I keep thinking Yelp is meant for restaurants and forget that when I have a good (or bad)…read moreexperience at any business establishment I can turn to Yelp and give an honest opinion... I'm not here to talk about food quality or presentation of a particular menu item. I'm not here to talk about how awesome it was to build Legos and dress up like pirates (though that was pretty spectacular)... I'm here to talk about running shoes and my experience at the Halifax Shopping Centre Sport Chek. I'm about to run my first marathon (Crazy yes, but oh so needed for this life changing journey) and for the past couple of weeks I've been on the hunt for a new pair of Saucony running shoes (I'm a die hard fan). After being sorely disappointed in Aerobics first (another review possibly?) and Amazon I turned to the clearance blow-out by Cleve's and found a nice pair of running shoes... The only problem? They didn't "POP". This is going to be my first marathon people. Everything needs to look good, feel good and hey did I mention looking good? Meegan and I happen to stop in at another Sport Chek location earlier this week looking for a new running shirt (remember I need to look good while running 42km). They were having a buy one get one half off sale on shoes... We just looked... A day later we found ourselves at the Halifax Centre location with the intent of purchasing not only another pair of Saucony running shoes for me but another pair of athletic shoes for her. There was only one guy working in the shoe department - Jacob. The review is more about him than anything else. After spending a lot of time in the major "running" stores in the area he is by far the most helpful person I've encountered and he's not even a runner (hockey knees!). For someone that doesn't run he has quite the knowledge background and took the time to explain to me all this new talk about 4mm drop (it's a running thing) and about the difference between a stability / neutral/ minimal shoe. At the other "running" stores I sort of got the evil eye for not knowing all the technical terms (I just run...) He spent quite a bit of time going back and forth between shoes for Meegan and me. In the end we both walked away with a pair of shoes that we fell in love with. The store itself was ginormous. Chock full of all kinds of sports equipment and a pretty large clearance section in the middle (I do love a good clearance section). If you get a chance head to the back where the athletic shoes, look for Jacob and try on a pair of Sauconys!

This Sport Chek is located in the lower level of the Halifax Shopping Centre. This particular store…read morehas one side as Coastal Mountain. The Sport Chek has the sneakers, jackets etc. Most of the brands are Columbia, Orange, Firefly, North Face, O'Neil, Rip-zone etc. They have a nice selection, although I have not bought jackets here, I have bought sneakers, bags, t-shirts etc. They have some great sales on the shoes once in a while.

They say that you get what you paid for and at Roots that is the case. I gotta say that the quality…read moreof their leather is amazing. The thickness and the weight of the products lets you know that you are purchasing a great product. I can say that they are pricey but they will last forever. As for the cloths I was never really a big fan of the Roots symbol bring largely displayed across my chest but I do love the sweat pants. Again the quality of the material is fabulous as it is something that will not show its washing as it is made with a quality product. I wish that they would have more sales on the stuff especially the leather purses.

Roots has a great quality clothing. I have purchased Hoodies from here…read more The clothes don't seem to wear out and keep their shape after many washings. The selection is not overly large, pretty much the same things for clothes. I do have a great backpack from roots that has lasted through many a ventures. It is still in great shape, and I get compliments on it. This location is not the largest, but easy to get to for the downtown core.

I went to my local Cleve's today to get a pair of slacks that I could wear to my physio…read moreappointments. I was very surprised to hear that although Cleve's is Canadian, most (if not all) of the items that they sell are American made. I asked whether they had anything Canadian and was not received well. The young woman who was working there did not appreciate the fact that I would not buy anything American and implied by her body language and eye movements that there was something wrong with me. I will not be entering any Cleve's stores in the foreseeable future. At the very least, the customer should be treated with respect.

Today I went into Cleve's with one mission at hand - to find a good men's baseball glove. I was…read morepleased to discover that they still had a fair selection, seeing as how the baseball season had ended over a month ago. Unsure, of exactly what I was looking for, I asked one of the young sales guys for help. He was more than happy to help and spent about 15 minutes with me trying on each glove, and letting me know, from a guy's perspective, the good and bad of each one. He also took his time to explain to me the difference between a baseball and softball glove, and was very thorough in helping me find the perfect glove. I was grateful for his help and the excellent customer service.

