Vancouver umbrella shops for wet-weather necessities
They don’t call it Raincouver for nothing! Cloudy skies and wet weather are plentiful in Vancouver, especially during the grey winter months. Next time you need to shield yourself from a light drizzle or a full on thunderstorm, these local shops will have you covered (so to speak) with sturdy umbrellas and protective rain gear.
Umbrella Shop
526 Pender St W, Vancouver BC V6B 1V3When it comes to staying dry in Vancity, The Umbrella Shop is a go-to destination for locals. This family-owned specialty shop has been in business since 1935 and now has three locations across the downtown offering retail and repair services. Shop here for just about any type of umbrella you can imagine: functional auto-open designs, elegant stick styles, oversized golf umbrellas, ruffled parasols and novelty options for kids. The bestselling made-in-Vancouver Domestic umbrella is built to last with poly-cotton fabric and an elegant carved wooden handle. Alternatively, customize your own folding umbrella with your choice of handle, colour and print.
Hudson's Bay
674 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6C 1Z6It’s easy to get lost in the sea of black umbrellas that blanket the downtown core every time the clouds open up. Why not standout from the crowd and show off your patriotic spirit with a brightly coloured brolly from this longstanding Canadian retailer? You’ll find the Hudson’s Bay Company signature multi-stripe design available in an easy-to-carry compact umbrella and in a larger walking-stick style. The Bay also carries a wide variety of pretty patterned styles from iconic British brands such as Fulton and Lulu Guinness with prices ranging from $14.99 to $48.99.
Burberry
1101 Alberni Street, Vancouver BC V6E 4T9The umbrellas from this British luxury label will have you praying for rain. Renowned for its iconic plaid prints and timeless trenches, Burberry is the go-to designer for luxurious wet-weather gear. The Vancouver flagship shop, located on upscale Alberni Street, stocks a range of check-lined umbrellas in foldable and walking-stick styles for both ladies and gentlemen. Hand-crafted in the U.K., these sartorially inclined accessories are a serious splurge (prices start at $250 and up) but are a worthy investment for any style savvy Vancouverite. Add a matching trench coat and a pair of rubber boots to complete the look.
Daiso
1080-4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond BC V6X 4J7This 26,430-square-foot department store in the Aberdeen Centre is a veritable treasure trove of Asian goodies. Stocked with more than 100,000 imported products from Japan, China and Korea, Daiso is brimming with affordable housewares, accessories, beauty products, foodstuffs and much more. Most products are around $2 and range from practical must-haves (cleaning supplies, kitchen gadgets) to totally whimsical indulgences. Pick up transparent plastic umbrellas in a variety of colourful patterns for less than $5 each. If you can’t make it to Richmond, visit Daiso’s sister store, Yokoyaya, at the Tinseltown mall.
Cheeky Umbrella
851 Regal Cres, North Vancouver BC V7K 2X9Add a pop of personality to your wet-weather arsenal with a colourful, custom umbrella from this online retailer. Founded in 2008 by entrepreneur Jen Zurowski, Cheeky Umbrella manufactures colourful umbrellas for men and women in compact and long sizes as well as extra-large, wind-resistant golf umbrellas. All styles are made with stain and mildew-resistant, quick-drying nylon and feature reinforced tips where the fabric attaches to the ribs to ensure long-term durability. Designs can also be customized with corporate logos, patterns and text.
London Drugs
710 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6Z 1E4Caught in a rainstorm without the proper protection? Pop in to this ubiquitous drug store for a grab-and-go umbrella for just $6.99. And while these no-frills brollies will certainly do the job in a pinch, London Drugs also stocks a number of sophisticated rainy-day accessories from local brand Vancouver Umbrella. Wood, fiberglass and aluminum umbrellas are available in basic black and range from $14.99 to $19.99 depending on the size. And hey, why not pick up a decorative umbrella stand for your home while you’re in store.
Army & Navy Department Store Ltd
27W Hastings St W, Vancouver BC V6B 1G5It’s easy to be rain-ready with lightweight automatic umbrella from this discount department store. The handy accessories are large enough to protect you during inclement weather but short enough to collapse and fit into a purse or a pocket. And at just $9.99 a pop, you can afford to invest in a few different colours and patterns to coordinate with your outfits.
Urban Outfitters
822-830 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6Z 1K3From graphic tees to novelty housewares, the Granville Street outpost of this trendy chain is packed with of-the-moment fashions and irreverent goodies for guys and gals. Check out the accessories department for a variety of bubble-style umbrellas, available in tinted colours, stripes or classic clear. Traditionalists will love the sleek look of the bubble umbrella from iconic British brand Hunter; the fashionable-yet-functional brollies feature sleek transparent covering with a bold contrasting trim and a crook handle covered in soft polyurethane for superior grip.
Barrington Brolly
This Gibsons-based company specializes in bespoke umbrellas and parasols as well as historic reproductions. Personalized umbrellas start at approximately $150 and are made to order with a number of different add-on options such as an additional half-canopy, matching protective case, embroidery, monograms, ribbons and ultra-sophisticated Italian sterling silver handles. You definitely don’t want to forget one of these customized beauties in a cab.
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