What I Thought of It

• Sport Chek, Stephen Avenue

  Retail, Sports / Outdoors 2 Comments

  Sport Chek, Stephen Avenue
  120 8 Ave SW
  Calgary AB  T2P 1B3
  Phone: 403 476 8740

  Sport Chek opened a brand-new store on Stephen Avenue, in the heart of downtown Calgary, where McNally-Robinson Bookstore used to be.

  My first impression of the store was how spacious and clean it looked. It was not dark and crowded, as sports stores tend to be in Canada.

  This Sport Chek has three levels. The main floor has women’s apparel, the top floor has men’s apparel, and the basement has assorted merchandise like skates and golf equipment.

  I was looking for two things: a frisbee and hiking sandals. Sport Chek didn’t carry frisbees (a.k.a. throwing/flying discs).

  I noticed some nice sandals from Keen and asked the sales associate to get me a size 7.5 and a size 8. After a long wait (I thought she got them downstairs), she came back with an 8 but no 7.5. It turns out that Sport Chek does not stock half sizes in sandals. Too bad for me, size 8 was too big, and size 7 was too small.

  Last thoughts: This Sport Chek is definitely the nicest looking one I’ve ever seen. I might walk in again the next time I’m in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, as I learned firsthand, their stocking could be better. Sport Chek shoud consider stocking half sizes in sandals (like MEC does); if stockroom space is a problem, they could just offer fewer colors to choose from.

  Product Range +++
  Service +++
  Ambiance +++++

  Tags: downtown, Sport Chek, Stephen Avenue



• A&W, Chinook Centre

  Eating Out, Fast Food, Movies / TV, Retail No Comments

  A&W, Chinook Centre
  6455 MacLeod Trail SW
  Calgary AB
  Phone: 403 640 4127

  While shopping at the Chinook Centre Mall in Calgary, we were overcome by hunger and we made a beeline for the A&W in the food court.

  A&W is one of the first food places in the food court. At 5:30 pm on a Thursday it was not busy. We asked for two Mama burgers, one with fries and Coke, and one with onion rings and the famous A&W Root Beer.

  Our food was ready in a pinch, and we settled into a nice table next to the escalator, with a great view of people going up and down.

  The Mama burgers were good, as per usual at A&W Restaurants. The fries were also good and crispy. Unfortunately, the root beer was warm. Even A&W root beer tastes awful when not properly chilled.

  On first sight the onion rings looked pale, and on first bite they looked even paler and tasted uncooked. I took them back. The server insisted that white onions are supposed to look pale, but eventually he offered me a new bag of onion rings. This new batch of onion rings - supposedly cooked for the same length of time - was brown and crispy, as they should have been.

  Last thoughts: Food-court food is never my favorite. Even the fast-food chains seem to slack off at food courts. I give a thumbs-down to this A&W. They replaced my onion rings, but not without an argument and making me feel like I was wrong to complain.

  Food +++
  Service ++
  Ambiance ++++

  Tags: A&W, Chinook Centre



• The ‘NIMBY’ Store

  Retail, Secondhand, Specialty Stores 1 Comment

  The NIMBY Store
  Main St (see map)
  Turner Valley AB
  Phone: 403 933 5186

  The NIMBY Store in Turner Valley is the kind of store you need to check out at least once, not only because of the merchandise, but also because of the store, the staff, and the message.

  Owner Cheryle Dobbyn started The NIMBY Store to support animal welfare. She gives 100% of her profits (after rent and utilities) to animal causes like the Pound Rescue.

  Now back to the store…remember that everything you buy here is for the good of our animal friends!

  You’ll find The Nimby right on Main Street in Turner Valley. You won’t miss it, since it kind of stands out.

  As soon as you enter, you’re surrounded by secondhand and antique objects packed like sardines. At first, the amount of stuff filling the store feels overwhelming, but as you stroll through you sense a pattern by which things are grouped.

  The Nimby houses all sorts of hidden pre-loved treasures, like clothes, furniture, books, toys, collectibles, and much much more. Books and children’s toys are free.

  If you like birds, Cheryle keeps a big cage of feathered friends right in the store. On our visit we also met a dog who was enjoying his new life with Cheryle after having been neglected by his previous owners.

  Visiting The Nimby can make a difference in the animal world and perhaps in yours. So go treasure-hunting, and better yet, bring along some nice things you no longer use that others may enjoy.

  Last thoughts: Visiting a secondhand store is not a typical tourist activity, but why not? You may find just the thing you’re looking for at The NIMBY Store in Turner Valley. I will definitely pop in again the next time I drive through Turner Valley.

  Product Range +++++
  Service +++++
  Ambiance +++
  Tidiness ++

  Find The NIMBY Store on the map.

  Tags: Books, clothes, furniture, secondhand, sell your stuff, toys, Turner Valley



• Rogers Plus, Centre Street, Calgary

  Retail, Services 1 Comment

  Rogers Plus
  1915 Centre St N
  Calgary AB  T2E 2S7
  Phone: 403 277 7750

  As someone who hasn’t rented a movie in years, I had a curious urge to do so last night.

