Shopping local for children's and women's apparel

Vancouver is home to some pretty unique local brands and shops. This fall, if you’re looking to update your clothing and accessories for yourself or your children, consider shopping local.

As a mom, I know how easy it is to head off to the big brand retailer at the mall and grab a little something for everyone. However, heading out to a local shop, or purchasing a local brand online is just as simple. And in turn, you’re not only shopping local, but you’re also enriching the community in Vancouver and adding to its character.

In addition, local shops value their customers, making your purchases feel special. Let’s just say the customer service you receive when you shop local is often exceptional, and in most cases, leaves you recommending the brand to someone else.

In all honesty, it took me a while to gain a ‘shop local’ mindset. It was just so convenient for me to go to the mall. Furthermore, I was uneducated in terms of how shopping local impacts our environment, community and economy,until…I met many of the faces behind some of Vancouver’s shops and brands.

A majority of these small business owners are also moms. In fact, surveys show that one in three small business owners are moms. And it’s these mom-owned businesses that are truly impactful on our economy, though they also happen to be about more than just profit.

In fact, local businesses hire architects, designers, sign-makers and contractors for construction. Additionally, opportunities grow for local accountants, web designers, advertising agencies, and printers–the list goes on and on. Local retailers and distributors also carry a higher percentage of locally-made goods than the chains, in turn creating more local jobs. Shopping local also reduces carbon footprint, which in turn helps the environment.

That said, if you already have a ‘shop local’ mindset, I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say, shopping local is an integral way to enrich our community, support our city, and support other mom owned businesses.

This widely-circulated saying reflects the power of supporting a local small business:

“When you buy from a small, mom or pop business you are not helping a CEO buy a vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom or dad put food on the table, or a student pay for college. Our customers are our share-holders and they are the ones we strive to make happy. Thank you for supporting small businesses!”

If you’re not sure where you can find local women’s and children’s brands, here are a few suggestions:

Nicole Bridger: The Nicole Bridger collection is tailored from the highest quality ethical materials and made in Vancouver. Their designs are flattering on all women’s body types, and each piece is modern and oh- so-comfy.

Much and Little: This shop is located in the heart of Vancouver. They carry goods sourced from all over, including women and children’s apparel and accessories.

Emerson Apparel: They create unique, stylish and well-made clothing for the free-spirited child.

Vonbon: Vonbon apparel is certified organic and made in Vancouver. Their trendy baby and toddler wear makes the perfect baby shower gift.

Kara Yoo jewelry. Kara Yoo jewelry is hand-crafted in Vancouver and her pieces are made using only quality materials.

Coral and Cloud: Coral and Cloud make one-of-a-kind necklaces using upcycled fabric from thrifted t-shirts (which are laundered with natural detergents). These necklaces are the perfect accessory for moms and their littles.

Whistle and Flute: Whistle and Flute is a popular children’s brand made in Vancouver. Their designs are unisex, trendy and also come in adult sizes.

In this photo: Emerson apparel and clothing from Much and Little.

 

 

In this photo, Emerson Apparel, Whistle and Flute, and Nicole Bridger.

In this photo: Vonbon 

In this photo: Nicole Bridger, Emerson apparel, Whistle and Flute, Coral and Cloud and Kara Yoo.