In an era of box stores and big malls, independent stores sometimes have to work hard to get our attention. These Edmonton clothing stores have clearly put in the effort and always have our attention, with their great collections of sweet dresses, structured work outfits, beautiful accessories and mix of local designers and big brands.
This boutique sells simple, chic clothes for men and women, plus accessories. The store’s philosophy is that clothes should be “thoughtfully designed,” and they carry collections by designers that refuse to follow trends. Many of the pieces are in neutral colours, and the accessories are uncomplicated. The store’s minimalist showroom echoes the clothing that it houses. The clothes here are well made, and will last for years, since they won’t go out of style when trends change.
For an independent boutique, they sure do manage to stock a ton of influential designers, from 3.1 Phillip Lim to Comme des Garçons to Helmut Lang. Coup {Garment Boutique} carries everything you need to fill your wardrobe, including lingerie, accessories, shirts, pants, skirts, swimwear and dresses. They offer personal shopping, in store or from the comfort of your own home. And, there is a certain cachet to saying you bought something at Coup – and you’re helping to support a local store!
Hidden away underneath a Starbucks (somewhat ironic, but acceptable) in High Street, Red Ribbon is a glorious mash-up of everything you want to buy in one place – shoes, jewellery, sweet shirts, cute dresses and awesome stockings. It’s hard to know where to start. The key is to go in not looking for anything specific but to look at everything. Then, you’re practically guaranteed to walk out with something amazing that you never knew you needed, like a cream scarf sporting lines from your favourite Shakespeare play.
This is a distinctly higher-end independent store but one that has managed to keep its street cred. Women I know go here when they have a special occasion to shop for, just got a raise or can’t find something anywhere else. Located on Jasper Ave, smack dab in the middle of a social and cultural hub, there are plenty of businesses nearby (meaning, plenty of successful businesswomen shop there). It’s got gorgeous shoes, coats and clothes. And, if it’s a wee bit out of your price range, there’s always the upstairs sale section.
Their moto is “Make a statement,” and that is exactly what their clothes help you do. They offer private shopping parties for five or more friends on Saturday nights (with a reservation), and will pamper you until you don’t want to leave. There is an array of beautiful sweaters, dresses and accessories here, from both local designers and bigger brands.
This store has been outfitting lovely ladies in Edmonton since 1988. Whether you’re looking for a handbag, a cute pair of shoes, an entire outfit for work or just a sweet dress for Friday night, they have it here.
This adorable boutique is laid out nicely, with clothes perfectly arranged, and never crowded. No messy piles of clothes, no elbowing your way through racks or fellow shoppers. Instead, it’s a quiet oasis full of beautiful dresses, sweaters and accessories. They carry local jewellery lines, such as Orange Avocado, and the staff is lovely to speak with – they’re always willing to help you try on a necklace or pick a skirt out.