  Since I don’t have any active memberships, I could go to any video rental store.

  On my way home I passed the Rogers Plus store on Centre Street North. Like any Rogers Plus store, this one  is difficult to miss thanks to the signature red on the store’s exterior.

  This Rogers Plus location stocks not only a wide range of rental movies, but also a big selection of DVDs for sale. In a separate section are the video games, also for rental or for sale.

  Lastly there’s the mobile phone section, which features Rogers phones and accessories.

  I grabbed my movie and went to the counter.

  The nice guy at the counter helped me get a membership. It was surprisingly easy - all they needed was a piece of picture ID. They didn’t ask for credit card information, unlike some other video rental outlets.

  Last thoughts: I rarely rent movies and it’ll probably stay that way, but my experience at the Rogers store on Centre Street was very positive. They had a huge selection of movies and were very helpful. To frequent renters, I would recommend this Rogers Plus as your neighborhood video store.

  Product Range +++++
  Service +++++
  Ambiance ++++
  Tidiness ++++

  Tags: Rogers Plus, Rogers Video, video rental



• The Pendulum, Inglewood

  Retail, Secondhand, Specialty Stores No Comments

  The Pendulum, Inglewood
  1222 9 Ave SE
  Calgary AB  T2G 0T1
  Phone: 403 266 6369

  The Pendulum is one of many shops in Calgary’s Inglewood district, but it’s pretty easy to find as it’s almost right across from Kane’s Harley Diner.

  The Pendulum sells women’s and men’s secondhand clothing and accessories. As soon as you enter The Pendulum you’ll notice the smell of incense. I’m not a fan of incense, but other patrons may like this olfactory experience. The ambiance is homey and alternative, and the staff will make you feel right at home.

  On entering, you’ll immediately see a selection of shoes to your right, and then your eyes will spot the racks and racks of well organized clothes in the rest of the space. The clothes are more than just secondhand - they are mostly brand names and a bit more upscale than a thrift store. The staff are friendly and willing to help with whatever you need.

  There are 3 dressing rooms in the back with big mirrors for seeing how your off-the-rack selections look on you.

  Besides clothing, you’ll find a wide selection of accessories and jewelry at the counter.

  All in all, The Pendulum is a great store to browse for unique additions to your wardrobe.

  If you’re not looking for “new” clothes but wanting to get rid of clothing that’s still in good condition, The Pendulum accepts clothes for consignment everyday except Saturday.

  Last thoughts: Shopping secondhand is certainly more popular during an economic recession. At The Pendulum you’ll find a wide range of secondhand clothing, even for men, that you wouldn’t mind owning even if you could afford to spend more.

  Product Range ++++
  Service ++++
  Ambiance ++++
  Tidiness +++

  Tags: clothes, Inglewood, secondhand, sell your stuff



• Welch’s Chocolate Shop, Banff

  Retail, Specialty Stores 2 Comments

  Welch’s Chocolate Shop
  126 Banff Avenue (see map)
  Banff AB
  Phone: 403 762 3737
  www.banffcandy.com

  The Welch’s Chocolate Shop has been a part of Banff since 1965, which means that parents can show their kids the candy they loved as kids.

  On top of the eye-widening variety of chocolates, Welch’s Chocolate Shop has a jaw-dropping selection of candies. They are crammed into the walls and the aisles - candy as far as the eye can see. You could easily spend a happy hour browsing and exclaiming over all the goodies.

  If you like PEZ, then this is the place to be. An entire wall is devoted to PEZ merchandise, and it’s neat to see the store’s private collection above the ones for sale. A fan of real Dutch licorice? Again, Welch’s has plenty to choose from. If you’re longing for any kind of candy from a place far away, chances are good that you’ll find it at Welch’s.

  The shop is small and can get crowded with kindred sweet tooths, but that doesn’t seem to bother anyone.

  Last thoughts: Welch’s Chocolate Shop is a child’s (and grown-up’s) candy heaven. Just stepping inside and seeing all that candy will make you instantly happy. The only thing I expected to see but did not find were Kinder Surprise Eggs.

  Product Range +++++
  Service +++
  Ambiance ++++
  Tidiness ++++

  Find Welch’s Chocolate Shop on the map.

  Tags: Banff, candy, chocolate, Welch's



• Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, Canmore

  Retail, Specialty Stores 1 Comment

  Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe
  717 Main St (see map)
  Canmore AB  T1W 2B2
  Phone: 403 678 9311

  Walking along Main Street in Canmore is a refreshing experience. You’ll discover more and better shopping choices than, for instance, the better-known Banff. The little mountain town of Canmore can really impress you if you give it a chance. One of the little shops you should stop in is the Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe.

  As hinted in the name, the Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe is no ordinary candy shop. Here you’ll find special candies beyond anything a grocery store would ever carry. I spotted old-fashioned candies, candy imported from foreign countries, and mountain favorites like Bear Paws (chocolate treats with cashew “claws”).

  As the name promises, the Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe has an old-time ambiance. It’s a tiny space with old wooden floors and shelves chock-full of merchandise. There is everything from long rows of bulk candy bins to a fun selection of PEZ dispensers. The store is so small that even the ceiling is packed with posters.

