Although Kensington has gone through some dramatic transformations over the past few years, it has maintained its status as one of the best destinations in the city for shopping local and finding handmade goods. Pop in and out of the wide variety of retail spaces and you’re bound to find things you won’t find anywhere else.
Bailey Nelson
This airy eyeglasses store was founded in Bondi Beach in 2012 and has moved it’s way up to Canada to make a home in Kensington. Here, you’ll find sunglasses and prescription glasses that suit your unique style.
104 10 St. N.W., 403-285-9300, baileynelson.com
Brooklyn Clothing Company
Put together a new outfit from the rugged, yet fashionable apparel and accessories at Brooklyn Clothing Company. Check out the great selection of Filson, Wings & Horns and Nudie Jeans.
1211 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-4006, brooklynclothing.com
Gummi Boutique
Whimsical, fantastical and uninhibited all come to mind when entering the Gummi Boutique. Let your inner kid get lost in this candy store with the pick-your-own candy bins and every conceivable chocolate bar and gummy candy available.
205 10 St. N.W., 587-353-0031, gummiboutique.ca
Hot Wax
A Kensington staple since 1978, Hot Wax Records sells new and previously-owned records in every genre. Make sure to check out their dollar bins at the back to snag some of these coveted records, as they don’t last long.
114 10 St. N.W., 403-283-0055, facebook.com
Kensington Florist
Step inside the Kensington Florist for a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Here, you’ll find everything from terrariums to African violets that can suit any occasion (especially if you’re buying it for yourself).
1145 Kensington Cres. N.W., 403-270-4026, kensingtonflorist.com
Kensington Wine Market
At the Kensington Wine Market you’ll not only find a vast selection of wine, but also of beer and whisky, with staff experts and connoisseurs to help you make your selection. The Kensington Wine Market also hosts tastings where community members can sample wines, beers and/or spirits curated by a local expert.
1257 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-8000, kensingtonwinemarket.com
Kismet Clothing
Bring runway trends to the streets of Calgary with the large selection of womenswear and accessories at Kismet Clothing. You can shop everything from casual wear by Esprit, summer dresses by Faithfull the Brand and even evening gowns by JS Collections.
118 10 St. N.W., 403-283-1141, facebook.com
Livingstone & Cavell Extraordinary Toys
Step away from the big-box stores and step inside Livingstone & Cavell for a magical experience with unique toys for children of all ages.
1124 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-270-4165, extraordinarytoys.com
Mañana Imports
Visiting Mañana Imports is akin to visiting a new country. The owner regularly travels abroad to curate an eclectic mix of home goods, clothing, jewellery and crafts from 15 different countries.
1132 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-6537, mananaimports.com
Meraki Supply Co.
Calgary-based and with adventure at its core, this store offers high standard gear and clothing for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find everything from branded shirts to mason jar cocktail shakers to mountain shaped pillows in this cozy hole-in-the-wall.
103, 305 10 St. N.W., merakisupplyco.com
The Naked Leaf
Grab a cup of freshly brewed tea as you peruse the excellent loose leaf and tea accessories selection at this locally owned boutique.
4 1126 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-3555, thenakedleaf.ca
The New Forest
Having only opened last year, this new kid on the block is serving up grooming supplies, accessories and home goods for pets. You can find everything from mandarin and orange organic shampoo by Black Sheep Organics to cat teepees from NOOEE Pet, along with gourmet treats and an array of knitted toys.
1120 Kensington Rd. N.W., 825-205-8008, thenewforest.ca
Pages on Kensington
This two-level bookstore features a wide-range of genres and has both new and used copies. Make sure to check out their wall of photographs of esteemed authors as well as their collection of architectural books on the second floor. On Wednesday mornings, they host a Storytime hour where children can read picture books, sing songs and play with bubbles.
1135 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-6655, pageskensington.com
Peacock Boutique
The constant rotation of inventory brings shoppers back to this consignment boutique each season for the latest trends in casual wear and accessories.
