Wide selection of home products with good functionality and design at reasonable prices. I always pay Welk a visit when I'm at Main St! read more

I always come here for little gifts and household items. It is a very nicely curated store with cute goodies! Many of the beauty/hygiene products are also nice and high quality. I have even bought some plants from here! Some lovely scented candles, kitchen items and funky socks. It feels like a neighbourhood staple and it fits the Main Street area to a T! read more

Love going here. I've been going to this store since it started, and I live in the /hood. The selection is excellent, the prices not bad, and most of the staff are really nice. One of the managers (assistant manager I think) can be a jerk, yet customers can also be jerks, and shoplifting is real. All in all, just keep browsing the amazingness. read more

Great general store. There are aisles of kitchen supplies, basic groceries, cleaning supplies, household goods, lots of organizing materials, school stuff, gardening and plants. It's an eclectic mix with good taste in curating it all. This place is a gem, wish there were more locations. read more

Welk's General Store - Welks - street view on Main St. - Department Stores Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Blamed two teenage girls of theft, followed through store, and "banned from this establishment". Yesterday afternoon my friend and i visited Main Street after school, just to grab a bite and look around at the shops. We passed by Welk's and decided to have a look inside, as my friend had never been before. We didn't pickup a basket upon entry, as we had just planned on browsing. After wandering through the first couple isles, we saw the water bottles. My friend and I decided to grab a couple to take a look. We each settled on one, so I put then in my friends reusable Bagu tote bag. I stayed at that end of the isle checking out other items, and my friend went to look at the lunch containers. Moments later the manager approached her. He asked her to use a shopping basket rather than her bag. From the end of the isle, I could hear a condescending tone. I had never heard of this strict no bag policy. She took the cart respectfully, thanked him as we didn't see the baskets upon entry, we then continued our shop. We soon noticed staff lurking around us, leaving us with discomfort, and confusion. We felt uncomfortable, leading us to put the bottles back on the shelf. This experience was becoming no longer enjoyable, we felt no freedom to browse. The water botle aisle led us to the exit. My friend and I walked with the basket in hand, as we were gonna put it in the basket pile on the way out. The manager was once again standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for us. He abruptly took the basket from my friends hand, and proudly announced we were no longer welcome in this store. I asked with confusion "why", he simply responded "you know why, I shouldn't have to explain myself". I was hit with feelings of discomfort and helplessness, as he didn't give me time to process what was going on. This man raising his voice at two teenage girls was incredibly unprofessional. I proceeded to ask why he was making us leave (he was signalling his head and pointing at the door). He pointed to the exit and said "the door is right there. Leave. You are no longer welcome to this establishment, go find your things elsewhere". I expressed I had been coming here since I was young. A few months prior, I had bought $60 in gifts for my friend's birthday. During summer I would go for popsicles, Winter for Christmas gifts and plants in the spring. Throughout all my visits to the the store, I had always used a tote bag to hold onto my goods while shopping. The workers at the store were never remarkably nice; but the variety of goods always brought me back. The times prior I had visited Welk's, I had been with guardians, or had been dressed more "put together" (typical going out for the day clothes?). On this occasion I had just came from a long day at school. I strongly believe it is disgusting to judge someone by their appearance. And do believe this was the case. You don't know peoples stories or money situations. You never saw me or my friend put anything in our bag after you handed us a shopping cart. You had no right to assume we were shop lifting. Since you were clearly under this assumption, you could've gone about it in other ways. It would have been very easy to pull us aside to talk. My friend and I both struggle with anxiety (upon other things) and you don't know the effect an event like this could/did have on us. You chose to make a scene. Very unprofessional. After exchanging a few more words with the manager, my friend and I left. I called my mum in distress, as I was confused and had never been in a situation like this before. My mum later called, and asked to speak to management. He denied ever asking us to leave. Later in the phone call he mentioned he did "ask us to leave". This man's story kept changing. He said he had video proof of us stealing, but then refused to share with my mum. He would not give her his name or information. It's upsetting to think this is the behaviour of a grown man, who manages a store. In this phone call he brought up that he deals with events similar very often. This is how you deal with them? Own up to your actions, It's the least you can do. You did not have to "ban" my friend and I from your store; as we will not be returning. Do better. read more

Their candle and incense corner is worth to visit even it's general store originally. Good quality selections. read more

