Clearly Contacts opens first retail store
Even the most visually gifted were sporting some form of frames at the opening party for Clearly Contacts first retail location at 1049 Robson. Often erroneously referred to as Trevor Lindens company (he is merely the beloved face of the brand), the Vancouver-based online giant was clearly feeling the love of the stylish set, who turned out in droves to try on rows of designer sunglasses and hijack the mirrors. Store manager Erikka Taylor impressed with the admission that her specs collection has grown to 14 pairs since joining the company, known for its social initiatives and innovative approach to online buying. And to answer the most common question, the company began in 2000 by selling contact lenses only hence the name. ClearlyContacts.ca
Crate and Barrel opens at Oakridge
Crate and Barrel junkies no longer have to brave the border for a fix. The US-based home-furnishing chain opened its doors in Vancouver last week its sixth Canadian store. Guests in attendance enjoyed wine and hors doeuvres as they took in the natural stone and wood, and crisp white walls of the highly anticipated 27,000-square-foot Oakridge location (650 West 41st), which was formerly a theatre and a restaurant. Alongside bold-printed pillows and cushions were 50s riffs on glassware and patio set statement pieces. The brand offers contemporary, affordable housewares in almost every major North American market. Its sister store, CB2, opened on Robson early last year. CrateAndBarrel.com
Crate and Barrel celebrates its Oakridge store opening on March 21. Top right: Crate and Barrel CEO Sascha Bopp at the Vancouver grand opening with an unidentified female guest. Photos: Allison Kuhl/Crate and Barrel
Marshalls to open next week
American department store Marshalls is also coming soon to Vancouver, blurring the border even more for shoppers who head across the line for brand-name buys. The American discount retailer will be opening its first BC location at 8137 Ontario Street on April 4, and the Vancouver location is one of 13 new stores opening across Canada. Similar to Winners, both of which are owned by Massachusetts-based TJX Companies, the chain carries brand-name clothes, shoes and accessories at discounted prices, for the whole family. Not the only US department store slated for Vancouver, Target will be taking over 18 Zellers locations across the province this spring, and, as previously reported, Nordstrom is anticipated to transform the former Sears building in 2015. MarshallsCanada.ca
Refashion Vancouver
Is your POC (Pile Of Clothes) big enough for its own postal code? Then start by thinking the 3Rs: Reduce by putting aside clothes you barely, if ever, wear; Reuse by reselling them at your own table (and making some cash); and Refashion by picking up some new pieces that fit your style, and your closet. Refashion Vancouver is coming up, and last year saw more than 800 shoppers streaming through the door to enjoy the buying, the selling and the makeover services from local business, in an urban version of a glam garage sale. Yaletown Roundhouse Exhibition Hall, April 20, 10am to 5pm for shoppers, 9am to 6pm for sellers. Head to RefashionVancouver.com to book your table.
BCs largest flea market
For one day only, the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial) transforms into BCs largest flea market. Sunday, May 26, from 10am to 3pm, you can browse more than 175 vendor tables, overflowing with vintage jewelry, accessories, china and glass, furnishings, antiques and memorabilia, books, records and CDs, mid-century modern, linens and lace, collectibles, postcards and advertising, sports items, dolls and toys, silverware, paintings and prints,lamps and shadesand more. And take advantage of the opportunity to learn the value of items you already own: Drop-in appraisals will beconducted by Gale Pirie an independent, accredited member of the Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group with years of experience in valuing estate goods. Shes previously worked as an appraiser with CBCsCanadian Antiques Roadshow, and now brings her knowledge and expertise to the 21st Century Flea Market. Parking is free, admission is $5 at the door. Children under 13 are free with adult admission. For more information, call 604.980.3159 or visit 21CPromotions.com.
Local pet owners asking for it
After heeding the call of Vancouverites for weather-proof pet gear, PetSmart has partnered with pet apparel company North Fetch Athletics for an exclusive, Canada-only line of functional active-wear that keeps dogs dry, comfortable and clean while exploring the outdoors. The gear, consisting of a rain slicker and hoodie, will making post-walk clean-up a snap. The sporty rain slicker is a waterproof shell that comes in bright springtime colours and protects dogs from rain, slush and mud. The active hoodie is made from a light-weight stretch fabric that keeps dogs warm without restricting movement. The North Fetch collection is now available in PetSmart stores across Canada. Slickers will range in price from $36.99 to $46.99 while hoodies will sell between $34.99 and $43.99. Outside of this spring collection, PetSmart will add a winter line later this year.
Wear Else expands brands
Wear Elseis upping the style sweepstakes again this season, adding a plethora of new designers to its line-up of contemporary brands. Exclusive to Wear Else in Vancouver:Paul & Joe Sister,SW3 Bespoke, Peuterey,Elizabeth & James,Haute Hippie,Kelly WearstlerandSee by Chloe. Trends topping the most-wanted lists for Spring 2013 include bright neon hues, light sheer fabrics, plenty of tie-dye, tribal influences and bold prints and classics such as the polka dot.This season, classic shapes and styles are still important, but with a modern twist, explained president and CEO Zahra Mamdani. Think skinny jeans featuring daring prints, leather separates in vivid tones like yellow, bright blue and fuchsia, and structured tops made with sheer fabrics and open mesh knits. The Spring 2013 collection is arriving now at all Wear Else locations. For the full list of brands, visitWearElse.com.
Plenty warehouse sale
The tulips dont lie... spring has arrived! To help refresh your spring wardrobe, Plenty is having a warehouse sale from March 29 to April 1, at the Vancouver ConventionCentre (999 Canada Place). Fri. and Sat 9am to 6pm; Sun. and Mon. 11am to 4pm. Cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard and Amex accepted; new stock every day. Head to Twitter @getplenty for updates throughout the sale. GetPlenty.com
Nifty for Fifty returns
Nifty for Fifty returns for its sixth annual sale, featuring approximately 31 Vancouver designers (such as Adhesif, Allison Wonderland, Bianca Barr, Borgi Borga, Cest La Vie, Daub+Design, Elroy Apparel, Flightpath, Floating Gold Iceberg, Genevieve Jodouin, Kdon, Mitmunk Design, Olde Port Goods, Patina & Bronsino, Phaulet Phaulet, Sarah Mulder, Sweet Harriet, Sola Fiedler) selling everything from clothing to shoes and accessories for $50 or less. Remember to stock your wallet with cash so you dont miss out on the cash-only vendors. April 14, 11am 8pm at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main. Entry: $1 cash at the door.
