Seasonal splendour, and the spirit of giving, has arrived on Main Street in Vancouver as merchants collaboratively celebrate the holidays with hospitality, exciting gift ideas and unique holiday displays. All this while also helping to raise funds and accept food donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Flake Out on Main Street involves over 35 different businesses who are all creating their own twist on celebrating the holidays in their respective locations. Shoppers are invited to visit all the participating businesses and vote on their favourite holiday display from December 3rd to December 18th and be eligible to win one of three spectacular prize baskets. The draw will occur on December 18th at On the Fringe Hair Design at 4:00pm (4166 Main Street). There will also be food boxes at many of the participating stores collecting donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Each participating business has donated a gift certificate or small prize to be included in each of the baskets. A list of all the participating businesses can be found below and at participating businesses along Main Street – look for those with blue and white Flake Out on Main Street balloons in their display.

Ballots can also be found at participating businesses and at all the ballot box locations: Plush (4296 Main), Bohemia Gallery (3243 Main), Neptoon Records & CDs (3561 Main), Arts off Main (216 East 28th), and Marketplace IGA (2949 Main). Donation tins accepting monetary donations to the Food Bank will also be located at most of the voting stations.

Come and celebrate Main Street’s newest holiday tradition and Flake Out on Main Street.

Participating Businesses
Abbies Sporting Goods 4895 Main Street
Arts off Main 216 East 28th Avenue
Avalon Dance Shop 4532 Main Street
Barefoot Contessa 3715 Main Street
Beansprouts 4305 Main Street
Body Politic 208 East 12th Avenue
Bohemia Gallery/The Loft 3243 Main Street
Bottoms Up Clothing Co. 3603 Main Street
District Main 4453 Main Street
Echo Unique Resale 3553 Main Street
Flaming Angels Boutique 4307 Main Street
Forsya Boutique and Gallery 2206 Main Street
Genesis Nutrition 2570 Main Street
HAZEL & CO. 4280 Main Street
Kiddo 3950 Main Street
La Salita Gift-Shop 4196 Main Street
Little Mountain Coffee Company 4895 Main Street
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House 3981 Main Street
Locus Restaurant 4121 Main Street
Lüt Boutique 4219 Main Street
MarketPlace IGA # 10 2949 Main Street
Much and Little 2541 Main Street
Neptoon Records & CDs 3561 Main Street
On The Fringe Hair Design 4166 Main Street
Physio Room 3418 Main Street
Plush 4296 Main Street
Prettier in Green 3633 Main Street
Quejos Cheesebuns Inc 4129 Main Street
Rocky Mountain Flatbreadd 4186 Main Street
Sonja Picard 4360 Main Street
Spirithouse 4326 Main Street
Splitz Grill 4242 Main Street
The Archetype 2549 Main Street
the Hach 197 East 17th Avenue
The Whip Restaurant Gallery 209 East 6th Ave.
Two of Hearts Boutique 3728 Main Street
Windsor Packing Co. 4110 Main Street
Woo Vintage 4366 Main Street

Family run businesses continue to be seen as the heart and soul of Main Street in Vancouver. This tradition has been around for as long as we can remember, and Neptoon Records is no different. Now celebrating 30 years as Vancouver’s oldest independent record store, Rob Frith is proud to be running this iconic institution with his son, Ben.

The family, however, has been doing business in the area since the early 1900s. According to Frith, “My grandfather owned Arthur Frith’s Clothing for Men, at the corner of Main and Broadway, around 1910. The street was different back then and they tore down the building the store was in when they widened Broadway. He moved the store near the theatre on Main St. and was there until the mid 50s.”

Although he grew up in Burnaby and his first storefront location was on Fraser Street, Frith was always drawn to the Main Street area. After almost 20 years in business and with Neptoon Records continuing to grow, Frith was starting to outgrow his first location. He saw Main Street as an up and coming area and started looking to relocate there. “One day, about eight or nine years ago I saw a ‘for sale’ sign on the building that we are now in, I wrote down the number and made the call. It was a great deal.” He bought the building with his brother, and together they also own a construction company.