  On a busy shopping day like Saturday, expect this candy shop to be swarming with people, and don’t be surprised to see kids peeking in through the window (as captured in the photo).

  The Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe is not the only one of its kind in the Rockies. Lake Louise and Radium each has a sister store, so visit any one of the three to feed your candy cravings.

  Last thoughts: The Old Tyme Candy Shoppe is one of my favorite haunts in Canmore. You must pay a visit to this little candy store. You’ll find the newest sweet concoctions as well as your favorite treats from childhood.

  Product Range +++++
  Service +++
  Ambiance ++++
  Tidiness ++++

  Find Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe on the map.

  Tags: candy, Canmore, chocolate, Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe



• Fair’s Fair “For Book Lovers”, Macleod Trail, Calgary

  Bookstores, Retail, Secondhand No Comments

  Fair’s Fair “For Book Lovers”
  7400 MacLeod Trail S
  Calgary AB  T2H 0L9
  Phone: 403 269 7778

  Fair’s Fair is a secondhand bookstore, and they have four stores in Calgary. I went to the one on MacLeod Trail, close to Glenmore Trail and easy to find with lots of parking.

  My first impression was that the bookstore looked very organized. The place was spacious and seemed to have a lot of room for future bookshelves. I was greeted with great friendliness by a store associate, then I took a little tour around the store. Fair’s Fair secondhand bookstore offers a huge variety of books from numerous genres, so whatever you’re looking for, you will certainly find it. Aside from books, they also have a section of DVDs (that I personally thought were overpriced) and a section of VHS tapes.

  On that Saturday morning there were a fair number of people browsing, and when they had questions the staff were quick to respond.

  The store buys and trades books, so if you have a nice collection of books that you’re not using anymore, Fair’s Fair could be interested in them.

  Last thoughts: Fair’s Fair on MacLeod Trail is a nice secondhand bookstore offering lots of choice in books. I will definitely think of Fair’s Fair the next time I am looking for something special.

  Product Range ++++
  Service ++++
  Ambiance +++
  Washrooms ++++
  Tidiness ++++

  Tags: Books, secondhand, sell your stuff



• Coast Mountain Sports, Banff

  Retail, Sports / Outdoors 2 Comments

  Coast Mountain Sports
  122 Banff Avenue
  Banff AB  T0L 0C0
  Phone: 403 760 8249
  www.coastmountain.com

  Coast Mountain Sports in Banff is right on Banff Avenue, the main retail strip in downtown Banff. To make sure you don’t miss it, the Coast store is between McDonald’s and Tony Roma’s.

  Coast Mountain Sports is part of the Forzani Group, which also owns Sport Chek and Sport Mart, and that makes Forzani a formidable player in the sports merchandise market in Canada.

  Coast Mountain Sports in Banff is housed in a cozy little building. It’s nice to walk into whether you’re shopping or just browsing. You’ll find footwear on the street level and the rest of their merchandise (mostly clothing) upstairs. The physical space is a bit small for their fairly big inventory of sporting and outdoor goods, so you might be bumping into stuff all the time.

  I was looking for a warm, reliable pair of winter boots. When shoe-shopping I often find that stores don’t carry or have run out of my size. At this Coast store, I was lucky to find three different boots that looked promising, and they had all three models in my size. This meant that I could test out all my options and come to a satisfying decision.

  The staff were alert and friendly. Even though it was quite busy in the footwear section, they were fast in getting me the boots I wanted to try. The boy who helped me seemed to really know about winter boots, and this made me confident that I would not go home with the wrong choice. I left happy with a great pair of smart-looking and functional boots.

  Last thoughts: Coast Mountain Sports in Banff is the first Coast store from which I didn’t leave disappointed. The staff knew what they were doing, and the store had shoes in my size (this rarely happens anywhere else). I will keep this store in mind the next time I am in need of outdoor gear.

  Product Range ++++
  Service ++++
  Ambiance +++



• Chapters Indigo online

  Online Shopping, Retail No Comments

  Chapters Indigo online
  www.chapters.indigo.ca

  Back in February 2008, Chapters Indigo ran a Valentine’s Day promotion on their Web site, which involved buying a $25 Indigo gift card. I can’t remember what the bonus was, but I did buy the gift card.

  For some reason, the gift card never came in the mail, even though the purchase showed up in my credit card statement. I realized this in September 2008, quite long after the fact, but I e-mailed their customer service department anyway.

  I got a response the next day. According to their records, the gift card had indeed become waylaid, and they offered me the choice of a replacement gift card or a refund. I wrote back, opting for the refund, and they again responded promptly, saying it would be processed immediately. Within 3 days, my credit card registered a refund from Chapters Indigo for the right amount.

  Last thoughts: I was impressed by the speed and professionalism with which Chapters Indigo handled my e-mail inquiry. It’s evident that their Customer Service staff are well trained. They must also have efficient workers in the department that handles refunds.

  Some people are hesitant to shop online, because it can be such a chore to get help when a problem arises. It’s reassuring to find out that dealing with an online retailer - even if it’s about a problem - can actually put a smile on your face.

  Service ++++

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