Welk's General Store - Candle and incense corner - Department Stores Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Welk's is an emporium befitting of the upper middle class neighborhood in which it exists. It's fun to have one-stop shopping for tidbits related to the kitchen, bath and body, food, plants, homewares, hardware, stationery, travel supplies, etc. I'm glad that it's there, it's just slightly above my price point in most contexts. For instance, I went in looking for a simple candle the other day, and quickly realized that anything over a votive was going to easily run $15+. If you are a freak for containers, they stock all manner of cool jars (including the Weck brand). The bath and body section also carries a lot of nice local brands in things like deodorant creams, lotions, and soaps. My strong advice is NOT to visit on the weekend at peak times. The aisles are narrow and you will only end up frustrated. It's very hard to browse during these times. read more

Welk's General Store - Department Stores Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

See all

Welks has very much evolved over the many years I've come. It just keeps getting better. Inventory remains tasteful, functional and extremely attractive. Always the place for great gifts from beautiful locally made candles to fun and frivolous tea towels. Consistently well stocked with great kitchen gadgets and high quality cookware. Offering seasonal items in which case Spring sees a vast supply of plants, herbs and many flowers. Lots of delicious food items have contributed to the vast array of edible merchandise including my favourite English toffees and candy. But the main star of the show is the ever so lovely and vivacious Nelly. Her warm and fun personality never fails to make my shopping experience all the more pleasurable. So many reasons to return. read more

Manager was extremely unprofessional. He was very condescending and rude when he suggested I use a shopping cart instead of my reusable tote bag and proceeded to have workers follow my friend and I around the store. We eventually decided to not buy anything due to us feeling uncomfortable and that we were being followed. As we walked down the isle the manger stood at the end of the isle and took the cart from me, he then caused a scene by yelling us to leave and "banning" us from the store. My friend calmly informed him that she's a loyal shopper and she would like an explanation he was very rude and didn't want to explain himself and kicked us out. Her parents then called the store for further explanation and he was disrespectful and would not give his name and denied having any sort of altercation with us. read more

I've been vegan the last 16 yrs,I always find great vegan foods here and at discount prices that are so insanely cheap its unbelievable. I am there every week sometimes twice,The Staff is very friendly as well. Hands down My fave store in Vancouver read more

Welk's is basically the Main St general store. No, this is not a trashy dollar store. Welks actually carries some really good quality stuff, including a large selection of vegan, organic, and natural products. They've got everything from truffle oil and cupcake pans, to soy candles and coat hooks. As well as a ton of other random and unique items you suddenly have the urge to buy. read more

Welk's General Store - Bobs Red Mill products - Department Stores Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

The amount of times I've gone to Welk's and thought "crap, I just bought that at Shopper's Drug Mart yesterday for 3X the price" is embarrassing. Welk's is not really like anything I know, and hard to describe but here goes: Take 1 part Wonderbucks (Commercial version), and add one part more generic dollar store (but a good one). Then add one part Michael's crafts, a dash of a board game store, then add in the cleanser aisle of London Drugs and some sort of chap-stick and health products, and oh ya, some sort of the health food section... Prices are excellent and unlike most dollar stores, the quality of the goods makes me think that someone hand selected what they put on the shelves and didn't just grab whatever toxic junk fell off the last container ship from China. The staff has a whiff of hipster attitude, but are still helpful and it is warranted in this case. They know what they have in the store very well, and are not the usual vacant automatons usually manning the cash of discount stores. Lastly, Welk's has the feeling (and name) of something more locally run. I don't know if that is true or not, but what I do know is for almost every household, costume, party, or craft need,... you might be wise to start here before going elsewhere. read more

Customer service is terrible. Staff/cashiers are rude and not friendly. Their products are overpriced unless on sale and the store is super cramped and small and squishy. Always hitting people in the aisles. They need to seriously revamp their space. I get that they are a "general store" and local but seriously, you need to get staff to treat customers better, especially ones who are actually buying stuff as opposed to just browsing. read more

Hip and cool little market with nick knacks and little useful things nice neighborhood store with a community feel

I like this store cuz it has almost everything I need but when I was there I saw a worker yelling at these two young boys and idk why he was and maybe there was a good reason but still he seemed kinda rude read more

Setup and feels like a fully stocked dollar store without dollar store prices! They carry everything from hardware, stationary, personal goods and doggie treats. read more

Welk's General Store - Reminds me of a dollar store but with hardware and the dollar items - Department Stores Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