Frith was actually in construction when he started Neptoon Records in 1981. He was offering renovations and at that point there was a huge recession, the market fell apart and not many renovations were going on. “I put on record swap meets, collected records, and was trying to figure out what to do.” Along the way he thought “I should open a record store” and figured that “If it doesn’t work, I won’t lose too much.” But it did work and he did really well from the beginning, enjoying every step of the journey. “It was fun and I really liked the hours. I was used to getting up at 6am or 7am for construction, so getting up at 11am was a great new lifestyle.”

The business has been doing well ever since and with a bigger store on a busier street, the business continues to thrive. As an added bonus, one of his son’s is now involved and manages the store. Both Frith and his son have a long history of having great ties to bands and the local music scene. They do what they can to support them and the industry on a regular basis.

Neptoon Records sells new and secondhand records/CDs that represent a broad and eclectic selection of music. They also host a series of live in-store performances to help promote local bands and Frith even owns a record label (currently has three bands signed on – Belladeans, Theemanipulators (son’s band) and The Orpheans). Neptoon also participates in Record Store Day every April which has 14 bands over the course of the day performing live. Frith was involved with arranging music for Car Free Days on Main Street last June and twice a year he organizes a local swap meet called the “Record and CD Convention” (coming up on September 25th at the Croatian Cultural Centre). He also sits on the “Executive” for ShopMain.ca.

And, if all this wasn’t enough, Frith is also working on a book covering the history of Vancouver concert posters. He is an avid collector and despite an impressive personal collection, he is still on the hunt for more. In particular, he is avidly looking for one that featured Bill Haley and The Comets. This was one of the first rock and roll concerts in Vancouver in the 1950s.

Neptoon Records
3561 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
(604) 324-1229
www.neptoon.com

Father’s day was a busy day on Main Street in Vancouver. Thousands of people came to celebrate and take part in the Annual Car Free Festival. ShopMain.ca was there offering rides through pedicabs supplied by Cruise Cabs and handing out ShopMain.ca brochures with the support of some wonderful young volunteers.

Main Street businesses were are also busy and found creative ways to take part in the festivities.

Many thanks to the Car Free Days organizers for putting on such a wonderful day of festivities and to all our ShopMain.ca volunteers and supporters for helping us to get the word out.

If ever there was a time to come and check out what all the Main Street businesses have to offer…it would be this weekend on Sunday, June 19th for the Annual Car Free Festival.

Main Street will be closed from 12th Avenue all the way up to 28th Avenue. Plan to check out the entire street and don’t worry if you feel like it might be a long walk…we at ShopMain.ca have hired Cruise Cabs to offer pedicab rides (by donation) to tired walkers…young and old! There will be available from 1pm to 5pm all along Main Street. This is a family event with lots of great activities for both kids and adults!

Several music stages will be set up featuring some of Vancouver’s favourite musicians and DJs. In particular check out DJs Elan and Sandra (Tube Socks) at Bohemia Gallery (16th/Main) and then head up to Neptoon Records (Between 19th and 20th) where their stage will be rocking all day long with local indie bands (e.g., Wonderful Diving Horses, the Blue Bus – Pete Bowman’s Band, DB Buxton, Blondewich, The Beladeans, Captain Dust, Bleeding Horse Express, Terminal Station, The Strugglers and Poolhall Gospel)…definitely a highlight at last year’s event.Don’t forget to also check out what is going on inside the stores at both these locations.

Along with all the music stages, several local businesses have set up tables and booths outside their shops to offer fun activities and great deals.

Plush (4296 Main) will be offering DIY craft activities for kids.

On The Fringe Hair Design<, will be offering draws for makeovers and hair products. They also have new OTF reusable tote bags to give away with purchases. There will also be temporary tattoos for the kids and free styling done. All the volunteers will get 15% off until the end of July.

The Locus Cafe will be offering an outside patio with full menu. (4121 Main)

Two of Hearts Boutique (3728 Main) will be offering 20% off regular priced merchandise as well as an additional 10% off sale items. A one day only sale, just for Car Free Day!

Barefoot Contessa (3715 Main) will have two tents set up outside the store containing a ton of fabulous sales, special offers and surprises exclusively for Car Free Day!

