The northeast inner-city community of Bridgeland has a small but mighty shopping scene. Here are nine stores and markets you should check out next time you’re in the area.
Babes in Arms
Calgary parents will want to check out Babes in Arms, a local, family-owned baby store that focuses on parent-child attachment and sustainable living. There’s an extensive selection of baby carriers, slings and cloth diapers, as well as baby books, toys, skincare products, teething products and more. There are also some products for parents, including apparel, skincare and breastfeeding products. Babes in Arms also hosts several baby-wearing, wrapping and cloth-diapering classes a month, for those who want to become more familiar with these practices.
841 1 Ave. N.E., 403-835-4614, babesinarms.ca
Bike and Brew
Take care of all your cycling needs at Bike and Brew. The 2,600-square-foot coffee and bicycle shop hybrid offers bicycles from brands like Kona, Masi, Apollo and Del Sol and cycling accessories including bike saddles, bells, pedals, locks, helmets and more. There’s even cycling-friendly apparel such as Levi’s Commuter denim and Fox T-shirts. The shop also offers bike repair services and a bright 15-seat coffee shop area that serves Fratello coffee and pastries. The best part is that the shop is close to bike share roads, cycle tracks and the RiverWalk, so you can actually ride your bike to get to it.
921 1 Ave. n.E., 587-356-2739, gobikeandbrew.ca
Blush Lane Organic Market
Bridgeland is home to Calgary’s second Blush Lane Organic Market location (there are now a total of three across the city plus its location in the Calgary Farmers’ Market). At 11,000-square-feet, it’s around twice the size of the city’s first location, which means there’s tons of local and organic produce, grab and go items, bulk foods, health and body care products and fresh flowers to shop for here.
617 Meredith Rd. N.E., 587-393-4041, blushlane.com
Bridgeland Market
This local grocery market is owned by the same family behind Tazza Deli and Grill across the street. While there are regular grocery products here, you can also pick up fresh, local food items like produce, soup, pies, honey, cheese, dips and much more. Be sure to check out the letterboard on the side of the building before you leave – the cheeky sayings are changed regularly.
1104 1 Ave. N.E., 403-269-2381, bridgelandmarket.com
Coveted
There are only a few clothing stores in Bridgeland, but the ones that are there are well worth visiting. Independent women’s clothing shop Coveted has been making the area more trendy for almost three and a half years now with its selection of denim, shoes and apparel ranging from cute tanks to rompers to sweaters. Coveted carries apparel brands such as Splendid and Koral activewear and shoe brands such as Solillas sandals and Native Shoes.
124 8 St. N.E., 403-460-9007, facebook.com
Greater Goods
Located in the De Waal Block building, Greater Goods is run by the owners of Crafted and Salt Water Tea Jewellery. The shop carries a variety of modern, handmade Canadian goods from local artisans and businesses, including socks from Friday Sock Co., pins from The Penny Paper Co., local honey from Drizzle, Lavami soaps and more. The store’s main room is also used as a workshop space and tickets are available for upcoming fall workshops on hand lettering and pressed flower art. At the back of the shop is a tea bar where you can order loose leaf tea from Tearrific, a coffee from Calgary Heritage Roasting Company, popsicles from Family Freezed or a pastry from Pretty Sweet.
8, 606 Meredith Rd. N.E., 403-455-0221, greatergoodsco.ca
Inglewood Art Supplies
The next time you’re feeling artistic, this is the place to shop for supplies. But don’t let the store’s name fool you – Inglewood Art Supplies has actually been located in Bridgeland for around three years. The store carries a wide range of art supplies including canvas’, easels, drawing paper, brushes, drawing and writing materials, printmaking supplies and several kinds of paint from brands like Golden, Stevenson, Holbein and more.
646 1 Ave. N.E., 403-265-8961, inglewoodart.com
Lukes Drug Mart
Lukes Drug Mart has a location in Killarney and Bridgeland, but the one in Bridgeland is the original location. This local, family owned drug mart has been in business since 1951 and offers a lot more than just pharmaceutical services. Spread out over two floors, Lukes offers groceries, vinyl records, household items, postal services and more. You can also pick up a snack while you’re there – not only is there a coffee bar, but the drug store recently started offering soft serve ice cream again after a 50 year break. It launched with vanilla and coconut charcoal flavours, and are currently serving purple ube soft serve.
112 4 St. N.E., 403-266-4142, lukesdrugmart.com
Sister’s
For stylish women’s apparel, accessories and jewellery, head to Sister’s in Bridgeland where the styles range from bohemian to streetwear to athleisure. Shop from brands such as Z Supply, Gilmour Clothing, Tish Jewelry, Onzie, Chaser and more. You can also book private shopping parties for you and your friends here.
945 General Ave. N.E., 403-457-3389, sistershome.net