This One’s For the West Coast

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

These days, it may seem that big retailers like Amazon and fast-fashion companies are choking out the competition. However, in Vancouver, small businesses are thriving and flourishing with the support of their community.  This article is a part of our  Shop Local Movement series, our campaign to get Canadians to support their community members by featuring local small businesses within your communities that you can support. Another plus of buying from a small brand? Many of them work hard to be environmentally friendly and eco-conscious, allowing you too to be more sustainable with your fashion.  With the rise in people looking to buy from small brands, we here at The Issue Magazine compiled a list of some of our favourite Mom and Pop shops in Vancouver. Keep reading to discover your new local favourite.

1.   Couturist, 1085 Robson Street & inside Metrotown Mall

This shop, with two locations in downtown Vancouver and Burnaby,  offers a carefully curated selection of brands and clothes for the contemporary girl. The ‘C’ in the store’s name stands for Contemporary, Chic, and Comfortable, and we can see that with their selection. With feminine pieces, casual lounging pieces, and Asian streetwear inspired clothes from brands all over the world, there’s something here for everyone’s taste. They also sell the cutest accessories, with bold sunglasses, scarves, handbags and adorably unique jewelry sets. 

Visit their website: https://couturist.ca/ or follow them on Instagram @couturist_can

Images from @couturist_can

2.  Fair Jewelry, 736 Granville Street (currently closed on account of COVID-19)

An ethical jewelry brand, Fair Jewelry is determined to make eco-friendly, sustainable luxury jewelry possible and not just a pipe dream. Not only do they use recycled materials in their jewelry, with every order over $100, Fair Jewelry promises to donate five dollars to the David Suzuki foundation, a foundation dedicated to fighting for the conservation of the environment. From affordable everyday luxury jewelry to ceremonial and custom orders, Fair Jewelry can do it all. Our favourite piece from this brand? These 2-in-1 amber earrings can be simple hoop earrings or a minimalistic statement with the amber glass made from recycled glass bottles. 

Visit their website: https://fairjewelry.ca/ or follow them on Instagram: @fair.jewelry

Images from @fair.jewelry

3.  Free Label, based in Vancouver online 

Free Label is a small brand committed to community, ethics, and sustainability. Partnered with local factories in Toronto to create custom organic textiles and with factories in Toronto and Vancouver to produce their clothing lines, Free Label values pursuing sustainability and ethics at every step of the way. The brand also values being able to have sustainable options for everyone with a sizing that ranges from XS to 4X. From lounge wear to everyday basics, if you’re looking for eco-conscious clothes, Free Label’s got you covered. Their website also has a section called the BIPOC marketplace, a spotlight for Black-owned small businesses across Canada. 

Visit their website https://freelabel.com/ or follow them on Instagram @free.label

Images from @free.label

4. Nettle’s Tale, 306 W Cordova St

Nettle’s Tale is a swim wear brand that launched in 2014 with the vision to create swimwear that fit everyone’s body. With a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, seven years later the brand has expanded to apparel wear with the same original vision: to create sustainable, slow-fashion pieces that were made for the everyday person. Their swim suits are comfortable, cute, and actually made to support your body. The brand’s sizing ranges from XS-4X and their site features a Community Fit Guideline by others who’ve worn the same piece to ensure that you purchase what fits you best. 

Visit their website https://nettlestale.com/ or follow them on Instagram @nettlestale.

Images from @nettlestale

What’s your favourite piece from these businesses? Did we miss any of your favourite Vancouver mom and pop shops? Comment below!