Birkeland Bros. (3573 Main) will be doing demos and weaving with a 4 shaft table loom and spinning as well as having a knitting circle going!

Avalon Dance Shop (4532 Main) is offering 10% off on almost everything in their store.

Stay tuned for More!

We want to send out a special thanks to Ben Didier of Pretty/Ugly Design, Niki Campbell from Free Lunch Print Co, .Patrik Balian from Cruise Cabs and to Digitech Printing for their support.

On East 16th Avenue just a block east off Main Street, Burcu’s Angels is one the city’s most iconic vintage clothing stores in one of Vancouver’s most eclectic and vibrant shopping districts. And as much as the store is known for its impressive collection of vintage clothing and accessories, it is also equally known for its owner – Burcu Ozdemir.

With her short salt and pepper wavy hair, a deep rich voice, and clothes that are layered and vibrant, she definitely has a gypsy feel to her look. You can almost hear her jingle as she walks by. She is passionate and sometimes explosive, but make no mistake; she is a very successful business woman who loves her community deeply. Along with carrying an impressive selection of retro and turn of the century clothing, jewellery, hats and footwear, Burcu is also a zealous advocate for causes dear to her heart.

Inside the store, Burcu has two boxes that she is quite proud of. One is a box filled with all kinds of scarves; the other has clothing, food and everyday household items. The first box is one that she sets aside for children from the neighbourhood. Every time a child comes into the store she lets them rifle through the box and grab a scarf for free. This is just something she started for fun, but has quickly become a favourite with all the kids in the neighbourhood. The other box speaks to Burcu’s passion for helping people in need. She leaves this box outside overnight and encourages people to grab whatever they need. What doesn’t get taken gets delivered to local shelters in the neighbourhood.

She has been at her current location for three years and loves being part of the Main Street community. Not only is she incredibly respected as a knowledgeable fashion historian and business woman in the vintage clothing industry, she is also an accomplished singer with her band called “Something About Reptiles.” At age fifty-one she has decided that she wants to encourage people to have more fun and decadence in their lives. Her new motto for the store has evolved to include “If you don’t need it, I have it!” As an example, she points to a pair of bright purple leotards with built in boots. “These were popular in the 60’s,” she says smiling.

With just over fifteen years in the industry selling retro and vintage clothing, what impresses her most are the people she meets and getting to know their stories. “I love being able to see kids from the neighbourhood grow up. And, I love it when they come in to show me what they have done with some of the vintage pieces they have found. They have embraced the historical and funky side of fashion. Some of the kids that I have gotten to know have even gone on to design school.”

Burcu’s Angels
221 East 16th Ave.
Vancouver BC V5T 2T5
(604) 290-1049

Bohemia Gallery (3243 Main Street @ 16th) is one of Vancouver’s best kept consignment store secrets. Jann Purcell opened Bohemia Gallery in 2004 with her daughter Ashlee. Six years later, with her son Jason and his wife Taryn now part of the business, they have expanded the store to include the upstairs portion, called The Loft, and have over 3000 square feet of retail space. With a blend of retro and vintage clothing and for both men and women, their store can best be described as “boho chic meets retro crazy”.

Earlier this fall Jann and Ashlee Purcell, along with Karen Green from ODP Designs, successfully launched their fall fashions on September 24th with the Frock & Roll Fall Fashion Show. Styled with flare and with big bold hair, the show was both entertaining and visually pleasing.

From Bohemia, Jann and Ashlee showcased retro clothing and accessories from the store…featuring day and evening wear with their own fashionable twist. Their attention to detail, and awareness of current fashion trends, was evident with each outfit they sent down the runway.

Karen Green, a modern day fashion alchemist, transformed every day vintage and retro clothing into works of art. With her own take on fashion trends, her clothing is textured and layered with both soft and hard edges. There is a true sense of the feminine but her clothes also reflect the modern urban woman who is strong, has something to say and is on the move. Karen’s current collection can be found on display, and for sale, upstairs in the Loft.

