Shopping local this winter in Winnipeg
Whether it’s holiday shopping on charming city streets, looking for hot winter fashions to keep out the cold, or makers’ markets to push your local purchasing power further, Winnipeg is all about keeping it local.
Whether it’s holiday shopping on charming city streets, looking for hot winter fashions to keep out the cold, or makers’ markets to push your local purchasing power further, Winnipeg is all about keeping it local.
There’s never been a better time to shop local in Winnipeg. The city has so many shops whose shelves are brimming with locally made goods – several of which are run by the very artisanal makers whose works are on display.
Meet the makers
November marks the start of makers’ market season in Winnipeg, where one can head to some cool location to meet and purchase things from the very people who – you guessed it – made them.
While some holiday themed markets have already happened, there’s still a number of notable markets coming up like the German Christkindlmarkt (Nov 26-28), which is like a Bavarian market staged in the whimsical, Wes Anderson-like setting of Fort Garry Place Mall. Here, there will be mulled wine, German imports and locally made things too. One of the largest markets takes place in the RBC Convention Centre from November 25-28. The Signatures Handmade Market has been a premier Winnipeg shopping event since 1979, offering tons of room to roam the countless booths that are brimming with handcrafted local goods.
Find it at The Forks
For a host of local stores all located under one roof head to The Forks. Here, you can find handmade jewelry from dconstruct; all manner of Manitoba-made (and themed) products from Forks Trading Company; handcrafted candles from celebrated local company Coal and Canary; a broad selection of books (including an abundance of local authors) from McNally Robinson; and one-of-a-kind works of ceramic art at the Jordan Van Sewell Gallery.
Of particular note, is Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique, where you can purchase moccasins, jewelry, and art, all of which is made by local Indigenous artisans. There’s also plenty of options to keep you warm too at Shekman Furs, including hats, hoods, mukluks and more.
The Forks also provides a fine spread for the foodies on your list. Ellement Wine + Spirits has knowledgeable staff to guide you through all its hard-to-find bottles and local and international food products. Grass Roots Prairie Kitchen’s preserves, condiments, pickles, and oils are all made (or pressed) onsite in The Market. Two Rivers is your home for everything Canadiana -- including maple syrup and souvenirs, while Planet Pantry will show how it’s easy being green.
Shopping across the city (at a glance)
For fashions, Academy Road will make your wardrobe shine all along one chic street, while within the Exchange you’ll find even more swish garment stores, boutiques and beauty shops, galleries, and book and record stores.
The Corydon Strip has a little something for everyone, from design shops, to clothing shops, antiques, bakeries, and the Julia Roberts-approved skate shop, Green Apple. Osborne Village too has several great shops, boutiques and the like all just a few doors down from one another, while across the Esplanade Riel from downtown you can find charming shops across St. Boniface.
Our largest mall is CF Polo Park, located between downtown and the airport. It is home to all the major international brands like Anthropologie, Apple and Disney. South along Kenaston is Seasons of Tuxedo, a shopping mecca of sorts featuring everything from the massive Outlet Collection Winnipeg – the home of 100+ big name brands all under one roof -- Cabela’s, IKEA, and numerous other big box stores.
For a full listing of local Winnipeg shops go here.