How often do you find a store inside of a mall that isn't a major chain? I think it might be one of…read morethe only ones in Southgate Mall. Sure, there's something to be said for consistency across the malls of Canada (where can't I find a Spring or an Aldo?), but it's such an awesome surprise to find something like this in a mall like that. The clothes here are gorgeous, with unique details and careful construction. The price is right, too. Even if I'm not in the market for a new garment, I can usually find a gorgeous new bag or jewelry piece. Dainty necklaces, feather earrings, you know the type. Lots of Matt and Nat stocked in here, too. Last time I was in, they were having a sale - bonus! Sales clerk was super friendly and explained the price reductions to me. Definitely coming back soon (esp. if there's another sale)!

I can't believe it's taken me so long to review Groove Stone! This is by far my favourite store in…read moreEdmonton. There honestly isn't anything that they sell that I wouldn't gladly wear. I honestly make trips to Southgate just to go to Groove Stone. I love that a local business like this is able to make it in a commercially saturated mall. It's so refreshing to see such a unique place here. First off, I'm a sucker for anything Matt & Nat and Groove Stone has an unbeatable selection. It can be tough to find high quality vegan accessories, but at least now I know where to look. I also love how they support Canadian artists and designers. On my last visit I snagged some amazing earrings from Flight Path designs and some really unique pieces that my friends and family are going to love to receive this Christmas. Not only is the merchandise amazing, the staff are all incredibly helpful and friendly. They're always quick to offer suggestions and go out of their way to search for untouched pieces in the backroom so you don't have to buy the floor model. My only complaint with Groove Stone is that they keep taking my money from me! It's impossible for me to walk out empty-handed.

Alright, let's be clear, Miniso touts itself as a Japanese inspired style dollar store, when it is…read moreactually Chinese. Almost everything there is made in China & most of their chain stores are based there as well. My in-law always seems to buy my family souvenirs from this brand whenever he goes to China. I was surprised that they've expanded to Canada so I had to pay it a visit. The store itself is small, but there is just enough room to manoeuvre a regular stroller but the aisles are tight & not in straight rows like most dollar stores. Pricing is not cheap like a dollar store, but affordable for what they offer. I would say item quality is superior than dollar store for many things. Items are also packaged very nicely & uniformly, look stylish/trendy/classy, some are also unique, and kid friendly, so it seems like your getting a good deal. I've never really had complaints about the stuff I've received from there or from what I bought. The staff are pretty friendly too & although there is very limited parking in the front, there's also parking stalls available at the back of the building too. I'd definitely come back to find some new things that 'I didn't know I needed in my life until I got there' type stuff.

This is a fun little variety store! It has an interesting assortment of different items at pretty…read moreaffordable prices. The store sells some items reminiscent of a dollar store but a bit more expensive and better in quality. They sell makeup, stationary, toys, clothing accessories, lamps, selfie sticks, Bluetooth speakers and even a toaster oven for $50! I didn't check the prices on the electronics but most prices were reasonable. The store is brightly lit and well organized. It's fun to check out the different items. I bought my boyfriend a red bow tie when I came here. This is a great place to find some inexpensive gifts!

I have been coming here for years, to look around at all the beautiful items or to purchase one of…read morethese hand crafted goods. I love that all of the items come from around the world and that I can able to support that and get something that you won't find anywhere else. They have toys, coffee, house wares, clothes, seasonal items for Christmas, picture frames, and of course my favourite the jewelry. Several of my favourite pieces have come from here. I bought a beautiful yoga pillow here once as well and it it is so unique, I always get comments when people come to my place. The staff are all volunteers so full profit goes to the artists and they are so friendly.

Ten Thousand Villages specializes in handmade gifts and crafts by artisans from around the globe…read more They are a non-profit fair-trade organization, and also a member of the International Fair Trade Organization. Artisans are paid a fair amount for their work, to sustain a healthy and respectable lifestyle. The store carries a vast range of home decor and gift items, including tea sets, bowls, jewelry, scarves, toys, CD's, and fair trade coffee and chocolate. Represented nations include Kenya, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Peru. Everything is exquisite, in a way that only handmade talent can create. All the items are labelled with where they were made, so you know what bit of culture you're taking home with you. They currently have some amazing items out for the holiday season now, from ornaments to hand-carved nativity scenes. It'd be cool to have a tree covered in ornaments that represented different cultures from around the world. While some pieces are a bit more than elsewhere, keep in mind that these are handmade and fair trade. I think it's well worth the price, to have something so exquisite, and know that the hands with which that piece was made were given a fair value.

