The Nooks Opens at The Shipyards in Lower Lonsdale North Vancouver

Vancouver’s North Shore artisans and crafters rejoice as Canada’s first artisan business incubator has opened up a retail store at The Shipyards in the Lower Lonsdale community of North Vancouver British Columbia Canada. Effectively known as The Nooks North Vancouver, locals can apply to sell their products on location and leverage the wide reach and user-friendly technology and marketing assets that the platform provides. For both in-person and online product sales. We are very excited about this opening as we know hundreds of local people in the North Shore who would benefit directly and indirectly from working alongside The Nooks.

In this magazine feature, we have the distinct pleasure to speak with Veronica Kos who does Marketing and Partnership areas for the organization, and she allows us to learn a bit more about the nuances of the launch. If you love supporting local mom and pop shops and entrepreneurs give our feature a read below to learn more and also consider going to their storefront in The Shipyards by using the information at the bottom of the magazine feature.

How did The Nooks get started generally and why did you select a location at the Shipyards in North Vancouver?

The Nooks originated in Ontario from founder Colleen, who opened the first store back in 2015. Two years ago, she met Adam, who brought the concept online with our online marketplace (thenooks.ca), as well as expanding the brick-and-mortar retail to BC by opening up our other locations in Gastown and Kitsilano! Adam chose to open our third west coast location in the Shipyards because it’s an amazing spot for year-round activities. Between the incredible views of the ocean, the Vancouver city skyline, the skating rink in the winter, and the events/markets in the summer, it’s a beautiful place that brings people together no matter how rainy the weather – and we all know how bad it can get.

What can customers of the storefront purchase and experience when visiting and shopping with you?

Customers will experience hundreds of handmade and local products made with hours and hours of love and care. From home decor, self-care, apparel, ceramics, jewelry, and more. Every single maker we have turned their passions and talents into their own small businesses, plus, feel good knowing our makers keep 100% of their sales, so your purchase is directly supporting your local community.

If local artists or crafters want to sell their products with you, how can they get involved from that perspective?

They can apply online at thenooks.ca/apply

What are some local businesses around yours that you have enjoyed exploring and getting to know?

We really love Larry’s Market! It’s an amazing grocery shop with a great cafe to grab food – try one of the smoothies or kombuchas! We also love Nook, (not to be confused with us) for some incredible Italian cuisine. Jam Jar right next door also has incredible wraps and bowls, and we often caffeinate ourselves with coffees and teas from Caffe Artigiano. Later in the evening, there are so many breweries to hit up nearby, with some of our favorites being Streetcar Brewing, House of Funk, and Beere Brewing.

Outside of operating The Nooks at The Shipyards, what do you get up to for activities in your personal time?

Outside of The Nooks, I love to take advantage of living in such an outdoorsy city like Vancouver having moved from Toronto 2 years ago. I love to go golfing, mountain biking, and skiing. Plus, I love trying out different restaurants around the city every chance I get.

Lastly, is there anything else you would like the community to know about you or The Nooks North Vancouver?

Here at The Nooks, our biggest mission is to help our makers grow and expand their businesses so that they can pursue their passion full-time and love what they do. With our online platforms and resources, we’ve cultivated a community for creators & artists that wish to grow and make an impact. Customers are directly supporting their local community as our makers keep 100% of their sales, so if you believe in shopping local – we’re a great place to discover hundreds of Canadian artisans!