BUYER BEWARE! This businessman has a con going that I am sure many have fallen for. He sold me a…read morepair of orthotic inserts for $200. Then I find the same inserts in a Sports Store for $55. His reply when confronted was that I paid for his 40 years of experience. I have never encountered this kind of service in any other store in town. Sad that we have someone who is so deceptive in his business.

Had the worst experience with Cardino's in Duncan. Will never shop at Cardino's again. I purchased…read morea pair of Bluntstone boots which had a defect in the heel. Asked them if there was a remedy of sort. They put a patch on "one" of the boots. Prior to going to Cardino's, I had previously taken boots to a cobbler to repair. The boot cobbler said that there needed to be a patch on "both boots" otherwise it would feel "un-even". The cobbler suggested that should return to the shoe store I purchased the boots, because Bluntsone had a very good reputation and that Cardino's may be able to deal with the issue. I took the boots to Cardinos in October 2025 and they said they would deal with it. I return in November to pick up the "repaired boots" and they had put a patch on only one of the boots, and replied with "that's the best we can do". Went home and wore boots, within 30 minutes had a huge blister. Contacted Cardino's to let them know and they said to bring in the boots once again. I did so and never heard back. I contacted them in February 2026 and they said to pick up the boots. They had sat in their back room all this time, and said "that's the best we can do", which was nothing. Left the boots there for 2 days and went back to get my boots and they told me "we have disposed of them". When I asked what did they mean by "dispose of them meant, she replied with " I had abandoned them, and that they did not have to tell me how they disposed of them". I truly believe that Cardino's is un unprofessional, dishonest shoe store and that I shall continue to share this terrible experience with this horribly run shoe store. poo poo Cardino's

Nice shoes, but... Please read on…read more.. I thought this was great store. What happened? I received the worst customer service of my life when I questioned my receipt. Actually, up until the purchase, I received the bare minimum service. I actually felt like I was in the saleswomen's way while they did inventory on a Saturday afternoon. When I questioned the receipt I was treated like I was trying to get a bigger discount. Or something for free. NOT the case. Their discount offer was applied incorrectly, in my mind. But fine. That's how they do business. The way I was treated was another matter. I left feeling personally HUMILIATED. I was honestly stunned and upset by it. Shop here at your own risk. It might ruin your day. It certainly ruined mine.

When I'm in the area I look forward to visiting the SOS to stock up on cheap clothing and household…read moregoods. Downstairs are kitchen goods, toys, some furniture and great collectibles. Upstairs is clothing, with retro separated and lots of retro stuff. Excellent prices. The best part is it's a charity and an active part of the Parksville community, all the money goes to local outreach programs and they aren't associated with any church. Best thrift shop on the island.

My mom goes here regularly, and always raves about the stuff she finds - lots of great stuff,…read morebarely used, and for next to nothing. Things are well organized and sorted, which is a bonus. She has taken me here more than once, and I have always found something. Make sure you have some time to spare when you make the trip here, because the place is huge. Not to mention it's a great charity to support. So if you don't need anything, consider donating something you no longer need to the store/organization.

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.'

Seriously exceptional selection of frozen local seafood, teas, and funky T-shirts…read more Sasquatch carrying its surfboard? Yes! On a made in Canada T-shirt designed by Kindred Coast! Coffee beans roasted with love just down the road? Yes! Salty also stocks a beautifully curated selection of gemstones, jewelry and sauces, jams, and fine comestibles. Great ambience, wonderful owners, beautiful location on the highway to Ucluelet and Tofino. Spacious parking lot, good access, open Wednesday to Sunday.

From the owner: Good things are better shared. That’s why everything we carry is handpicked and tested by us, for…read moreyou: the locals we love, the travelers we meet and the community around us. Partnering with small-batch makers, craftspeople, and artisans to bring their work to you is a labour-of-love that feeds our souls. Whether you’re in the market for frozen seafood, blazing hot sauce, or a hand-poured candle, you’ll find it here in our cozy forest shop. We’re a Port Alberni secret- if you know, you know!