Begbie, the Brick&Mortar shop dog and mascot. Photo courtesy of the Brick&Mortar website
By Brittany Tiplady
@yellowbird888
Lacking a mega-mall or huge commercial retailers, New Westminster is a locale that thrives on small business. Many of our most-loved boutiques, listed below, are run by Royal City #girlbosses. Naturally.
Brick&Mortar living
Dog lovers rejoice: Brick&Mortar comes with the sweetest shop dog, Begbie the Boston, to greet you at the door. The quaint shop, perched in the heart of historic downtown New West, is stocked with home decor, gifts, stationary, and jewelry with local artisans and businesses in mind.
Location: 40 & 42 Sixth Street
New Westminster
604-553-0289
Good Omen
Find local artisanal brands like Harlow Skin Co, Erin Templeton, The Capilano Tea & Soda Co., and Basalt, on the shelves of this New West shop. Good Omen caters to your inner white witch and self-care needs all in one stop, with bath salts, candles, and essential oils at your fingertips.
Location: 34 Sixth Street
New Westminster
604-525-0901
Mila&pAIGE
Owner Anita Dunn saw a need for more clothing boutiques in her hometown and quit her profession to start her own. Mila+Paige focuses on supplying in-style, high quality garments into store with two distinct styles and functions. The muses? Well, Mila: “a classy, sophisticated woman with a flair for fashion,” and Paige: “a hip, young, trendsetter” with mindful attitude towards sustainable fashion. Catch brands like Mat and Nat, Gentlefawn, and Brunette the Label on the Mila+Paige shelves on your next visit.
Location: 45 Sixth Street
New Westminster
604-553-6452
GEMINI RISING VINTAGE: OPENING february 2017
Derived from the Gemini astrological sign, a Gemini Rising “individual loves to learn, and is ambitious and curious about the world around them.” Gemini Vintage will be caring carefully curated vintage clothing, footwear, and accessories for the curious modern woman, giving a second life to vintage wear.
Location: 43 Sixth Street
New Westminster
BANANA LAB
After opening its doors in 2013, Banana Lab has made a new home in Sapperton selling uniquely re-furbished home decor and furniture. Run by husband and wife team Jin Kim and Wonduk Yoo, you’ll find plenty of re-furbished mid-century teak furniture at Banana Lab alongside repurposed electronics, vintage oddities, and shelves of consignment goods.
Location: 457A East Columbia St.
New Westminster
604-553-1040
Lofty living
Pintrest boards come to life at this local home decor boutique. Catering to your inner Jillian Harris, Lofty Living provides a shopping experience with a whimsical and minimalist aesthetic to match. From custom furniture to baby gear and locally made greeting cards, Lofty Living is the treat yo’ self utopia for New West locals and out of town window shoppers.
Location: 616 Columbia St.
New Westminster
604-526-5638
Brittany Tiplady is a part-time poet, a full-time Nasty Woman, and the co-founder of Loose Lips Magazine. She loves the indoors, fast wifi, collecting maps, and a generous glass of red wine. She is a self-proclaimed wizard of time management, and a notorious loud talker with a penchant for all things Internet.
