollers. Read more ›

Kitsilano Farmers Market Now Open–Every Sunday through October 20, 2013

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Taraneh — No Comments ↓

flickr-2683140242-original

Kitsilano Farmers Market is open for the 2013 season every Sunday from 10am to 2pm at 2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue in the parking lot of Kitsilano Community Centre. Head on over for a leisurely browse and access to Vancouver’s local producers. As usual, you can get your hands on meat, fish, cheese, fruit, veg, plants and other sundries ranging from soap to granola. Perhaps you’ll even find inspiration for a Victoria Day Long Weekend brunch.

Kitsilano Farmers Market, 2690 Larch Street, Eatlocal.org

A Busy Kitsilano Summer is Almost Here

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Rob — No Comments ↓

Crowds flocked to the Kitsilano Farmers Market on opening day yesterday. The Kits pool opens this Saturday, May 18.

Two telltale signs that summer is around the corner in Vancouver.

With the warmer weather and an increase in outdoor activity across the city, comes a spike in this site’s traffic as everyone searches for more information on their favorite local summer past-time.  Whether it is Bard on the Beach, Honda’s Celebration of Light, the Kitsilano Showboat, or the Khatsahlano! Music Festival, Kitsilano.ca is a favorite destination to learn more about these events. Read more ›

Trader Joe’s Files Lawsuit Against Pirate Joe’s in Kitsilano

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Taraneh — 8 Comments ↓

IMG_20121201_104617Pirate Joe’s (2348 West 4th) is sailing into dangerous waters. The Kitsilano depot where shoppers delight in finding their favourite Trader Joe’s products has just been sued by the American grocery chain. Trader Joe’s filed suit in Seattle on May 1.

Pirate Joe’s responded by taking the “P” down from their sign. You may have noticed that Pirate Joe’s became Irate Joe’s this week. It made me chuckle. I don’t know about you…

Owner Mike Hallatt told the Province that he will fight the lawsuit saying: “Everyone gets what we’re doing. We’re earnestly supplying a good product at fair prices. Pirate Joe’s, as cheeky as it is, isn’t misrepresenting Trader Joe’s. Their name is right on the product. My right to resell their product is stronger than their right to protect their brand.” Read more about how Hallatt imports goods here.

Trader Joe’s lawyer claims that Hallatt’s resale at “significantly higher prices” creates a risk that customers will believe Trader Joe’s charges higher prices.

The action sues for “deceptive” use of its trademarks and seeks a “permanent court injunction” against Hallatt, damages and an accounting of his profits.

Photo: Mike Hallatt and Barry Hogan.
Photo credit: T. Jerven

Have you shopped at Pirate Joe’s? What’s your ideal outcome?

5 Easy Mother’s Day Treats for New Mums in Kits

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Lisa — No Comments ↓
Mug from DAVIDsTEAWhite Peacock Mug – Photo credit: DAVIDsTEA

This Mother’s Day will be my first as a new mum. Although my little one would rather eat the crayons instead of drawing a nice card with them, and her version of a “treat” will be a poopy diaper at home instead of at the grocery store, I just know she will be wishing me a happy day with that toothy smile of hers. Here are a few proper, easy treat ideas for new mothers that I know many of you will appreciate as much as I will.

5 Easy Mother’s Day Treats for New Mums in Kits

1) Bakery Goodies
The cupcakes, chocolate mousse, and petits fours from Whole Foods are all delectable choices. Replenish some of that lost energy while indulging in your favourite desserts. Add a few cucumber sandwiches, fresh scones with jam & Devonshire cream, and a pot of Earl Grey and you’ve got a menu worthy of afternoon tea.
Whole Foods Market, 2285 West 4th Avenue, (604) 739-6676, Wholefoodsmarket.com

2) Order In
As a night out may not be practical, consider getting some takeout from Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company. Healthy menu choices that will please the whole family include organic whole wheat or gluten-free pizzas & pastas, fresh seasonal salads, and kid-friendly options.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company, 1876 West 1st Avenue, (604) 730-0321, Rockymountainflatbread.ca

3) Mug and Tea for Me
With pretty designs to choose from, the ceramic mugs ($19.50) from DavidsTea come with a handy infuser and lid. Pair it up with a couple of loose leaf tea selections and be sure to get some time to enjoy your beverage, perhaps with an entertaining magazine (I’d suggest a good book but as if there’s time for that!).
DavidsTea, 2230 West 4th Avenue, (604) 734-3440, Davidstea.com Read more ›

Top 5 Edible Mother’s Day Gifts from Kitsilano

Posted on May 6, 2013 by janelle — No Comments ↓

Help mom indulge on Mother’s Day May 12 with edible gifts from Kitsilano. Some are healthy, some are decadent. Everything is under $25.

