Time is of the essence, and that often means online shopping. But, just because you have the world at your fingertips doesn’t mean that you can’t shop local. Whether you’re looking for a book, clothes or a board game, you don’t need to turn to Alexa to do the ordering; your locals have you covered. #ReDiscoverNewWest’s retail online starting with this list. Don’t forget to share your local purchases with us to win this week’s prize and enter to win the grand prize of $1000 in gift certificates from your favourite local retailers. Visit www.ReDiscoverNewWest.ca for contest details and to enter!
For the hobbyist
After months of staying home, it’s probably time to refresh your collection of puzzles and games before your next rainy Friday night.
- RainCity Games has an incredible assortment of board games, puzzles, dice, miniatures, Magic Singles, trading card games, card supplies, paints and accessories and more available to order online.
- T&N Games has unique, hard-to-finding and out-of-print items, graphic novels, role-playing games, board games, and more!
- SN Hobbies is your online portal for the hobby enthusiast. They have multirotors, airplanes, helicopters, cars and trucks, accessories, spare parts. If it has a motor and controller, they likely have it.
For the Fashionista
Who here wears hard pants anymore? Thanks, COVID-19! Whether you’re looking for “soft pants” or the latest fashion trends, your local shops are your go-to.
- Sweetlegs by Katerina has leggings for people of all ages, shapes and sizes and so many designs and lengths you can have a different pair for every day of the year.
- Mila + Paige has all the tops you need to look professional on those Zoom meetings. They also have fabulous summer dresses, shorts and hats that’ll have you looking stylish for your outdoor summer BBQs with your bubble.
- No outfit is complete without the right accessories. Check out Bits and Keys for truly unique earrings and necklaces. They create jewelry made from upcycled little bits and pieces from the most unusual items like old keys, clocks, chandeliers and more.
For the home
If you’re tired of looking at the same throw pillows or worry you need to up your Room Rater ranking, ignore the call of Google and check out these local shops and artists.
- Florenza Designs curates and sells sustainably sourced textile products made by indigenous artists and designers committed to preserving their traditional livelihoods while expanding into the global marketplace. Check out their website for beautifully crafted throw pillows and blankets.
- Pottery Works is a studio and gallery space sponsored by the Community Living Society. On their website, you can find a collection of beautifully hand-crafted ceramic pieces that will help liven up the dullest of dull zoom calls.
- If you’ve been sharing your home office with your four-legged friends, it may be time to freshen up your space. Good Omen has a spectacular collection of aromatherapy sprays, essential oils and incense that will have your workspace smelling divine.
For the soul
Chocolate, creating and music may not cure all that ails you, but they can help. Some of their curative powers have been said to include reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and improving your mood.
- For your chocolate fix, visit Origins Chocolate Bar online. If you find it hard to choose the right bar(s), they have subscription boxes. Each month, they will send you a carefully curated selection of four world calls, craft chocolate bars. Now the only decision is dark or milk?
- For those who enjoy working with their hands and creating Wild West Dye may be the online place for you. They carry naturally dyed yarn for all your knitting and crocheting needs. If you’re new to working with wool, they also offer online classes,
- For music, look no further than RedRum Records and East Columbia Street Records. Both have an incredible collection of vinyl you can purchase online and will have you tripping the light fantastic in no time.
For the kids
As the weather heats up and summer holidays on the horizon, you may be wondering how to keep your little ones entertained
- KinderBooks has a wonderfully curated collection of books, toys and activities that will keep your young one entertained for hours. Also, if there’s a book you want and you don’t see on their website, send them an email or give them a call, and they’ll order it for you.
- If you’re looking for quality and practical items for your baby, visit the Baby Nook. They have an assortment of baby necessities, including sunsuits, hats and shoes. With an aim to “make it simple but significant,” you know that each item stocked was carefully selected for its quality, value and practicality.
- Surprise your kids at your next picnic or games night with goodies from Candy Alley. We all know how hard it can be to get your kids to leave the candy store, so if you’re pressed for time but still looking for a sweet treat, hop online.
For connection
In a study by the US Postal Service, 65% of respondents said that receiving mail lifted their spirits and 54% said that it created a “more meaningful connection to those they sent the mail to.”
- Local artist, Clarissa Banos, has beautiful and colourful cards to help you brighten someone’s day.
- Tea is known to be good for the heart and the mind and is a great way to connect with local friends and family. The Great Wall Tea Company has an extensive collection of teas from ethically run estates who uphold fair wage practices to their workers and show responsible environmental stewardship to the land.
- If you’re still feeling a little disconnected, you can buy your Amazon Echo from London Drugs online and talk to Alexa until your heart’s content.
This is just a small sample of your locals that you can find online. For a full directory, please visit www.ReDiscoverNewWest.ca. Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win the grand prize of $1,000 to shop local and the weekly prizes. Contest rules & entry found at ReDiscoverNewWest.ca.
