Quintessential, is a unique boutique in downtown Nanaimo selling women's fashions including…read moreclothing, handbags, wallets, belts, shoes and much more. They also sell all kinds of jewelry and even specialty pet products for that special pooch. I loved their belts. They were neutral and sturdy.

There are lots of beautiful clothes in this store however the sales pressure is so high, I am not…read moregoing to shop there again. I told one of the sales women (I think she was the manager) over and over that I didn't want to try on a certain item, yet she brought the item to my dressing room and hung it on my dressing room rack anyway (are you kidding me?!). I eventually bought an item that was too snug for me and took it home, only to have to return it after I came to my senses. Now I have a store credit I have to use (no refunds) so I will have to go back, if only to use up the cost of my folly listening to someone who was only interested in selling me something, not whether or not it looked good on me. Thank goodness for one of the other sales consultants who ran interference with the manager, so I didn't have to tell her over and over - No, thank you. Once should have been enough. I have heard the same thing from other women who have shopped there.

This boutique has AMAZING formal gowns. I got the most perfect dress for prom there.....it was a…read moreshow stopper. A year after grad, I still get compliments on it! When I received the dress I wasn't happy with the way it looked, and the store staff were more than happy to order a new one for me. They really made my day that much more special with all their help. I would not hesitate to shop at Damsels!

I needed a dress for a Gala and Kara + her team made me feel warm and welcomed. Had a fabulous…read morecollection of sizes and colours. I looked amazing and felt so darn sexy in my new purchase!

I Highly recommend this thrift store. The selection was…read moregreat, the store is clean and well organized. sizes are from small up to 6X, Wow!, which is very good. I bought a housecoat that I am so happy with, love it. There is nothing shabby in this store, and the service was great. I'll be back. ... Jackie .D :)

Shaylee was extremely helpful in helping choose the right clothing for my wife, she was also very…read moreaccommodating throughout the whole shopping experience.

horrible service ignored me, bothered when asking for help and took a item and it simply was…read moremissing no reimbursement

Cute little consignment store in the heart of Parksville. Owned by an amazing local mama who knows…read morewhat women want and does a fabulous job at keeping her store full and organized. I have been to a lot of consignment stores and this one is hands down my favourite. Clean and welcoming, exceptional customer service and lots of selection (clothes, shoes, purses etc)

Beautiful shoes for all occasions from bridal to casual…read more Lovely owner. Will continue to purchase from this local store.

Since I moved to Nanaimo three years ago from Vancouver, San Francisco prior, Kobe Japan prior, I…read moream amazed every time I visit this, compact but packed with treasures, shoe store in Nanaimo Old Town Square! It is truly amazing. I think that the owner buyer Elaine has such keen eyes for unique, beautiful, whimsical shoes which are very comfortable. I have been at her store with local friends as well as with my out of town women friends from Vancouver, Paris, Seattle, Palm Springs.... Some of them are very picky fashion forward women of all ages. They all loved the store and brought some unique and very comfortable shoes back with them. Young people visit the store naturally, but for us, mature women, the shoes can no longer be please the eyes but need to fit our often misshapen feet from the years of hard work, and be very comfortable. It is quite a feat to satisfy all the requirements. I think that it is great that Elaine seem to understand it all very well. Of all the places, tucked in the corner of our sweet Old Town Square. We are very fortunate indeed. And some of us may have changed clothes size over the years, but shoe size remain pretty constant. We can enjoy the unique colors and styles of shoes at any age. Thank you Elaine.'

I had a really fun time shopping here!…read more I was in Parksville for a conference at Tigh-Na-Mara. We had just driven in from a few days in Tofino, and I realized I hadn't really packed anything too appropriate for a conference with my coworkers and colleagues. Oops. Emergency dress shopping time! Sometimes, I am afraid to step foot into adorable boutiques, because I am borderline plus-size and often feel like I'm being judged a la Pretty Woman in this type of shop. This was a refreshing experience! The owner helped me pick out lots of adorable things to try on, most of them fit, and I ended up with two fabulous dresses that are now wardrobe regulars, as well as the most comfortable pair of bamboo leggings I could have ever imagined. I strongly considered going back after the conference to buy them in different colors and lengths. I had to hold myself back from all the gorgeous accessories and jewelery on offer, but it did make me a little sad. This boutique would be right at home in Victoria - the fact that I found it up in unassuming little Parksville with an amazing owner with a flair for stocking fabulous things just puts it right over the top for me.

Went in to buy a few things for my wife. Place was great and staff were super helpful. Recommend…read moreand will be back

Right out of Haight Street in the middle of Vancouver Island. Very cool shop with great t-shirts…read moreand amazing hats. I purchased a little something to cover my head and help keep the UVs out. Check out the pic on the site and see for yourself.

It's not everyday that one stumbles into a milliner, but Coombs has it. The Coombya has the most…read moreuseful and fun selection going. There is a toque for every sense of humor and practical person. My dates newly purchased sock monkey toque is a real winner. I, however, chose a more fashionably practical little number to match my favorite winter coat. There's more, there are trendy, updated versions of the Canadian Lumber Jack hat. You know the one, fur and flaps abound. The classic old man caps and cute Paddington Bear type for all ages. And let's not forget the owner. Cool as a cucumber playing the best of 60s acid rock, surrounded by a vast selection of all things Volkswagen. Ahh, to be of another generation.