See all

This place is a total hidden gem, although I don't know that it's all that hidden. They have everything you could possibly think of, and while it's called a Welks "Discount" Store, everything they sell is good quality. It's like a cross between a high end dollar store and a (limited) hardware store. I went in to just have a look and walked out with almost $200 worth of stuff. They have an awesome selection of candles, plant vases, succulents and lots of plants, games, cards, plus food items, with a small selection of stuff you'd find at a hardware store (cleaning supplies and tools, hangers, etc). I am already planning a trip back - I love it there! read more

This is my kind of general store. It has great baking utensils and what not. Everything right up my alley. Organics of all sorts and options for my liking. I was surprised to find what I did here and I'm glad I had some time to check it out. It's not the cheapest place but it sure is definitely a place you want to just browse. I have bought 2 bodum French presses here which are really cool and colorful. And the organic peanut butter is pretty good and the price is sure a bargain. I really like this place... If it wasn't the fact that I get discounts for a different place for my organic things I would likely shop here more. read more

Welk's General Store - Colorful Bodum French press. - Department Stores Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I'm huge into home decorating and like finding new equipment and knick knacks for my home. When it comes to discount or eclectic supplies stores, there are better options in Vancouver. Though the workers here are very nice, I find the management needs some reworking. They don't give you prices over the phone, which I find suspicious, and their selection is lacking. I would recommend going to more niche stores to find what you're looking for, rather than trying to rifle through one big mess. read more

Not to sound like Stefan but .. THIS PLACE HAS EVERYTHING! Houseware, plants, office supplies, gifts .. all at a reasonable price! I can spend a lot of time browsing in here! read more

Welk's is the best. Let me start out by saying that everything is absolutely reasonably priced. But then also, you can get ANYTHING there. Birthday party supplies? Sure. Household products? Of course. A decent assortment of glassware? You've got it. Want to play Settlers of Catan? Yep, Welk's has it. Organic granola and incredibly cheap extra virgin olive oil? Sure, why not? Hey - how about some high-quality lacy patterned tights? Of COURSE Welk's carries those! Bedding out plants? They're right outside! If Welk's sold produce and vintage fashions I would never go anywhere else. read more

There's this parallel universe where instead of whatever you do now, you've opened a general store. You've curated the items to cater exactly to your desires of everything mercantile. Then, as a stroke of genius, you hire a team of mind-reading retail experts to suggest additional items - things exactly up your alley - but outside of your awareness. Things which suddenly become your new favourite things. This is what Welk's is. It's that pair of jeans which fit so perfectly that you can't remember life before those jeans. It's that store you've seen on Main for years and after you wander the halls - your halls - you wonder how you've not been there sooner. All this is absolutely true, you know, unless you don't like organic healthy kind of hippie natural stuff. read more

Mercedes G. hits the nail right on the head with her review. Tired of spending alot on little stuff like sewing kits, scented candles and other doo-dads? Welk's is your answer. Thanks to Welk's, I can find a small sewing kit for 95 cents or that scented candle for 99 cents. Lots of small items for little money...what is not to love? My favorite these days is the Goody (big-name brand for hair accessories) bin, located right there just as you enter the store; everything in there is 99 cents or priced as marked. I bought a set of barrettes there for 99 cents...those same barrettes at my local big-name drugstore would have cost me almost six dollars. In those bins too you can get a set of ponytail holders for 99 cents where you'd be paying about four dollars in the big-name drugstore. Certain items of Rimmel makeup cost $2.99 at Welk's where you would definitely pay more at that major drugstore. I've seen Cover Girl items there recently for $3.99 (a good deal). You can find great deals there (right now, while supplies last, you can get MAC Shadestick in Beige-ing - a stick cream eyeshadow - for $6.99. These Shadesticks would cost around $18 at The Bay or at MAC Cosmetics on Robson.). And the staff always seem to be in a good mood too. Welk's Mart is definitely one of my favorite stores. read more

Great discount/variety store! Certainly a step up from the Dollar Store, better quality products but still a darn good price. Lots of cheap gardening things - potting mix/soil, pots, gloves, bamboo screens, hanging planters.....Good prices on plants and herbs on the shelves on the street out the front. Scored a pretty purple delphinium for $4.99 and herbs for $1.49. Cheap big canvases if you're looking for a basic canvas to chuck your art on the wall. They were pumping reggae on a summer afternoon and it made me dance whilst I shopped. Good work, Welks. read more

