What I Thought of It

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.

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 +++

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.

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.