Vancouver: Richmond’s treasure trove
If there is as much to be learned as is said from cultural diversity, then Vancouver is certainly the place to be. You’ll often find in Vancouver that when you approach people to ask where they have acquired their outfit, the response is almost always Hong Kong, Korea or Japan. And having been fortunate enough to shop parts of Asia myself (in a quest to bring back its riches), I must attest that our neighbours to the east have a much better understanding of the ancient proverb “shop ’til you drop.”
However, before you catch that trans-Pacific flight from YVR, consider a last-minute cancellation and try veering south on 99. The Cambie Road and No. 3 quarter in Richmond, also known as the Golden Village, offers a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind gems, specially imported from overseas.
Yaohan Centre (3700 No. 3 Road, Richmond, yaohancentre.com) is the first stop in a trifecta of shopping destinations. It is notable mostly for Iwase Books (iwasebooks.com), a Japanese bookstore with an incredible selection of imported magazines, DIY fashion manuals and other Japanese culture lit. While you may not be able to read much of their contents, a quick browse of the photographs will give you the inspiration needed for your pending foray into the Aberdeen Centre and Parker Place malls.
Aberdeen Centre (shown, 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond, aberdeencentre.com) is probably best known for the infamous Daiso (daisocanada.com), a Japanese two dollar store. But once you pry your hands from Daiso’s cute (yet often unnecessary) home furnishings, you’ll find yourself amidst the most glamorous shopping centre of the three. Like any great Asian mall, Aberdeen is sure to impress you with its abundance of shops and sleek design. Stores like Aisle Clothing Co. (604-233-0048), As Know As (604-273-8600) and Show Attitude (604-295-6658, showattitudestudio.com) have racks worth rummaging and terribly cute names to boot. But if the latest Japanese cut is what you covet, then Zeal Hair Salon (604-247-1178, zealhair.com) is where you should be headed. Aberdeen is also home to North America’s first Giordano (604-295-8172, giordano.com.hk), a Hong Kong chain that’s Club Monaco-meets-the-Gap.
But if you are going to put all your eggs in one basket, it will probably be at Niche (604-304-1166), which carries hard-to-find European lines that are popular in Asia. Shoes by Spain’s El Dantés, jewellery by Denmark’s Dyberg/Kern and clothing by Cop.Copine and BGN (both France) are certainly worth checking out. You may also find a breath of fresh air in Niche’s unique selection of Vivienne Westwood and Anna Sui.
But before you exchange your currency for fashionable finds at Aberdeen, you’ll have to patiently wait for part two of this post, which will give insight into the elusive Parker Place. Prepare for all the tips, coming in two weeks time!
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