If you're looking for some completely random giftware or souvenirs from a trip to Edmonton's Whyte…read moreAve, visiting this institution of a store filled with kitschy items of all types is a must. While other similar stores haven't survived until today this one was a great visit when we wandered Whyte Avenue with some visitors from out of the country and they picked up some unique souvenirs. The store is so filled with items that there's always something new to spot when visiting. It is perhaps hard to find what you're looking for if you only want to find something very specific but if you're open to finding new things this is a great option! The floor creaks when you walk in some spots and the decor and store itself is old but this adds to the charm. It can be overwhelming to visit (but sometimes this saves me some money).

Friendly Staff. Superb selection. With ample of options to choose from, the lady is always greeting…read morewith the smile on her face. The value for money is also good.

I was checking out the Callingwood area for a friend who is moving there when I stumbled upon this…read moreplace. It's tucked in a corner of The Callingwood Market, and I almost missed it. I love a good gift shop, so even though I'm technically finished my Christmas shopping, I couldn't resist! This place reminds me of a Ukrainian/Russian version of Ki-Fu-Ne. Like the Japanese store, the merchandise here is imported and wonderful. While I'm not overly fond of religious artifacts, I have to agree it was good quality stuff. I was much more interested in the porcelain and the stacking dolls. Who doesn't love those stacking dolls? I had to buy myself a Christmas set. The lady working there was extremely sweet and helpful, and told me there's a Europa Deli somewhere in the area I must check out. And she gave me a beautiful gold Thomas Kincaide Christmas card with my purchase. I only have one complaint, and I didn't even think about it until I got home....There really isn't anything there for men. If I came here for any of the men in my life, there wouldn't be a single thing for them. Other than that, excellent service and good quality merchandise.

What a gorgeous store. I drive past often and today stopped at the dentists on the same street…read more Even though I had a numb mouth after the dentist and was talking with a lisp, I just had to take a peek. The lady who owned the store was chatting away showing off new items in the clothing boutique at the back of the room. She was lovely and very approachable. I needed up buying a top and necklace for my mother in law. The fashion is really nice and aimed at ladies in their 40s+ I would say. I was into plenty of it, as they have a really nice on trend rack. The home wares are fun interior decor items inc paintings, ornaments, furniture, vases and mirrors. I have my eye on a cactus cookie jar. They were in the middle of taking down all their Christmas stuff so can't wait to see what stock they put in it's place.

Visited this store today and I am glad I did! The store…read morecaters mostly to A Rustic/Farm House look. Many items are very appealing and would look great in a variety of different rooms within a home. Not only are there Decor items, the store also carries Clothing, Jewelry, and a variety of Handbags as well. I had no idea this store existed until I looked on Yelp and realized that I drive by this store on the way to work every day. So glad I stopped in. Worth a look!

Wondered into this lovely little find the first time I was on my way to Tiramisu. This shop has a…read morelittle bit of everything. From talking to the owner, this store is meant to give an idea of their style of design. I have to say I love it and definitely have it in mind for future gift giving occasions. Baby shower gifts, unique table setting items and even some cool branded yeg stuff (I totally brought a bag as a gift to make a friend in Mexico smile). Parking is along the ave or street and fairly easy to find that far down 124st. Also for those mobility limited, there are few steps into the shop.

What an absolutely adorable store!! Located right around the corner from cafe Tiramisu, this tiny…read moreshop has all sorts of cute home decor items, many of which are European antiques, dictated by the yellow ribbon tied on them. The other stuff is a lot of kitchen items such as beautiful wood charcuterie boards. The store carries items from over 20 different Canadian designers! This is the place you go for really unique pieces for an eclectic house, a consummate hostess, like moi, whom loves conversation starting pieces scattered across the home. And also, a magnificent place for buying wedding gifts, birthday presents and hostess offerings. Happy shopping all!

I had my Tracy Kobus print framed and matted by Sandy @ TP&TP…read more The print has odd measurements, I was unable to find a frame that fit !! Sandy was meticulous about colour options for both the frame and the matting, once built it all came together wonderfully !!! I cannot wait to get this piece up on the wall!!!

To connect with my beloveds, I've been writing letters. With stamps and everything. So, of course I…read moreneeded proper stationary: paper and envelopes. This shop delivers. Plus, we picked up cards, a notebook for our daughter, and a house porn book. This place is deliciously addictive. Sigh.