Long gone are the days of finding a bag of rice, local honey, a thimble of Indian ink, and some stationery at your local general store—or are they? Vancouver has more than a handful of local shop owners who are beautifully curating the revival of the general store. Find out more about them below.

The Federal Store

Part bakery, part coffee bar, part general store—this unique Mt. Pleasant corner store-bakery-coffee-shop whips up elegant cakes, stocks a selection of local grocery goods, and makes a delicious coffee. 

Address: 2601 Quebec Street, Vancouver

Welk’s General Store

Find plants, journals, fine candles—heck, even funky ice-cube trays—at this emporium of home goods. It’s a spot for both the bougie and the unchanged hippie, where you can find high-end granola and natural body care lining the shelves. This Mount Pleasant variety store stocks everything from cocktail bitters to period care products. 

Address: 3511 Main Street, Vancouver

Old Faithful Shop

Old Faithful Shop is a haven for those who appreciate the art of well made goods. From handcrafted ceramics and artisanal textiles and clothing pieces to beautifully-designed cards for any occasion, everything in this Gastown haunt, which now has a second location in Kitsilano, is thoughtfully sourced.

Address: 320 West Cordova Street, Vancouver; 1985 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Trendybucks

Chic housewares and vibrant plants are on offer here for those seeking an elevated alternative to the typical dollar store. With a hip selection of clothing, accessories, and home decor, Trendybucks in Riley Park caters to the needs of the average apartment-dwelling Vancouverite.

Address: 4101 Main Street, Vancouver

End of the Line General Store

Located at what was once quite literally the end of the line—the last stop on the Lynn Valley Trolley Line—this general store connected the Lynn Valley community in North Vancouver, providing convenient and reliable goods in the early 1900s. Today, it still boasts a selection of curated local goods, from handmade pottery to honey and clothing. You can also pop in for a cup of coffee and a snack. The North Shore trails and the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge are just a few minutes away.

Address: 4193 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

Delish General Store

For the eco-conscious, this North Vancouver general store is a one-stop shop for soap refills, earth-friendly goods, homewares, gifts, and more. True to its zero-waste policy, Delish offers up a small area for consignment, plus a Jar Bar where one can refill on Dr. Bronner’s liquid soaps. The store also hosts a DIY workshop series that’s not to be missed (if candles, sprays, soaps are your thing).

Address: 3246 Connaught Crescent, North Vancouver

The Drive Canteen

Art, toys, and funky socks are the goods on offer at The Drive Canteen, though most people pop in here for its widely renowned local snacks. They make freeze-dried candy in-house (yes, you read that right), and also stock zero-proof wines and drinks for the sober and sober-curious.

Address: 1111 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Windermere Market

This quaint spot in East Vancouver is a great place for a friend-date, offering hot drinks, well executed snacks, and curated local pantry items as well as produce, fresh bread, and more.

Address: 799 Windermere Street, Vancouver

Jackson’s General Store

Self-described as a “catch-all for cool,” Jackson’s General Store offers a curated menu of independent local brands and specialty goods. Owner Mike Jackson is no stranger to retailing in Vancouver, starting with Thriller Snow/Skate Shop in 1996, then Studiotique in Mt. Pleasant from 2010 to 2019, and now settling into the old Y. FRANKS building on Kingsway with Jackson’s General Store, with hopes of reviving the general store shopping experience. We’d say he’s in good company.

Address: 1490 Kingsway, Vancouver