When it comes to your holiday shopping this year, doing so locally is a no-brainer.
With so many local shops to choose from, you’re not only supporting the community, you’re also giving our local creatives much-needed exposure.
In addition to supporting over 800 local mall employees from our community, the Bay Centre is home to 23 locally-owned shops and nine locally owned franchises.
Here are just a few of our local favourites at the Bay Centre:
Victoria Market Collective
The Victoria Market Collective features 130 local makers – 80% of those from the Island – all Canadian made. Local makers Cory, Vanessa and Karina, opened their shop last year during the pandemic out of necessity supporting local markers during a time when markets were closed.
If you love Christmas markets and looking to support local makers, this is a must-shop!
Mel Lingerie
“When a customer walks in, I want them to leave the store feeling good about themselves.”
Mel Lingerie is filled with gorgeous, curated high-end lingerie, loungewear, and accessories, and Mel and her staff are there to listen and help you feel confident in your skin.
The Tuscan Kitchen
A mainstay at the Bay Centre since 1999, owned and operated by Gerri and Mauro Schelini.
The name alone suggests a warm, inviting home, tastefully decorated with a wooden table, richly-coloured Italian majolica and quality tabletop items, all creating the perfect atmosphere for a fine, hearty meal with family and friends.
The Tuscan Kitchen is Victoria’s source for handmade Italian ceramics, fine tableware, heirloom quality linens, culinary tools, and artisanal Mediterranean foods – perfect for the foodie on your list!
Faye’s Spa
Whether you’re taking time for yourself at Faye’s Spa Massage Therapy and Reflexology at the Bay Centre, or grabbing a gift card for someone special, their services provide a quick and easy, come as you are, non-intrusive experience.
Reflexology consists of a 45-minute treatment specifically targeted at reflex points on your feet promoting blood circulation, and soothing tired and aching muscles. Faye’s Spa also offers 45-minute upper back massages covering the lower back, upper back, shoulders, neck, as well as head. Walk-ins are welcome!
Victoria Buzz tip: Stop by for a 15-minute foot soak while you do your shopping – the perfect treat for yourself while curating gifts for your loved ones!
Lifestyles West
Offering a selection of gift, home décor and fashion items including locally made pottery and Canadian made jewellery.
Looking for sustainable gifts? Thriftmas is the art of mindful Christmas shopping.
In celebration, the Bay Centre is hosting The ReLove Market – a premier secondhand and vintage pop-up market – on Saturday, December 18th and Sunday, December 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Be sure to swing by and shop the wonderful and talented cyclical/upcycling community and get those last minute gifts in!
Looking for even more local? Here’s a list of all of the locally owned and local franchises within the Bay Centre:
Locally owned stores:
- A&B Tailor Shop
- Bayshore Dental
- Cali Nails
- Central Art Studio & Gallery
- Central Barbers
- Chai Fashions
- Cleopatra’s Bedroom
- ETC
- Eco Chic Aveda Salon & Spa
- Falcona Longpaddles
- Faye’s Spa
- Glen’s Fabulous Sandwiches
- Lifestyles West
- Lightwell Photography / Passport Photos
- Market Collective
- Mel Lingerie
- Orchard On View
- Out of Bounds
- Owly Cafe
- Sean Schuster Fine Art Gallery
- The Tuscan Kitchen
- Urban Art
- West Coast Leather
Locally owned franchises:
- Below the Belt
- Big Orange
- Blo Blow Dry Bar Victoria
- Booster Juice
- Edo Japan
- Marble Slab Creamery
- New York Fries
- OPA! of Greece
- Seed & Stone
Vancouver BC Based Corporations:
- Ann-Louise Jewellers – Canadian
2. Purdys Chocolatier – Canadian
CONTEST
To enter to win a $250 Bay Centre gift card, please do one or more of the following:
- LIKE The Bay Centre on Facebook and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
- FOLLOW The Bay Centre on Instagram and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
- SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
- COMMENT below telling us your favourite local retailer in the Bay Centre! (1 entry for every comment)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on December 20th. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!
The Bay Centre
- Where: 1150 Douglas Street
- When: Holiday hours of operation are:
- Saturday – Wednesday – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday & Friday – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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