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Why travel all the way to Vancouver only to shop on Robson Street? Sure, this popular downtown strip is buzzing with caffeinated shopaholics and D-list Canadian stars, but the truth is that most of the stores on Robson are about as exclusive as Starbucks: predictable chains found in any half-decent mall (think Aldo, Gap, Banana Republic and the Body Shop). For an authentic and unique Vancouver shopping experience, venture away from the hype and into one of the following neighbourhoods:
SoMa: Granted, it's a tad shabbier than Rodeo Drive, but for a real Vancouver designer original, head to South Main. This up-and-coming fashion hub around 21st street features boutiques such as Twigg & Hottie (edgy local designs), Narcissist Design Co. (swanky cocktail dresses), Bodacious (unapologetically cool plus-sized garb) and Barefoot Contessa (baubles for the self-appointed princess).
Punjabi Market: A few blocks south on Main Street is Vancouver's vivid Punjabi Market, where cheap saris and affordable buffet restaurants are the main attraction. Also check out Crossover Bollywood SE, a new store co-owned by Bollywood star Suniel Shetty that is dedicated to ethnic wear for the masses.
Yaletown: Ever wondered what the combo of $200 denim and nonfat extra hot lattes smells like? Every city has its yuppie headquarters and in Vancouver, Yaletown wins hands-down. If you require a $50 bottle of shower gel, pop in to BeautyMark, the candy store of makeup purveyors. And -- gasp! -- parading your puppy naked in Yaletown amounts to indecent exposure. Cover your blunder -- and your Bichon Frise -- at Barking Babies dog store.
Commercial Drive: And every city has its anti-yuppie headquarters as well, where the aforementioned aroma is replaced by that of unwashed dreadlocks and organic spelt bread. For the most part, Commercial Drive is a thriving jumble of cafes, ethnic grocery shops, bakeries, delis and restaurants, but amongst the eateries you can find some good vintage clothing shops. "The Drive" is also home to Wonderbucks, a goldmine for discount housewares with panache.
Kitsilano: Listen up, kids: forget what they told you about sperm and eggs, if you so much as breathe in Kitsilano, you might get pregnant. At least, that's what you'd believe given the sheer volume of chic baby stores and the swelling mom/baby population along Fourth Avenue.
Honourable Mention:
South Granville: Once upon a time, an aristocrat lamented: what, oh what, is a bored millionaire to do with her money? South Granville was thus born. Flanking Vancouver's swish Shaunessey neighbourhood, it's a one-stop shopping extravaganza for home decor, art, shoes, shoes and more shoes. Still have cash to burn? Here's an amusing little game: try filling a bag for under $500 at Meinhardt Fine Foods.