Photo: A great place to buy loose leaf tea in Steveston. Source: Clayton Perry via Flickr.
In true spirit of our Hidden Secrets posts, we try to showcase the cool and quirky offerings in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. For these last few days before Christmas, we thought we’d highlight several shopping destinations in the region for reasons you might not have previously considered.
Richmond
This Lulu Island city of 188,000 has always been a shopping hotspot. Whether it’s the mall scene along No. 3 Road, the big box bonanza along Bridgeport, or the quaint boutique-y Steveston, you know you’re going to find something in Richmond – it’s just a matter of where. And while Richmond may be famous for its Chinese culture, its Japanese offerings are also pretty fantastic.
Everyone loves The Daiso at Aberdeen Centre for its authentic if not overwhelming taste of Japanese retail. This bargain department store’s stock consists entirely of products made for the Japanese market, and they sell here for $2 an item (or unless otherwise specified). Christmas toys? Check. Cutesy Japanese stationery? Check. Kitchen utensils, non-perishable food, garden supplies, beauty products? It’s all here, including some rather baffling items. Amusing stocking stuffer fodder, nonetheless.
Just around the corner from Daiso is Utsuwa-No-Yakata. This is the largest Japanese tableware chain and one of my favourite shops in Aberdeen Centre because it’s so rare to find a diversity of affordable Japanese ceramics under one roof. Sushi plates, dish sets, teapots, sake carafes, Kyoto lacquerware – the products are simply beautiful. They’d make lovely gifts for the Martha Stewart in your life.
But maybe you’re shopping for a comic book nerd. If manga happens to be on your Christmas shopping list, just head south down No 3 Road a few blocks to Imperial Hobbies. Sure, you’ll find manga elsewhere, but Imperial Hobbies is considered one of the Lower Mainland’s premier hobby and gaming supply shops for over 20 years. Not only can you pick up your All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, but if you’re seeking toys, games, miniatures, model kits or board games, this is your store.
Of course, there’s more to Richmond than No. 3 Road. In the southwest corner of the city is the historic fishing village of Steveston where chic boutiques have given the hood’s reputation for fish & chips a good run for their money. Shops such as Nikaido lead the way, specializing in stylish imports of Japanese and French descent. But it’s Nikaido’s selection of loose leaf tea and ceramics that truly make this Moncton Street gift shop special.
Finally, if you’re seeking insight into Steveston’s Japanese heritage, drop by the The Cannery Store at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. This classy souvenir shop is a treasure trove of quality items, including cannery and maritime-themed merchandise. But what makes this gift shop truly stand apart from others is its impressive collection of books on Steveston – one of the best you’ll ever find. From photojournalism coffee table books to historical narratives on Steveston’s Japanese legacy, if you’re shopping for a history buff, this store will not disappoint.
Map of Richmond
Click on each red marker for address and directions to each store.
