Ming Wo Cookware tends to be the sort of cookware store I'm not really a fan of, they carry a ton…read moreof different items and it's all sprinkled around the store and difficult to search through. I was very surprised they had five people working, as on a weekday they had almost no customers and it was a bit overwhelming the amount of stock they had. It didn't feel organized and streamlined like the Williams Sonoma stores are. I will say they were incredibly genuine and friendly so if this sort of kitchenwares store is your thing, I think you should definitely drop in.

A lovely little store filled with mostly cooking supplies and a few bathroom supplies at the back…read moreof the store. This is where I go if I need to purchase something for cooking. The staff are always more than helpful and patiently explain about the material of the pots and pans and how to use for long lasting cooking adventures and longevity care for your pots and pans. The person I talked with recently was respectful and patient with my lack of cooking knowledge. She helped me to better understand where I could improve with my cooking. Very much appreciated, thank you.

This is precisely the kind of store that I really should avoid…read more It is dangerous. It is intoxicating. If you are into kitchenware, cooking and baking, entertaining, or serviceware, or if you are in need of a hostess or housewarming gift, be forewarned. You will find what you need (or want) here, and you will probably pay top dollar for it. And you will do so gladly. They have mainstream kitchen gadgets along with very precise and specific baking and cooking tools, along with fabulous Asian ceramic bowls and dishes and chopsticks and more. Ramekins in every color? Check. Contemporary placemats? Check. Pots and cutlery and kitchen scales and kitchen gadgets that I don't even know what they do but they look cool so I feel is definitely should get them? Check, check and CHECK! They carry a lot of OXO merchandise (I always liked the ergonomic nature of this brand's products, and they last a long time), and yes, some of these items are available at HomeSense at half the price. But they also have here obscure kitchen tools you can't find elsewhere. If you are seriously into cooking or baking, I'm sure you'd find what you need here. Some items are overpriced. I purchased two Swedish dishcloths here for $5.95 each. (They come in a ton of patterns and colors here, which is fun!). But I know these are inexpensive, and on my last trip to Bellingham, I got a set of three of them for $8. So they are quite pricey at this store. And I've seen some of their more common items for sale elsewhere at half the price they were selling for here. However, there were quite a few deals to be found at this store, too. They have lots of high quality tapered candles in different colors, only 99 cents each here. And they've lots of white ceramic dishware and serving pieces at extremely reasonable prices. If you search this store, you will find bargains. I have to add that the young ladies who work here are all super friendly and helpful, too.

Always great to go to Ming Wo if you're a cook. I miss the Chinatown store so much; that was a…read moreregular haunt of mine whenever I needed something. Great selection, great prices, friendly staff. A wonderful place, and a Vancouver tradition.

Tinland is a weird little chinatown shop with just about every cooking apparatus you could fit on…read morecounter top. Pots of every size, strainers, cast iron pans, woks, and anything else for your restaurant of a kitchen. This store is perfect for anyone who wants a gourmet warehouse like experience without the price point, or the lure of gourmet chocolate at the counter. Good luck finding it on E Pender though, you might drive right past!

It's got a good variety of stuff at reasonable prices. Due to language barrier, the staff aren't…read morevery helpful if you don't speak Chinese.

Amazing little store in Chinatown with lots of Chinese antique furniture, bamboo products, and…read moreother crafts. Really need if you're looking for something specific or just to check out

Have been a Bamboo Village regular for 20 years. The owners are generous, patient and extremely…read morewise about all their stock - from exotic plants to paper lanterns. My children always love our annual visits to these wonderful people. As do my grandchildren. They swear the upstairs area is haunted. Have purchased several lovely armoires, console tables and lamps over the years which have survived well in our busy home. My annual go-to for all things Lunar New Year: envelopes, guest gifts, paper bunting swags, window art etc.,.. The store also houses a fascinating "museum" of Maoist era items. A nice way to spend a winter afternoon. Then cross the street for sweet buns and tea at Newtown Bakery.

