Alberta Stores and Shopping

Though the world around Blank Skate + Snow has changed dramatically since the shop first opened in 1978, the team holds firm to its roots. Committed to carrying only trusted snowboard, long board, skateboard, and surf gear, they strictly avoid less-than-quality equipment, while maintaining a promise to never become a "clothing-skateboard store." To that end, staffers give skateboards and snowboards by Canadian manufacturers top priority in the shop, along with trucks, wheels, bearings, boots, and wax by companies such as Endeavor and Never Summer. They also keep their clients’ snowboards and skis maintained each season by edging boards and waxing away winter stubble.

Jenna Drouin spent eight years working at an upscale Edmonton florist shop before embarking on her own floral design business venture. Since she opened up shop, the skilled flower artist has been assembling fresh buds into festive arrangements for a variety of special occasions, from holidays to public restroom unveilings to professional photo shoots with WedLuxe magazine. Taking careful note of each client’s desires and specifications, Jenna decorates homes with customized wreaths for Christmas and festive orange garlands for Halloween. Jenna also offers specialty gift baskets, which she packs with artful displays of chocolate, fruit, and candles.

Behind Baby & Beyond's storefront, pastel greens, blues, and yellows set a calming scene accented by charming baby clothes and accessories. Pint-sized clothing and footwear for both boys and girls boasts brand names such as Mexx, Guess, and Robeez and range from sleepers to tuxedos. Guardians and those taking exceptionally good care of their stuffed animals can also peruse the vast selection of accessories, including carriers, diaper bags and feeding supplies.

Just as yoga helps people expand their minds, Bodhi Fit augments its inventory of yoga and athletic apparel with amenities designed to nurture a relaxing environment. Large changing rooms bestow shoppers with enough space to park a stroller or spread out a yoga mat to test their new clothing’s fit under the real-life demands of rolling up a mat. Toys and crafts entertain youngsters while their parents change, too—their frazzled adult minds soothed by the soft world tunes filling the store. Committed to healthy consciences as well as bodies, the staff stocks eco-friendly fabrics and fair-trade apparel whenever possible, brews complimentary cups of loose-leaf tea, and holds regular yoga classes inside the store.

Trained consultants at Bridal Debut celebrate the wedding gown's romance-infused allure, passionately leading brides-to-be toward the gown of their dreams. Bridal buffs champion one-on-one service, showering attention on customers during 60- to 90-minute private consultations. They'll not only usher clients through the tulle-fringed racks of gowns by Maggie Sottero and Allure, but also help brides in and out of dresses and suggest handmade jewellery by local designers. Seamstresses on staff ensure dresses flatter every silhouette, and a gown-cleaning facility whisks away all traces of cake crumbs and wedding-vow cheat sheets.

Large picture windows illuminate Mint Yoga Clothing's stretchy, comfortable athletic clothing, hung against cheerful green walls. A selection of hip hugging, moisture-wicking yoga pants encourage more pliable posing. Eco-friendly water bottles lounge in sleek black shelves, and Halfmoon or Manduka yoga mats wait to be unrolled. Mint Yoga Clothing's fabrics outfit stretchers of all shapes and sizes, defend against UV rays, and can safeguard keys, cell phones, and family secrets.