From the outside, this enormous shopping center looks a bit like a giant spaceship. The Bay, Zellers and Sears are the major stops here, while The Gap, Eddie Bauer, Hallmark and The Sony Store are among some 150 other mall tenants. There are also dozens of services and a professional building at the heart of the mall. A massive new food court is the feature attraction of the reworked mall, which for years was in many ways two malls separated by an elevated parking garage.
Situated close to the downtown area of Calgary, 4th Street is one of the most happening streets in the city. It is frequently used as an entertainment venue for cultural and other events, which see thousands of tourists and locals converging here. The atmosphere is electric and has to be experienced to be believed. The street has established itself as a popular destination owing to the shops, historic sites, and eateries that can be found along its stretch. The area also plays host to the annual Lilac Festival.
When it comes to shopping in downtown Calgary, you'll find it hard to find a better alternative to Core. The expansive center boasts of no less than 160 stores on its four levels and has pretty much all the shopping essentials from luxury brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton to flagship stores of major departmental chains like Holt Renfrew and H&M. Fashion is well-represented with most major brands setting up shop here; a treat for the fashion-conscious. Another reason for the fashion brigade to rejoice is the expert personal styling services the center offers. Much effort has been put into the center's design with the focal point being the gigantic and eye-catching structural skylight creating a superb lighting effect in day times. An excellent range of restaurants ensures shoppers, a satisfying culinary experience. From fashion and beauty to jewelry and electronics, there's not much you'll miss here. With regular events and store promotions, Core offers one of the best shopping experienced downtown.
Located in fashionable 17th Avenue in Calgary, this minimalist fashion gallery has been working the Calgary fashion scene since 1997. Leo Boutique carries high-end designer brands from Italy, Australia, the US and Scandinavian countries. Find everything from suits, jeans, casual and name brands like Ted Baker of the U.K., Citizens of Humanity as well as a Swedish designer called Tiger. This boutique's minimalist interiors of white walls, leather and sand-blasted glass allows shoppers and browsers to navigate the boutique without distraction. Find your brands, sizes and other accessories at this edgy fashion gallery.
This is an upscale, modern store that offers sophisticated fashion and designer clothes, jewelry and accessories. Holt Renfrew is located right downtown and has 11 locations across Canada. It has long been a staple for the successful corporate businesswoman and offers the best in European and Canadian designs. There are over two dozen different designers offering everything from suits to pants and blouses to shoes. There is also a large section dedicated strictly to formal occasions, where you will find some really beautiful evening gowns.
Seventh Avenue is not just a great place to shop, it's also an important cultural area of Calgary. The city puts on an annual event where artists enliven the otherwise plain urban surroundings with art in order to give citizens and visitors an engaging experience while perusing the streets. Expectedly, there are a large number of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore. Try Quincy's on Seventh for filling portions of traditional foods at affordable prices. For trendy and fashionable clothes, check out Aluminum Planet before you head out to the clubs.
Blu's, at Bankers Hall, specializes in upscale, tailored suits for today's businesswoman. The suits are not cheap, but they are made with the utmost care and will last for many seasons. They offer brand names from all over the world including Armani, Anne Klein and their own Blu label, which is manufactured in Canada. One of the best things about this store is if you donate a suit to women in need, Blu's gives you a huge discount on your next buy. Check website for more details.
La Chic Ladies Wear is aptly named. Located at Bankers Hall, it offers upscale women's fashions and exclusive designer labels. It is haute couture at its finest. La Chic Ladies Wear caters to the business executive woman who doesn't mind spending money on quality clothing. But be prepared. A Donna Karan blazer can set you back by a huge margin and so will a red cocktail dress. It offers exclusive designers from Italy and Switzerland like Renzo and Akris so most of these fashions are not available anywhere else in the province. Call for more details.
Call it fanciful, but this little antique shop in a little old house in Olde Towne Okotoks is gaining popularity with mostly the Canadian products and goods that can be found in the store. On A Lark is just one of two antique and country gift shops along Okotok's main street. This store sells Canadian art and collectible designer handbags, whimsical primitive garden accessories, jewelery, furniture, and other home decor ideas that literally spill out in this store's veranda. With so many shops now dotting Okotok's Main Street, this little town is an attractive weekend alternative.
Face it doesn't everybody want to be Scottish at least a little bit? If you know someone who is, (or just wants to be) head to this quaint little shop for some really original gift ideas. The Highland Scottish Gift Shoppe specializes in interesting hand-made kilts and beautiful Celtic jewelry. The owners are accomplished bagpipe players and sell top of the line bagpipes and other Celtic treasures.
What started out as a fabric store is now a well-known Canadian home accessories store. Everything from furniture, lighting, wall coverings, rugs, and customized beddings and upholstery can be shopped for here. This store also has a large selection of fabrics for every conceivable design idea for a home, and those looking to renovate, decorate or upgrade their home furnishings can come in and consult their professional staff. They are also home to unique creations by the likes of Sarah Richardson (of Design Inc. and HGTV Fame) and Eva Zeisel, who at 102 years old is still designing pottery, glass and a variety of home items. Maria Tomas also carries Hickory Chairs favored by Jackie O. in the 1960s.
Calgary boasts of lovely areas and neighborhoods, the Marda Loop being one of them. Shopping, dining, enjoying different events and much more makes this region a popular hub amongst tourists as well as locals.