Buy Local Downtown Vancouver | unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations
When you buy local, you support businesses that supports an eco-system of other local businesses in the community — from farmers and growers to makers and manufacturers, to business support service providers, like graphic designers and credit unions. So many of Downtown Vancouver businesses are committed to buying local and supporting a strong community — discover the stories of how Downtown Vancouver businesses keep your community strong!
The B.C. Buy Local campaign encourages consumers to shift at least 1% of their spending — just $15 — to a local business, or a local grown or local made product. If all consumers make a 1% shift, it will create 3,100 jobs and sends $94M in wages to workers in B.C. Check out more reasons to buy local.
About Downtown Vancouver BIA
Downtown Vancouver BIA (DVBIA) is a strong partner of LOCO BC. In 2016, we conducted research with DVBIA on empty storefronts on Granville Street. We identified ways to encourage local businesses to relocate there and support community economic development in the area.
About Vancouver’s Granville Street
Downtown Vancouver has one of the most beautiful natural backdrops in the world, with expansive views of the Burrard Inlet, North Shore mountains, and False Creek, and remains a popular place to live. Vancouver’s downtown is the heart of the city. It has a vibrant arts and culture community, and some of the city’s finest and most popular restaurants. Downtown Vancouver has over 8,000 businesses, making it an essential destination for both local residents and visitors. Downtown Van is Vancouver’s largest BIA, spanning 90 blocks of the city’s downtown core. Downtown is the most walkable neighbourhood in Vancouver, making it easy for residents to access services, restaurants and entertainment.
Historic Granville Street is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, and is the location for so many of the city’s best entertainment venues. From Waterfront Station, south to the Granville Street Bridge, Granville Street is great for shopping during the day, and buzzing with activity at night. It’s easily accessed by transit, and offers so much to do, from shopping, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There are plenty of smaller shops, restaurants, cafes and lounges.
Granville Street is seeing a resurgence in recent years, with multinationals and independent retailers and restaurants making it a vibrant mix. You’ll find some of the iconic independents like retailer 8th & Main. Scott Hilton, Co-owner of 8th & Main says “I’ve always loved Granville Street for its mix of fun and edgy…there is an added bonus on downtown Granville of more late night traffic and many tourists, especially in summer. Granville/Davie is becoming a hub with an independent streak.” You’ll also find old and new independent restaurants on Granville Street. Pawn Shop YVR is a casual concept in the same restaurant location run by Peter Raptis since 2004. Hungry Guys Kitchen (HGK) opened on Granville in 2015, followed in 2021 by Mexican food joint Tequila Cocina. Hungry Guys Kitchen owner Aldo Velaj is passionate about Vancouver, loves being in the center of the City, and says the foot traffic on Granville Street is unparalleled in other parts of downtown Vancouver. In 2020, Cold Tea, a modern Chinese-Vietnamese restaurant that offers all-day dim sum, Chinese BBQ, and Vietnamese family-style food, combined with craft cocktails, joined Granville Street.
Check out the stories of these and other Downtown Vancouver businesses that support the area and the B.C. economy in their stories below.
