A few doors down from its old hunting grounds lives the new and improved Nettles Tale. From exclusive swimwear to locally acquired home decor, Nettles Tale has settled in beautifully. We reached out to owner, and designer, Julia, who gave us her perspective on being a store owner in Gastown.
Q: First things first, Why did you move?
A: It was our COVID silver lining. We had two spaces, our teeny tiny storefront and then space to run our e-commerce out of across the street and because of COVID this new space came available and it was a great opportunity to combine everything into one space and have a larger more welcoming storefront. Thanks to our amazing landlords for helping us make it happen.
Q: How does Nettles Tale fit into Gastown
A: We feel it is important, in a neighbourhood that is known for its shopping to offer more size-inclusive and sustainable or locally made options.
Q: What do you want your customers to know when they first walk into the store?
That we don’t just design, but we actually manufacture everything in Vancouver and that we carry sizes XS to 4X in apparel and swimwear.
Q: What connects you to Gastown?
A: I love a little bit of everything, a little variety in my life. Gastown offers a little bit of everything! It has the best coffee and cafes, amazing restaurants and nightlife, and a great selection of local boutiques. It’s also the one neighbourhood where you can run into anyone from any part of the city, or part of the world visiting Vancouver.
Q: Can you name a “Gastown moment” (something that wouldn’t happen in any other ‘hood)?
A: We will always remember our first “shop hop” night back in 2017, we couldn’t believe how many customers came by and how busy and buzzing it was and I remember thinking I don’t think an evening event like this would be this successful in any other neighbourhood. Gastown really attracts people and there’s a real sense of community around everything the neighbourhood has to offer.
Q: Number one date spot in Gastown?
A: Happy hour and small fare at Di Beppe, dinner at Pourhouse or L’Abattoir (or dinner at one and another cocktail at the other) and then you gotta end the night at The Diamond for fancy cocktails overlooking Gastown, something that feels romantic about a window seat at The Diamond, but nothing beats a Gastown cocktail hop!
Check out the Nettle Tale 2.0 on 306 W Cordova Street and on Instagram.