Top 5 Edible Mother’s Day Gifts from Kitsilano

1. Gift tray from Ayoub’s Dried Fruit and Nuts
Ayoub’s offers gift trays that can be filled with any items in the store – even their killer lime cashews – for $10, $20 or $30. If your “mom” is health conscious, skip the chocolates and create a delicious tray of dried fruits and hand roasted nuts. I love, love, love this place! Ayoub’s Dried Fruit and Nuts, 2040 West 4th, 604-558-2933, Ayoubs.ca

2. Delicious flavoured oil and vinegars from Vancouver Olive Oil Company
Think coconut, lemon, mango and espresso vinegars, and mushroom and sage, butter, and blood orange olive oils! Go when you have time to indulge in their tasting room and pick just the right flavours for mom. At $12/bottle, pick up an oil and vinegar for mom. The store will label and wrap it up so pretty there will be no need for wrapping paper or a gift bag! Vancouver Olive Oil Company, 2571 Broadway, 604-737-7171, Vooc.ca Read more ›

Beaucoup Bakery Launches Decadent Spring 2013 Dessert Collection

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Youna Choi — No Comments ↓

If only pastries had feet, I am certain that they would be striking their delicate pieds* down a haute couture catwalk, perhaps at some of the top French fashion houses, say Coconut Chanel or maybe Croissant Dior.

On the other hand, since pastries are inanimate and subject to a third party (like me) controlling their mobility, which is 90% of the time en route from plate to mouth, I get to enjoy the beautiful journey of consumption.

This is exactly what I had the pleasure of doing on Monday, sampling the many delectable treats of Beaucoup Bakery and Cafe’s Spring 2013 Dessert Collection Launch. The creator and lady behind it all, Jackie Ellis, showcased her brilliant concept of combining two of her most favourite things: pastries and fashion.

Each featured pastry was paired with one of this season’s most coveted fashion trends. Whether it was the Chocolate Passion Fruit Bar clad like a tuxedo, or the Raspberry Pistachio Macaron Frais exhibiting some fun and modern floral prints – each bite into confectionery heaven had me wanting to hit the boutiques and beautify my wardrobe for Spring. I may or may not have stopped by at a couple shops on the way back home from the event. And I may or may not have walked out with a couple pairs of shoes and dresses. Let’s just say Monday redefined for me what sweet indulgence really means.

Pastry runway shots after the jump. Read more ›

Shopping in Kits: Two of Hearts Boutique Grand Opening and Spring/Summer Fashion Show

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Chelsea — No Comments ↓
Two of Hearts is open on West 4th

Two of Hearts is open on West 4th

Kitsilano’s newest boutique, Two of Hearts, holds Kits shoppers in high esteem. “They’re people who are socially conscious. Not just into the brands but it’s more of a lifestyle thing here, supporting local businesses and the local economy,” says  co-owner and co-designer Jenny Yen.

The other heart in Two of Hearts is Tabitha Savoie, who explains that the duo chose Kitsilano for their second location (1986 W. 4th Avenue) because they noticed Kitsilano shoppers making the trek over to their original store (3728 Main Street) in droves.

(Don’t miss images from the VIP Night and Fashion Show after the jump.)

Read more ›

8 Great Kitsilano Buys For Your Baby

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Lisa — 1 Comment ↓
Hippest-Baby

Planning on a lot of outdoor activities with the whole family this summer and in need of durable kid gear? Maybe you want to get your hands on the latest eco-friendly, non-toxic toy? Or perhaps it’s just a little splurge: you want that hip little outfit for your baby boy or girl that will match your stylish ensemble.

Here are a few great gear, toy and fashion picks for your little sprout to get you started. Of course, they’re all available at local shops around the Kitsilano neighbourhood.

8 Great Kitsilano Buys For Your Baby

Fashion

1. MEC Bandera Hat, Avocado, $17
Keep your baby shady with this Canadian made, organic cotton, cool style cap.
Mountain Equipment Co-op, 130 West Broadway,  (604) 872-7858, Mec.ca

2. Kate Quinn Organics Kimono Onesie, Airplane, $20
This summer-ready, adorable organic cotton onesie with a kimono wrap style (great for fussy babies) is designed by an eco-friendly Seattle company.
Hip Baby, 2110 West 4th Avenue, (604) 736-8020, Hipbaby.com Read more ›

Meet The New Bootlegger Denim Den At 2127 West 4th Ave.

Posted on April 21, 2013 by janelle — 4 Comments ↓

Bootlegger is a national retailer that has endured the test of time. They opened doors on West 4th in March. Not everybody knows that Bootlegger is a 40-year-old company that began in Vancouver.

The retailer is known for offering moderately priced clothing for men and women. Their focus is on casual, current fashion, with a big emphasis on jeans, not unlike Mavi located across the street at 2112 West 4th. In fact they have “jeaneologists” on staff who will help you find the perfect fit. In addition to their in house line, you’ll find brands including Silver Jeans Co., Guess, Mavi, Big Star, and Buffalo; and up and coming brands like Miss Me, LA Idol and Affliction.

I have a soft spot for Bootlegger – working at one of their Saskatchewan locations was my first job! Well, I did have a very short stint as an engraver at a trophy shop, but it didn’t last long enough to count. Anyway, my style and fashion preferences have evolved from my days of working at Bootlegger, but the place still brings a smile to my face. Read more ›

Recent Comments
Browse Archives