Live & Work

Gastown Businesses Listed in the 2014 Best of Vancouver Readers' Choice Awards

The readers of WE Vancouver have spoken! Gastown businesses were chosen as the 'Best of the City' winners in the 2014 Readers' Choice awards. Check out the list of Gastown winners after the jump.

Best of the City 2014 Article Highlights

Button Button wins Best Hidden Gem | Photo credit: Rob Newell

“For good service, press Button Button. The store that, for 18 years, has paid the bills by selling nothing but buttons, credits our readers with being the first to formally acknowledge it for what it is — Gastown’s hidden gem.

In fact, despite having second-generation customers and customers who come for help with all their special occasions (from newborn babies to wedding decor), and being written up in Vogue Australia, Japanese tour guides and twice in the New York Times, this is the first time the novelty shop has actually won anything. [Owner Colleen] Miller is Vancouver’s resource on all things buttons. So whether you’re looking for yourself, for someone special, or for something special, somewhere among the nine thousand textures and materials is the one you are looking for. And, if you ask Miller for help, she’s sure to be right on the button.”

Parade Organics wins Best Kids Store | Photo credit: Rob Newell

“They established themselves in Gastown as wholesalers, eventually adding a colourful, family-friendly studio shop so they could be closer to their customers. Customers who then voted them Best Kids Store in Gastown for 2014.

In 2004, Bern Tierney and Laura Sage created one the first baby lines in North America to use 100 per cent GOTS-certified organic cotton. Playful and adorable, Parade’s signature nickname kimonos, onesies and baby yoga sets have been a hit at birthdays and baby showers ever since.”

Bruce Eyewear in Gastown wins Best Eyewear | Photo credit: Rob Newell

“We’re brutally honest,” says Erin Rae, licensed optician for Bruce Eyewear. These folks won’t let you walk out with something that doesn’t look good but, chances are, you’ll find something that looks good in their vast selection of glasses. Pink-round, white-square and the odd yellow-octagon frames? They’ve got them. The employees take into consideration your prescription, lifestyle and personality to find a frame that suits you. The team makes staring at yourself in a mirror, while trying on different pairs of glasses with different facial expressions, as comfortable as possible. Their laid-back, no-pressure approach creates a natural environment, like hanging out at a friend’s place.”

2014 Best of City Readers’ Choice Winners in Gastown