homesense is a happy little playground for shopaholics and anyone furnishing a home or looking for…read moreinspiration, hunting for ideas for a hostess gift, or shopping for gifts in general, whether they're for someone else or a well deserved treat for yourself. part of the winners and marshalls family, this homesense location is at 493 robson street, on the second floor above iga. it's easy to walk past if you're not paying attention, but once you're inside, time has a way of slipping by. this is a great spot for fun, festive seasonal decor at reasonable prices. like winners and marshalls, it's very much a hit or miss experience, which is part of the charm. if you've got a bit of time, a lot of patience, and an open mind, chances are you'll leave with something you need, want and/or love. the selection is wide and always changing: linens, pet stuff, glassware, cookbooks, knick knacks, area rugs, hampers, closet organizing storage stuff, furniture, water bottles, puzzles, wrapping paper, and all kinds of things to decorate your space or stage an open house. you might come in for one item and leave with a cart full of unexpected finds. they also carry a surprisingly fun mix of foods, cookies, chocolates, olive oil, coffees, teas, syrups, pasta, and more. friendly pro tip: if you see something you really like, don't overthink it. things move fast here, and you can always return it later if you change your mind. just remember to keep your receipt. during the holidays, the store turns into a whimsical winter wonderland that feels festive without taking itself too seriously. even if you don't need anything, it's still a great place to wander. fun finds, seasonal charm, and always discovering something you didn't know you needed. bonus points for being dog friendly.

Customer service sucks and they claim they allow dogs but yet they pick and choose and they seem to…read moreallow the ones that don't behave in stores

What a great little store, full to the brim with wonderful gift ideas and household items, most…read moremade by local artists and most (if not all) organic or made with sustainability in mind. They have many items here that my friend I see annually at the Circle Craft fair at the Convention Center downtown. So I know these items are artisan-made (not mass produced). Examples of items here: jewelry, coasters and serving boards, reusable kitchen towelettes, water bottles, candles, soaps, lotions and potions and essential oils, organic laundry detergents, dryer balls, refillable liquid soaps and cleaners, TONS of adorable baby and kid toys and accessories, greeting cards and boxed note cards, crochet wall hangings, glassware, stickers, craft kits.... I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Prices here are on a par with those at the craft shows, where the artists sell their wares. Bonus that there is ample free street parking here, and the staff are super nice.

Do not take returns or exchanges clothing item sizes are inaccurate. Dissatisfied, would not shop…read morehere again.

Another bustling home decor boutique store, along this Gastown stretch, beside the parkade…read more Quality and fashionable products here, home and kitchen, with the headboards at the front, and a bit of kitchen ware by the store front window, a glass holder for butter, though not sure if I'd leave this on the table at room temperature but I digress. Some dishware sets, teapots... What did piqued my eye are these measuring spoons in the shape of a heart, a set for $28, and you bet it's stainless steel, so a nice fun secondary gift to get in time for Valentine's ;), and especially for a great cook. Friendly service, offered a few suggestions.

The comfortable and warm service in this cozy establishment is always such a joy for my shopping…read moreexperience. The selection of vintage and vintage-inspired goods is wide-ranging, from tea cup candles, to metal furniture, to quaint decor like phrenology hands and puppy dog tail hooks. It's always a pleasure to pass by to see whether they have anything new in store! They also have a website in which you can browse through their collection and later ring them to hold for you (as they understandably don't hold everything in-store). And the other useful services they offer are upcycling your used furniture and a finding service in which you can submit photographs of what you're looking for and have the store help you in your search. Very nifty! Overall, L'Atelier offers extensive services and a remarkable array of home decor, and the people have never failed to provide excellent hospitality. This is definitely one of my favourite shops in the area for all these reasons!

Now here is a different kind of store.. NOT your typical plastic-smelling dollar-store chain with…read morethe same stuff as all the rest. This is a mom and pop shop of a completely different nature. Outside there were shelves of the cutest succulents and other lovely plants.. lots of them! Priced right, I thought. Walk in the door and what greets me? Shelves of Dr Bonnor's soaps and a stand Bob's Red Mill grains... 'this is a dollar store???' I almost said out loud. To the right a jungle of gorgeous plants including ENORMOUS cacti, like seriously HUGE ones you can't get anywhere else. I was impressed at the depth of plants they had. The costuming section was great too! There were antique bird cages and african hand woven baskets, beautiful woven fans.. it was the most PLUS dollar store I'd ever seen. And all because it is own and run by just a lovely human being who understands life is not about living cheaply but living richly with things that really tug at your heart. Yes, she has EVERYTHING you can get at a dollar store, so it's a one stop shop.. I purchased the most beautiful journal I could not expect to find which was absolutely perfect for the struggles of life, an Amy Winehouse journal with lyrics of one of my favourite songs on it... Like seriously, where do you find that??? Apparently at Main and King Ed!! Thank you, Trendy Bucks! I appreciate so much that you are here. See you again!!!

I have mixed feeling. I felt something different this time. What they sell are same as before but…read moretoo tidy. Maybe under new management? I mean it looks like regular dollar store more that previous fun loving "Trendybucks". I used to like to browse this store to find a gem. But this time, it looked very ordinary. It's sad for me.