It’s no secret that the economy sucks. Calgarians have been a lot more selective about where they’re spending their money. The best thing to do in times like these is to invest in the local economy – small businesses rely on your support to keep them above water in these difficult times. We want to help – so we went ahead and compiled a list of the absolute best places to shop local in Calgary!
Market Collective
Image courtesy of @marketcollective on instagram – taken by Mike Tan @dianeandmike_)
A Calgary staple for almost eight years now, Market Collective is not your average craft fair. Founded by Angela Dione and Angel Guerra in 2008, Market Collective is Calgary’s popular independent market. They boast a beautifully curated section of art, handmade, vintage, local food vendors and more. The market happens every couple of months – you can check their website at www.marketcollective.ca for upcoming events (and locations) and artists. The vendors rotate each time so it’s absolutely worth attending every one. They also have local musicians and djs at each event, a photobooth and you can sip local beer or cocktails while you shop. Sounds amazing, right? The next event is May 27 – 29, 2016!
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Greater Goods
Image courtesy of Riana Lisbeth Photography www.rianalisbethphotography.com
Greater Goods is Calgary’s newest boutique. Nestled in the historical De Waal block in Bridgeland; Salt Water Tea, Crafted and Mint & Daisy joined forces to open this artisan-based boutique. Everything for sale is made or designed by a Canadian artist, and about 95% of the products are from Calgarian artists. They also have a sweet little cafe and seating area that serves up tea from Calgary’s Teariffic (you probably know her as the tea wagon!), coffee from Calgary Heritage Roasting Co. and baked goods by Pretty Sweet! You can’t get more local than this.
#8, 606 Meredith Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 5A8
Tuesday – Sunday
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Crafted
Crafted opened in 2015 with the launch of the Crafted Truck – a mobile artisan boutique featuring entirely Canadian products. Owner Pam Morales now has a permanent location inside of the Calgary Farmer’s Market. Pam carries the work of 47 artists. You can find an amazing selection of jewelry, home decor, ceramics, bath and body, baby gifts and accessories. Aside from her retail endeavours, Pam also hosts Make and Mingle workshops – these are craft or business workshops lead by talented Calgarians.
510, 77 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 1C3
Thursday – Sunday
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The Livery Shop
The teams behind CoutuKitsch and Camp Brand Goods collaborated and turned the historic East End Livery (aka the big red barn!) in Inglewood into a gorgeous retail space and workshop. They carry the products from the founding companies, as well as a huge selection of local goods including Fiasco, Medicine River Soap Co, Jennea Frischke jewelry to name a few! They’ve recently added Rhosyn Floral to their space as well! The livery is a Calgary must see.
110 10th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 0W1
Tuesday – Sunday
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Bamboo Ballroom
This Edmonton cult favourite made it’s way to Calgary in 2015. They brought over some beautiful Edmonton brands they were carrying before, but were quick to embrace the local artists. Bamboo Ballroom has a massive curated collection of vintage courtesy of Calgary’s Bex Vintage as well as local jewelry from Bronze & Butterflies, Cinder & Sage, Salt Water Tea and Ashley Nadalin Designs. They also carry Calgary and Edmonton clothing designers and a selection of local stationary from Wrinkle & Crease as well!
1218 C – 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 0T1
Monday – Friday
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Inglewood Night Market
There are a lot of amazing street markets in Calgary – however, if you’re looking for one with an entirely-local focus, check out Inglewood Night Market. You won’t find any imported knick-knacks or multi-level marketing booths here! If 2016 is anything like the previous two years, you can expect a Night Market once a month from June – September. Apart from the local goods, you’ll find coffee, food trucks and live music!
10th Avenue SE
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Thanks for following along, boss babes! Where else do you like to buy local products from in Calgary? Keep on supporting your local shops, artists, hairstylists and everyone else!
xo
Nicole Bracey is the girlboss behind Salt Water Tea. She has a BFA in drawing from ACAD and is a born and raised Calgarian. She also co-owns Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar in Calgary and is the Vice President of YYC Girl Gang. When she’s not making jewelry and candles, you can find her cuddling with her fluff of a pup Shyla, knitting or binge-watching netflix.
Say hey on Instagram {@saltwaterteajewelry}, Twitter {@saltwaterteayyc} or on Facebook