Shopping is a pastime which fits any occasion. Regardless of your reasons for being in Nanaimo – whether you be a tourist, a local, or just reaching out farther from your usual areas – there are a great many shopping spots that you just simply cannot pass up.
1. Nanaimo North Town Center
As suggested by its’ name, this shopping mall is located to the north of central Nanaimo and houses a small yet accommodating number of stores within.
It’s an easy place to access regardless of where in Nanaimo you are staying or living being right alongside one of the island’s main roads and having quick links to public transport.
This center accommodates whatever mood you’re feeling. Hungry? There’s a Tim Hortons and a Subway for you. Want a new fit? Try Mark’s and Ardene or the more sustainable Urban Planet. Feeling inspired? Take a look at other inspired pieces at the Art 10 Gallery, a place that we have recommended in a previous blog.
2. Old City Quarter
This little untouched and vintage corner of Nanaimo prides itself on local business, tasty food, and even the arts of meditation and psychic mediums.
There’s a rather generous number of eateries for you to dine in, ranging from White Rabbit Coffee to New York Style Pizza & Pasta. For those of you who have special diets to abide by, worry not, for a great many of these spots produce vegan and gluten-free snacks and meals for you.
Then, once you’ve eaten – or perhaps even before – you can knock yourself out shopping for locally sourced clothing from Charlie’s Closet, classic and modern tales from Windowseat Books, or relive your childhood with old memorabilia from My Collectables. Whatever the case may be, there’s something here to accommodate yourself and any others you may have in your party.
3. Rock City Center
Our next pick on this list goes to a cozy and niche little outlet located on the outskirts of the city. Rock City Center is home to both an interesting variety of stores as well as offices and apartments.
Here you’ll find a mix of safer bets, including eateries such as Tim Horton’s and Wendy’s, or independent businesses such as Neon Nails and Nellie’s Dutch Deli.
Theoretically, if you were also looking for a place to stay whilst on vacation, Rock City Center would not be a bad bet, as the apartments are unlikely to cost an excessive amount for just a few nights, but also consider how you would only ever be less than a minute’s walk away from amenities should you run into any unexpected occurrences.
4. Port Place Shopping Centre
Oriented more towards dining, Port Place Shopping Centre is where you’re more likely to want a meal as opposed to going on a fashion spree. That being said, there are still reasons to visit here even if you’ve already eaten or just aren’t hungry yet.
For example, say you’re commuting quite some distance and you’ve had an early start… What would you want more than anything else after a slow and draining morning? Coffee, right? If you need a pick-me-up to start your day, Port Place has a Starbucks as well as an independent coffee shop where you can get some caffeine in your system.
Another reason would be to visit the Port Place Hair Spa if you’re looking for a makeover, or perhaps you need to purchase some new nightwear from My Undies.
However, say that you are indeed looking for a place to eat… Well, this is certainly the place to be. Port Place Shopping Centre has the highest number of eateries of all our picks on this list, so you’ll certainly find your hunger quenched after visiting this place.
5. Green Shopping For Everyday Life
Here we have a small shopping spot that is both sustainable and adheres to present-day requirements.
This downtown outlet is located by the waterfront – giving you a healthy dosage of fresh sea air – and sells primarily eco-friendly products. Stores here are known to sell herbal cigarettes, locally brewed liquor, and coffee sourced using all-natural ingredients. If you’re somebody who is very conscious about the sustainability of what goes into the products they consume, you can rest easy with what you buy from here.
This outlet also adheres to COVID-19 measures and guidelines, making it a safe place for you to meet and catch up with old friends with who you may have been separated for quite some time now.
6. Woodgrove Center
Based on reviews from Google and TripAdvisor, Woodgrove Center is the highest-rated spot out of all our picks on this list, suggesting that they are clearly doing something that appeals to customers.
Almost anything and everything you could possibly need or want is available somewhere in this outlet from the necessities of clothing and home décor across to videogames and financial services.
What’s more, is that Woodgrove Center regularly hosts events and special promotions that can really bring the damage done on your wallet by a shopping spree down quite considerably. With coupons on designer eyewear and a 20% seasonal discount at Ardene, you’d be foolish to not check this spot out and see whether or not something that appeals to you is on offer.
7. University Village Mall
Our next pick on this list goes to a place that is, though relatively unknown, still hosts a worthwhile variety of stores and eateries that make it worth a visit.
Perhaps you’re in the mood for a takeaway, in which case, Fresh Slice has got you covered with cheap pizza. If you’re in need of medical or recreational attention, then the drugs and liquor store are here to serve you.
Though the variety may be somewhat limited, this spot made the list simply due to its’ affordability. If you’re a young traveler who is off to see the world on a budget, then the cheap takeout stores in this outlet will accommodate your finances nicely, including a Subway and a Lee’s Famous Chicken restaurant.
8. Country Club Center
Once a small outlet consisting of several small chains, Country Club Center is now a Nanaimo hotspot which is home to more than 50 stores that sell some of the most popular and most sought-after brands in the world.
Here you’ll find several big names such as Best Buy and Starbucks but also more local brands such as Lucky’s Liquor Store and Soap Exchange. This spot has the highest number of store categories on this list, with effectively every goods & service category on the list being ticked off in this shopping mall.
We recommend this one especially to those who will be in Nanaimo with young members of the family, specifically new parents or grandparents, as there is a fantastic play area owned by the Tiny Tots Playgroup for children to keep preoccupied with.
Got pets? Not to worry! Country Club Center has pet facilities as well, including water and waste stations.
9. Brooks Landing Mall
Our penultimate pick on this list goes to another shopping mall, though it is also directly twinned with an outlet section as well if you’re looking to spend wisely.
Here you will find sports shops such as Cascadia or office supply depots like the infamous Staples. We recommend this place more to those who are local to British Colombia and are within an hour’s travelling distance to this spot, as most of the stores here are more business-based as opposed to being an attraction for tourists.
That being said, we still recommend Brooks Landing Mall to tourists simply due to its’ location: It’s on Vancouver Island. For those unfamiliar, what that means is that in order to access this mall you will have to take a ferry over from the mainland, though that in itself is quite an exotic and empowering experience that makes the shopping spree which follows all the more euphoric.
10. Waryam Plaza
Our final pick on this list goes to a place that is handy for multiple reasons. Regardless of your circumstances for being in Nanaimo, you’re going to want to check this place out for at least one of the reasons that follow.
Perhaps you’re staying in Nanaimo for the long haul, and as such, you need a place to wash your clothes. Well, Waryam Plaza has you covered in that situation, as here you will find a convenience store with laundry machines and a large variety and quantity of soap detergents to accommodate for whatever is in your pile – In other words, no risky washes with your whites!
Another reason for visiting here is simply due to how friendly and polite the staff are. If things are starting to look glum on your vacation or commute, this place is bound to put a smile back on your face with its’ friendly staff.
Overall…
You could be a tourist, you could be a local, or you could even have other undisclosed circumstances. Whatever way, at least one shopping spot on this list is going to accommodate your circumstances, as each was chosen with a variety of situations in mind.
As always, remember to spend carefully – You never know what experience will be right around the corner for you to splash out on!
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