By Libby Hunns

What’s better than a little retail therapy? With the holiday season right around the corner, Nanaimo is home to many one-of-a-kind boutiques, gift stores, artisan shops and vintage consignment stores!

From Commercial Street and the Old City Quarter to the Rutherford Boardwalk and more, unique shopping options can be found all over the city!

So, why not grab a friend or two, a reusable shopping bag and a coffee to go and start planning your next Nanaimo shopping spree?

Clothing Boutiques

Nanaimo is scattered with boutiques that offer fabulous fashions and accessories for every occasion. Check out the premium selections available at Archer and Arrow, Cayo Fashions, Damsels, Fig Love Clothing, KC’s Boutique, NYLA Fresh Thread, Sartorial Boutique and Quintessential.

Gifts and Artisan Products

Looking for a special gift or maybe something just because? These stores offer distinctive items from home decor to locally made jewellery and everything in between. Be warned, you can lose track of time browsing all the delights at Artsy Stuff, Cultured Coast, Island-ish, Lucky Cloud and This and That for Living and Giving.

Antiques, Thrift and Consignment stores

If you love hunting down a quirky pre-loved outfit or an unusual vintage item for your home, you’ll love exploring Nanaimo’s antique, thrift and consignment stores.

Find your fashion inspiration at Curva-Voom, Funk Revival, Leiv it or Love it, Rumours Vintage or Yours and Mine Consignment. Head to Old City Panache, Red Shelf Décor or The Rustic Raven Home and Garden Décor for antique and pre-used treasures for your home.

Is your favourite local shopping spot missing from this list? Let us know by posting about them on your social media and tagging us @tourismnanaimo

Don’t Forget! – Commercial Street businesses remain fully open throughout the ongoing roadworks. To make visiting this area easier, on-street parking is free for two hours at the following locations: Commercial Street (south of Wharf St.), Front Street, Chapel Street, Church Street, Bastion Street, Anchor Way and Cameron Road.