1145 Kensington Cres. N.W., 403-283-5722, peacockboutique.ca
Purr Clothing
Fashionistas flock to Purr’s selection of clothing, accessories and the most current trends, with brands like Fidelity and Erica Weiner jewellery.
1220 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-270-3585, purrclothing.ca
Regal Cat Cafe
Besides visiting the cute rescue cats in the Kitty Kingdom for some cuddles, you can do some shopping for you cat fiend friends who can’t get enough of these peculiar creatures. On the cafe side, you can find cat-themed pillows from Frankie Print Co., handmade knitted cat toys and some of the tea blends from the cafe’s menu.
303 10 St. N.W., 403-455-2287, regalcatcafe.com
The Rocket
This dog-friendly store offers a vast selection of vintage finds and customizable printed t-shirts that feature in-house designs focusing on pop culture, music and the arts. You can see the shop keeper busily working away on their next creation as you browse through the brightly coloured shirt designs and accessories.
106 10 St. N.W., 403-283-3230, bang-on.com
Sunnyside Natural Market
This market specializes in providing local and organic produce as well as selling certified organic products. Meander around the shop and take in the aroma the Sidewalk Citizen Bakery’s freshly baked goods, conveniently connected to the market.
10, 338 10 St. N.W., 403-270-7477, sunnysidemarket.ca
Make sure you also check out
For its selection of comic books, fantasy books and collectables.
424B 10 St. N.W., 403-283-7078, facebook.com
For all-natural bath and body care.
311 10 St. N.W., 403-270-2622, thebeehiveonline.com
For a selection of the best in outerwear and ski equipment.
108 10 St. N.W., 403-670-0400, freshskis.com
For jewellery, furniture, handbags and travel accessories from local artisans.
100, 206 10A St. N.W., 403-283-9387, ingearstore.com
For suits, denim and sportswear sold with attention to detail.
1130 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-262-2214, jamesanddickson.com
For women and men’s clothing consignment, jewellery and indie perfumes.
130 10 St. N.W., 403-475-2065, kensingtonkonsignment.business.site
For furniture, custom upholstery, home decor and accessories.
1221 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-257-7588, metroelement.net
For giftware products from Japan.
225 10 St. N.W., nanaokimono.com
For loose leaf tea and tea-making supplies and accessories.
110 10 St. N.W., 403-457-5450, oolongteashop.ca
For a vast selection of cheeses, accompanying foods and kitchen gadgets.
1249 Kensington Rd. N.W., 587-353-3599, peasantcheese.com
For pet food, hygienic products, toys and treats — if you bring your dog in the store they may even get featured on the instagram page.
1117A Kensington Rd. N.W., 587-350-7703, petplanethealth.com
For local artisan, cruelty- and chemically-free skincare products and services.
1 1145 Kensington Cres. N.W., 587-392-1770, pranicforest.com
For unique kids’ clothes.
118 10 St. N.W., 403-283-7877, purrpetite.com
For bikes, accessories and parts.
223 10 St. N.W., 403-283-1421, ridleys.com
The Scottish Shoppe and A Little Bit of Ireland
For authentic Scottish, Irish, English and Welsh items in home decor, food, clothing and novelties.
106A 10 St. N.W., 403-264-6383, thescottishshoppe.com
For skincare products and facial spa services.
116 10 St. N.W., 403-264-0203, skoah.com
For men’s and women’s foot apparel and accessories as well as professional shoe fitting services.
1109A Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-475-0291, soulfootwear.com
For a vast selection of painting, drawing and other art supplies.
132 10 St. N.W., 403-475-0608, sunnysideartsupplies.com
For gently used women’s clothing and accessories.
120 10 St. N.W., 403-283-1167, trendfashions.info
For stationary, handbag accessories, tote bags and cards.
1, 338 10 St. N.W., 403-245-6778, uniquecutegiftshop.business.site