OMG I want every thing in the kitchen section of this store! I'm still 10 feet from the door ... I've been captivated by homemade pudding basins (I'm a weird person who likes to make my own plum pudding for the holidays), silicone baking molds (teddy bear!), mini spatulas, cookie cutters (dinosaurs! marine animals! dogs! sports! beach! fruit!) a pocket pie press (think apple turnover), rotary flour sifters (lusting for one of those as I love to bake), ice cube trays (vampire teeth, "titonic" with ships & icebergs, handguns) ... Oh my, I need to move on to a different part of the store already ... Oh wait, there's a bundt cake pan with little train cars! Tiny springform pans. Fiesta-ware coloured baking dishes - also tiny & cute. Nesting plastic snack containers shaped like matryoshka dolls. Ok I'm now 20 feet in from the door. Good for me. I'm now into the regular kitchenwares. Still more that I want - actually useful stuff like an over-cabinet towel rack, silicone pinch potholder, and fun stuff like "food fighters" (toy soldiers on picks) and an Atalhualpa bottle stopper (the last emperor of the Incas, since I know you were about to google that). Oh, and mustache magnets. And more cookie cutters, by the piece (Halloween and other kinds). I think there is a lot more to the store, but I've run out of time and here I am, back at the door. The rest will have to wait for a review update ... October Challenge 10/31 read more

This place is exactly the kinda place you need to make sure you have a list before you enter. Particularly if you are, like myself, a newly re-transplanted city person easily distracted by selection like a baby to sparkly objects. Not only did I get the stuff i needed (shower curtain and rings) I also picked up a few other things i didn't think i'd find here (cheap rug to put under kitty litter box). But I had to be very careful not to get too distracted by all the sundry items like Meyers cleaning products that I didn't really need but were so lovely!!! What great label design!! I did not, however, pay close attention to the prices and am not sure if part of the appeal here is we THINK we are paying less but maybe we aren't. So is it truly a "discount" or a discount in sheep's clothing? Worth investigating. Regardless, i am psyched! Psyched I say! That this store is in my hood. Definitely miles above a regular dollar store and a great one stop shop for pretty much anything you can need at home...without having to blow the dust off the products or expose yourself to that $ store smell (seriously, what is that??). read more

I never thought I would be the kind of person who would swoon over a "general variety store", and yet, here I am. You can find anything at Welk's -- anything -- and it will be exactly what you didn't even know you needed. read more

So much more then a dollar store!! I discovered Welks through a good friend...she went on about all the things she had purchased there one day...some wooden crates, an ironing board cover, a DVD and some hair spray...all this for like $15 dollars...I was curious to say the least..more so at the odd list of items she purchased but mostly at the cost for such a variety of items.... I thought Welks was just a dollar so..but as I said it's sooo much more then a dollar store! They carry everything..kitchen wares, DVDs, art supplies, home decor, office supplies..you name it..and all for such a good value..and most of the items are not your typical cheap dollar store fare... If you're on a budget and need..well just about anything...check out Welks 'cause they will more then likely have what you need! read more

Since writing my original review, Welk has been on a continuous yet gradual self-improvement kick. It's gradually transforming itself into a go-to place for interesting smaller brands of eco-friendly cleaning materials, organic groceries and is going up market in other areas too. It's still a good place to find things you won't find anywhere, but I have to update my earlier comments by saying rather than a fair share of tat, it now has a fair share of nonsense. Nonsense, for this purpose, is like tat, but more expensive, less likely to fall apart, more likely to serve a purpose, but still ultimately unecessary if you're honest with yourself. read more

What a randomly awesome store this is. Wowsa. I was sucked in by the Halloween propaganda and then proceeded to rave about the general crazy coolness as I wandered in awe. This place really does have everything! From organic foodstuffs to lovely glassware to hot pink extension cords. It's the perfect place to pick up some weekly items or wander about on a Sunday Funday. I will be back. 27/30 read more

I don't know, man. Welk's is as much a "discount" store as a some of those vintage shops on Main (that will remain nameless) are "thrift" stores. BUT that doesn't make it any less useful. Slightly better quality than your average dollar store, slightly crappier than your average Winner's, the product you'll find here is pretty standard for an all-purpose business. Craft items, dog collars, day organizers, kitchen necessities, a few random toys and colouring books, a small selection of tools, glue guns, gardening supplies -- it's all here. Also: duct tape for the cheap. Now if that's not a reason to stop in, I'm not sure there is one. read more

