Support local: Here’s 8 Victoria businesses to check out for all back to school needs

As September approaches, we want to help you prepare!

Whether you’re starting middle school, getting your kiddos set up for success or beginning your third year of university, you’ll be starting to think about items you may need.

To make it a little easier for you, we’ve created a list of local businesses with a variety of clothing, stationary supplies, shoes, and more!

Here’s a list of 8 local places to check out for back to school shopping:

Once Upon A Child Victoria

Once Upon a Child offers a sustainable and affordable children’s shopping option for all of your kidlets’ back to school needs!

You can purchase gently-used children’s clothing, toys, and equipment with comfort, as each item is reviewed based on the store’s condition standards.

You can bring in your items too!

All of their clothing is received on a consignment basis — so, bring on down any unwanted or outgrown items and feel great knowing it will be passed along to another loving home.

• Where: 1563 Pandora Avenue
• When: Open 7 days a week
  • Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Russell Books

You will often find the best deals for new and used books at this family-run bookstore located in downtown Victoria!

They carry an abundance of genres in a variety of conditions — they even have used textbooks stocked every once in a while.

Not only do they carry books, but they also feature a decent selection of notebooks, day-planners, and calendars for all of your school-year organizational needs.

If they don’t have what you’re looking for, you can place your desired item on their request list. If it arrives in the store, they will notify you!

• Where: 747 Fort Street #100
• When: Open 7 days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Supply Victoria: Creative Reuse Centre

If you don’t mind purchasing second-hand, this fantastic store is a registered Society that redistributes used art, office, and school supplies at an affordable cost!

Their main goal is to keep supplies out of the landfill and instead place them in the hands of students, teachers, and artists that need them.

You can shop in person or online by their latest dropped items or by category to craft the best customer experience for yourself.

• Where: 750 Fairfield Road
• When: Open Thursday to Sunday — hours vary

Upcycle Clothing Collective

Ran by the dynamic fashion duo Mackenzie and Ira, this consignment-based business is fashionable, sleek, and sustainable.

Everything is curated and intentional, and you’ll often find some really great deals!

So, make sure you pop in and see what they’ve got to push your individual style even further and into new levels for the upcoming school year.

If you wish to bring in your used clothing, ensure you follow their guidelines and book an appointment for item drop-off!

• Where: 517 Fort Street #100
• When: Open 7 days a week
  • Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Baggins Shoes Store

Located right here in Victoria, this store is well known for its huge selection of items across multiple popular brands.

Shop for Converse, Vans, Dr. Martens, and more — whether its a shoe, beanie, or socks, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!

You can even customize your shoes to add your own stylistic flare!

In addition to their regular store selection, they have a sale section that offers stellar deals on these sought-after items.

• Where: 580 Johnson Street
• When: Open 7 days a week
  • Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monk Office

This local, island-born stationary shop now has multiple locations around the Greater Victoria area and across Vancouver Island — all with their signature one-stop collection of every office supply you might need.

Conveniently, they have a whole section dedicated just to back to school shopping, which can be viewed and enjoyed on their website.

As an extra little note, if you visit the store between now and August 31st, you’ll catch their Summer Seating Event for 20% their selection of chairs.

• Where: Locations vary
  • 3335 Oak Street
  • 1200 Broad Street
  • 800 Viewfield Road (head office)
• When: 
  • Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anian

This Canadian company offers high-quality clothing made from predominately natural fibres and have most recently upgraded their mission to promote positive environmental change.

Inspired by the endless waste we see from industries in fast fashion, Anian set out to recycle thrown-away materials and create something high-quality and long lasting.

They focus on simplicity, timeless rather then trendy, and making a globally positive impact!

Check out their online store or visit them in person to take a look at their current offers — including an incredible warehouse sale that will last as long as quantities do!

• Where: 575 Johnson Street
• When: Open 7 days a week
  • Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Refire Kitchen

Ever feel overwhelmed having to balance meals along with everything else the day throws at you?

Refire Kitchen in Victoria is all about the “grab and go”! They stock their meals in both fresh and frozen states, so you can enjoy it right away or save it for later in the week.

As described, they’re passionate about producing wholesome, delicious food in a convenient format — get back to family time or studying without worrying about meal prep!

• Where: 843 Fort Street
• When: Open 7 days a week
  • Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.