Shopping in Calgary

The undergarment experts at She Apparel earned the upscale boutique the honour of Calgary's Best Retail Experience in the 2011 Calgary Choice Awards with the help of their 50 hours of training in proper fitting methods. They introduce women of all body types to their upscale, international lingerie and swimwear, ensuring a proper fit from cup to strap (the boutique's selection encompasses cup sizes A–K and back sizes 28–48). They act as personalized shoppers, presenting customers with corsets, bras, and garters from brands such as Blush Lingerie, Chantelle, and Pleasure State, and once a woman has been fitted at the store, they save her measurements in a profile. This can be especially helpful for men who want to buy their wife or girlfriend a gift. She Apparel also outfits men in upscale Naked underwear, crafted from soft Italian fabric that seamlessly forms to the male figure or the flagpole at summer camp.

A duo of turn-of-the-century entrepreneurs, Riley and McCormick opened the doors to their first Calgary storefront in 1901—four years before Alberta was established as a province. Their pioneering spirit quickly led to the store’s entrenchment in the annals of local and world history; over the years, the pair crafted military saddles for the Russian cavalry in World War I and supplied equipment to Edward, Prince of Wales, at his famed EP Ranch. The grandchildren of Eneas McCormick picked up right where the founding friends left off, and the family has maintained a presence at every Calgary Stampede dating back to 1912.

Today, those grandchildren continue to leave their mark on the business, expanding the store’s reach but staying true to the traditions that made it such an integral part of the Canadian West. Their selection includes shoes, accessories, and clothing for every member of the family, including wide-brimmed felt and straw hats that protect eyes from the sun’s rays and cows’ grassy spitballs. Let a pair of Canadian-made leather boots do your talking for you, or prepare for a rugged day on the ranch with durable jeans in all cuts and styles.

At espy, fashion savant Megan Szanik and her elite style squad orchestrate custom fittings of designer jeans, a method earning the boutique nods from outlets such as the Calgary Herald. The 3,000-square-foot retail space houses more than 100 handpicked denim styles that flatter male and female silhouettes with a wide range of sizes and inseams. Before customers leap into jeans, fashion stylists measure leg and hip dimensions to gauge an ideal fit. Wearers can further complement bottoms with the help of tops by dozens of high-end designers that attract stares from even the most stoic mannequins. Additionally, the team can beautify clients' faces with makeup and skincare products at the beauty counter.

Direct relationships with manufacturers overseas account for Beauty Saunas and Baths' sleek array of European-designed showers, sinks, and toilets. The showroom stocks elegantly designed bathroom staples and extras, such as all-wood infrared saunas, which may show promise in treating ailments such as arthritis and insomnia. A range of showers show off contemporary glass designs and spritz water to mimic falling rain, while bubbly whirlpools—unlike children—come equipped with self-cleaning abilities.

The Place For Men combines the sophistication of a high-end boutique with the affordability of a clearance centre, resulting in a one-stop shop for customers in search of well-fitting suits, shirts, and customizable accessories. Like a yacht made of generic cereal boxes, the well-stocked haberdashery fuses luxury and thrift, decking out clients in stylish finery from designers such as Marco Donateli and Cerruti, as well as casual wear for everyday occasions. The boutique's collection of accessories and one-of-a-kind items helps polish off new ensembles with shoes, outerwear, designer wallets, and shiny cufflinks.

Calgary Party Rentals furnishes festivities with both necessities and flair, renting out equipment that ranges from folding chairs to moon bounces. Its selection of tents, tables, and dinnerware preps outdoor venues for birthday parties, wedding receptions, and picnics. To take the stress out of gatherings, the staff in Southern Alberta preps fetes with delivery, setup, and pickup. They also stock retail goods and decorations at Dollar Bonanza, where themed party supplies charm guests with characters from popular franchises, depicting the heroes of Star Wars and the feet from Footloose.