Yet another in a long line of discount stores I've visited while in Canada. It had practically everything from audio equipment to plastic bags, from cards and crafts to gardening supplies. Honestly the prices were not all that discounted so I didn't feel like I was getting a huge leap on the competition or anything but they had some good items: jersey sheets set for 20 bucks, a sing along cd set for kids for 5 dollars and a few this's and thats for lower than normal. I liked it but for a few good deals but it wasn't anythign to write home about. read more

Proudly residing on up-and-coming Main Street is Welks, in my opinion Vancouver's best discount store. Aisles and aisles are stocked full of kitchenware, bathroom accessories, towels, cleaning products, glassware, painting supplies, jewellery, photo frames, hardware, hair care products - all the little bits and pieces that you needn't spend more than a few dollars on to well and truly get your money's worth. I often buy cooking and kitchen goods at Welks. Recently I bought a bamboo cutting board for just $7 and some large glass jars to store my pasta in for a tiny $3 a pop. I also bought a shower curtain liner, which was only $2 and really, who needs to spend more than that on a piece of plastic with holes in it? This is a great place to come when you need something for around the house. Just the other day I wanted some felt to put under my furniture legs to protect my wood floor from scratching. Of course Welks had what I needed, and at a very good price. Talk about value for money. read more

Pricing is quite similar to large retail drugstores. I went there a while ago to look for halloween-related merchandises. Surprisingly, its not the cheapest place for seasonal products! I was shocked to find that other larger retailers carry similar products at a lower price (economies of scale). However, it is fairly convenient being the only store which carries seasonal materials. To my knowledge, the closest competition would be the store at the corner of King Edward & Main, which opened recently. read more

A local treasure! Every time I think I need one odd thing that I don't know where to get, I try Welk's. Chances are they have something you need for every room in the house, seriously! Like a General Store in a small superhip town, you can buy pots and pans, cutting boards, cookbooks, EVERY kind of kitchen gadget in one aisle, really well priced natural, organic, gourmet food in another, any kind of shampoo, moisturizer in every price range from high-end to crest toothpaste in another, and then you keep moving through the aisles for everything from a dog leash, shower curtain, towels, bathmats, lightbulbs, closet accessories, extension cords, crafting supplies, batteries, seasonal stuff, fresh eggs and hummus and even kombucha and cold-pressed organic juices! You can tell they buy volume at a good price and pass it on so the prices are great but that does mean they don't always have the same thing all the time so if you like it, buy it! The staff are always friendly and outgoing. In the spring and summer they have lots of plants outside on the street and they have some indoor plants and seeds year round. Whether you just need some ziplock freezer bags or just moved to town and need pretty much every basic household item, start at Welk's. I dare you to leave empty handed or feel like you didn't get a bargain! read more

Love all the unique and high quality products Welk's sells from S'well bottles to Onyx stainless steel kitchenware to Johnny's Pops in the summer! Great that they stock local Vancouver based goods and products. Big fan. read more

This place is just rad. Useful products, novelties, stuff I end up realizing I need (having become emotionally attached because I've been nursing the thing in my arms for half an hour while browsing). I recommend you take a look, and give Wonderbucks on the Drive a try as well. read more

Best Darn General Store on Main St. Its has really unique and desirable items which neither the El Cheapo discounts stores sell nor the up scale fancy pants Granville or Oakridge stores carry. The store clearly does its market research and works hard to have seasonally appropriate stuff. What other General Store carries organic chocolate and spelt flower along with gardening supplies, tools, good quality kitchen ware and puppet bats at Halloween. The staff who are friendly and helpful.. you can get anything that you want at Welks General Stores, except for Lawrence Welk who never shows up. Welks is the Cat's Meow, the Dog's Bark, the Donkey's Bray and Elks Bugle all rolled into one. Great Store!!!!! read more

Oh Welk's. Why are you so awesome? Other than groceries, it's my one-stop-shop for every household and garden items I ever need. Hell, I could even pick up juice and chips here too. It's not the cheapest, but it's definitely one of the most convenient shops in Vancouver. Kitchen stuff, cleaning stuff, gaming stuff, planting stuff, learning stuff, writing stuff ... So. Much. Stuff. read more

Welk's is disorienting. At first glance it looks a bit like a dollar store style establishment which brings to mind generic, cheaply made, single-use type items. Welk's, actually, is on the other end of the spectrum: high quality, thoughtful and interesting items. Plant food, board games, high end men's skin care, bodums, and an owl mug all in the same spot. I'm always spotting something new that catches my eye whenever I go- top notch store. And like someone else said, this place is a gold mine for stocking stuffers. And..... I still love this place. read more