This summer, discover the hidden gems of Greater Victoria with this guide to the region's best spots for shopping local.
From a gourmet shop offering authentic Italian products to a wine store with a curated selection of products, these local stores have captured the attention (and hearts) of residents for years, and for many more years to come.
Victoria Olive Oil
Every great store starts with an owner who has a passion for what they sell. Cherilee Dick, owner of Victoria Olive Oil, says "the opportunity to expand into the space next door meant bringing in more products that inspired me while I was vacationing in Europe."
The Victoria Olive Oil’s new location on Broughton Street is the fine gourmet food store providing a satisfying shopping experience. In addition to providing customers with the best local and imported Italian products at affordable prices, Dick will inspire ideas that get shoppers excited about using them.
Dick cares not just about the quality of ingredients she provides, but for the people that she does business with. Whether it's a customer or a local supplier, Dick takes what everyone says to heart, and you can tell. Those that share her passion for Italian and Greek cuisine often start conversations that lead into new items on their next food order.
Shoppers can get custom and pre-made charcuterie boards, which are locally made from Vancouver Island fallen trees, and gift baskets to impress any foodies. From pasta to charcuterie, imported sodas to desserts, fresh farm eggs to cured meats, Victoria Olive Oil is more than just another gourmet food shop; it’s a best kept secret and a shopping experience.
Visit www.victoriaoliveoilco.ca for more information.
Everything Wine
As part of the Victoria community for 16 years, Everything Wine helps guide wine lovers through the wine journey with their expertise and passion. Whether it’s by helping customers with finding a new varietal, exploring a new region, or by making suggestions, their staff know their grapes.
Everything Wine has over 4,000 wines to choose from, including B.C. wines and wines from around the world. If you are feeling a little saucy, head to their Vintages Room, a premium wine room filled with rare, unique and “geeky” picks. If you aren’t sure what to buy, shimmy up for a sample at their Tasting Bar. That’s right, you can have a little sample of wine for free - every day from 2-6 p.m. with extended hours this summer.
If you’d like to learn more about wine, grab a friend and buy tickets for their classroom. Or, book a wine consultation to have them help plan your next big event.
Visit EverythingWine.ca for more information, to find events or order online for delivery. Follow Everything Wine on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The Velvet Crease
With consignment shopping, the fun part is in the hunt and the treasures you can find.
Whether you are making a purchase or are there to consign these sought after fashion brands, consignment shopping creates an upcycle effect that continually keeps money in your pocket and your favourite brands in your closet, for less!
Jacqui Tacon has owned The Velvet Crease on 1035 Fort Street for 15 years. The experienced consignment store owner has a great eye for fashion, having hand selected each item to ensure they are clean, current and in demand. Additionally, the shop’s layout, thoughtful curation, helpful service and fair prices are what make this shop one of Victoria’s best-kept shopping secrets.
The Velvet Crease has established a high sense of community through their charitable contributions. “In an effort to encourage sustainability, we offer a unique selection of interesting and quality clothing and accessories, at fair prices, with a sincere focus on local charity support,” says Tacon. “We’re involved in supporting local charities such as James Bay Community Project, Wear To Start, and Victoria Hospice. We are so proud of what we do.”
Greater Victoria is filled with local best-kept secret stores waiting to be discovered. By supporting these hidden gems, you can contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of the Greater Victoria community and ensure that local businesses continue to thrive and pursue their passions.