With a penchant for the glitz and glam of the 80′s, Bohemia Gallery has one of the city’s finest collection of retro clothing for both men and women. Jann takes great pride in collecting and consigning vintage and retro clothing that can be easily adapted to today’s fashion. Along with all the clothing, that includes everything from dresses and suits to funky coats and jackets, the store also has an amazing selection of shoes and boots for both men and women. And, upstairs in The Loft, Karen Green from ODP Designs, showcases her fall and winter collection.

Starting this weekend Main Street, Vancouver will be host to a series of fun and entertaining events related to Halloween.

For those still trying to decide what to wear for Halloween head to Bohemia Gallery’s Holy Horrors!!! A Humungus Halloween haberdashery garage and costume sale for him and her. This sale will feature vendors with vintage, retro crazy and clothing for creating costumes. The sale starts on Saturday Oct. 23 (11am to 6pm) and runs through to Sunday Oct. 24 (12 to 6pm). The store is located at 3243 Main St. (at 16th). For more info check out their Web site www.bohemiagallery.ca or call (604) 874-2781.

Next head up to Flaming Angels Boutique at 4307 Main St (@ 27th) as they love Halloween and have amazing and fantastical masks, scary butcher aprons, spooky hair fascinators, sexy bustiers and other costume ideas for this Halloween season! For more information check out their Facebook Page and then mention that event and receive 10% of any purchases between now and Halloween. They are also selling tickets to a variety of Halloween parties – Something Wicked This Way Comes 11 on OCT 30th, Sin City Halloween on OCT 31st – and they offer low service charge rates: $1 service charge if paying cash, $2 service charge if paying with a card. Call for more information: (604) 689-3224

Then if you still need some ideas for a costume or need to alter something that you just purchased from stores like Bohemia or Flaming Angels…the next stop you want to make is at Plush (4206 Main St.) and join them for their “DIY OR DIE!!! FREE CRAFT DROP-IN” on Sunday October 24th. They invite you to come and make your Halloween costume from 12 noon to 4pm. Bring your costume materials and they will provide sewing, cutting, glue gun stations, as well as some of their bits and pieces (buttons, fabric, ribbon, beads, etc). For more information call (604) 708-5199 or check out their Facebook Page. While there ask to see the Christmas Ornament Felting kits…they are amazing!

Then plan to wear your fabulous new costume to Neptoon Records (3561 Main St) for their annual “Halloween Hullabaloo” on Sunday October 31st from 3pm to 7pm. It is an all ages free concert featuring an exciting array of live music that includes Hospital Blonde, Yung Mums, The Split Ups, Needlesxpins, Thee Manipulators, Hard Drugs, and The Orpheans. For more information check out their Web site www.neptoon.com or call (604) 324-1229.

Some other events happening in and around Main Street for include a Halloween Event for kids at the Hillcrest Aquatic Centre at 4575 Clancy Loranger Way (Ontario Street & 30th Avenue) from 1pm to 4pm on October 31st.

Although Main Street, Vancouver was once known as “Antique Row” it has evolved over the years into a vibrant and eclectic shopping district. Today, Main Street continues to offer a fine selection of antique stores but it has also grown to include some of Vancouver’s favourite vintage and consignment stores along with some of the hottest new designers and artists in town. Here you will also find several stores offering books, clothing, and toys for children, sports equipment and clothing, galleries and one of the city’s largest selection of used records and CDs.

Main Street is also becoming increasingly known for its wonderful selection of restaurants, delis, coffee shops, and for specialty foods such as hand made chocolates and fine confections. Whether you are looking for fine dining or a quick bite to eat and a terrific cup of coffee, Main Street is sure to satisfy all culinary cravings.

There are many excellent services along Main Street. These include some of the top hair and nail salons in the city as well as beauty spas, nutritional supplements, physiotherapy clinics, furniture upholstery, computer services, ink toner cartridges and so much more.

And, given the history and culture of Main Street it is no surprise that a group of merchants have come together over the past year to form a very grassroots approach to marketing the street. The starting point is this Web site where we will create profiles of many of the stores and the owners, as well as some of the many amazing events occurring here throughout the year. A directory of services, along with a map, are also available to help you find what you are looking for.

Keep coming back…and head up to Main Street today, it’s not just another pretty street!

We’ve recently redesigned our website, and added some new faces to the listings. Stay tuned for more updates.