I was lost, and then I was found…read more This is a special space of altered frocks, vintage finds, and a flavour of locally made. Eclectic musings come together to form Lost & Found's fashionably homemade North End boutique . The shop's mood is quiet and thoughtful, just as its clothes. Music is easy, and the store keeper sews away in a corner wooden chair. Piecing through the assorted racks, I become awe struck by the profuse selection of gorgeous things. Most times I am able to edit down final selections before the efforts of the fitting room; however, this was not the case. The clothing variety is of impeccable taste, as every item on display is hand picked, and/or altered with special detailing. And with such reasonable pricing-- it all seems too good to be true. (A large rack dedicated to post-season sales provides some gorgeous steals!) Clothing is displayed on thick wooden hangers, and well managed framework; the result is chic and polished confines. Divorce Records is an added bonus to the Lost & Found experience. Peek through this Halifax based label's selection for some stellar anti-industry music variety. Vinyl and CDs are for sale, and allow an opportunity to acquire new tastes, without commercial fluff. Also noteworthy: bin filled with $2 Vinyl picks. (Not Divorce Records) Besides glass encased jewelry and vintage frames, L&F is also decorated with DIY-styled trinkets and art. The space is fused with creative energy and wholesome goodness. I heart. My recent visit ended with the purchasing of a brilliant long sleeved crop top. With its subtle alterations-- front & back scoop neck with buttons, and adorable mini-shoulder pads + ruching-- its a dream piece. And only $18! The detailing of selections make for cool fits and one of a kind pieces. Lost & Found offers a creative and inspiring shopping experience, indeed. The carrier and creator of all things "special", this place is now top on my list.

Lost & Found is a fun little vintage shop that stocks some really great stuff. I just wish i was…read moreabout...oh, 10 sizes smaller so I could fit into all the great clothes there. *sigh.* Oh, well. I guess I need to accept that only the skinny kids get to look cool. Besides, I've heard that you're not supposed to wear stuff that you remember going by the first time around. So, dang it, no Mary Maxim sweaters for me.

Bhavana Yoga Boutique is a good place to head for yoga wear, especially if you prefer to wear…read morecotton over the lulu type spandex that seems to be enjoying huge popularity. Bhavana, has a section for essential oils, healthy living books, jewelry, clothing and yoga mats. Cute t-shirts with saying such as: 'Buddha is my 'Om-boy'. Stretchy pants were on sale for around $60 which may or may not seem exorbitant to you... still about $40 less than competitors. I enjoy the general sense of calm that stores like this bring forth... must be the incense!

The greatest gem in Halifax's North End -- the energy inside Bhavana, cultivated by Krista (a…read morebeautiful, soulful person) is amazing, and every item in the store is exquisite, high-quality, and made with integrity. I came originally for the incense, and now never leave without purchasing tasteful apparel, a meditation book, crystals, or jewelry. If there were such thing as a boutique that actually made you feel better about your choices, life, and yoga practice, this would be it. A blissful neighborhood haven for seekers of all kinds :)

The finest selection of men's clothing in town, and always a very welcoming and helpful staff…read more Prices are what you'd expect from a fine menswear store. I know many people come in off the cruise ships to this area, and as an American myself let me suggest that a fine shirt, accessory, or even a full suit do make fantastic and practical souvenirs from your travels.

Colwell's serves up high-end threads mainly for men and women of conservative and refined…read morepreferences. Tucked away in the forgotten quarters of Barrington Place, I tend to forget about its existence, but its longevity and steady clientele prove it to be downtown destination. Names like Cambridge, Jack Victor, Cutter & Buck, Nautica, Bugatchi, Lipson, Klauss Bochler and Michael Kors are amongst its flavourful offerings, and its all quite clear that quality is priority. Not a spot for my own taste, but I understand Cowell's appeal for the right man or woman. Heavy prices are to be expected, but the large stocking of apparel is enough to take your mind off the logistics. Outerwear, basics, formal dresses and accessories, Colwell's does it all with the utmost class, and is certainly a spot to try if you're looking to sport this niche.

Great customer service and great dress selection! The staff…read moreare so friendly and helpful! Love this place!

gorgeous and varied selection of styles and sizes! warm and helpful staff. an absolute must when…read moreshopping on the peninsula!

For those special people in your life who can't live without all the brand name labels such as…read moreQuicksilver, Roxy, Hurley, Bench and Billabong - the Boathouse is the place to shop. The store has been at Mic Mac for about a year now, and is located on the 2nd floor. They offer a wide assortment of t-shirts, hoodies, jeans and sneakers. Generally speaking, their prices aren't too bad, but still weigh in a bit on the steep side. The customer service team is made up of mostly teenagers (17-19 years old) who genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs and are quite knowledgeable on store products. Overall, a positive experience, and I look forward to shopping there more in the future.

I don't know about this place, it's all far too neon for me…read more I guess this is what is popular now. Skinny jeans, bright colors, silly shirts. If you're into that stuff, then this store is for you, but if you find these things laughable then you're not going to get much out of this place. The girls selection is much better than the guys selection. My girlfriend found some nice stuff here that must have slipped through the cracks (it wasn't blindingly bright and tacky), but I think it was definitely a rare find. My best suggestion for those who are a fan if this style is to check out West 49 a little further down the corridor, or better yet, stop by Pro Skate on Blowers Street in Halifax.