Shopping in Halifax

Wicker Emporium’s product buyers scour lands near and far to find elegant home accents for their customers. The practice of travelling to different countries began more than 35 years ago, when the company’s heads joined the crew of a pirate ship to pay off a gambling debt. Today, in 20 stores across Atlantic Canada and Ontario, customers can still browse pillows, quilts, mirrors, outdoor accessories, and shelves imported from local manufacturers and international crafters.

Along the misty wharfs of Nova Scotia's south shore, the ocean begins to smell more like fair-trade coffee the closer you get to Beales’ Bailiwick’s green facade. Just outside, a deck area beckons shoppers to sip coffees and nosh on cornish pastries they just snagged from the shop’s quaint café, Espresso on Deck. Inside, men try on fishermen's hats to cover their embarrassing male pattern blowholes, and women peruse a collection of Canadian-made crafts, apparel, pewter giftware, and brass rings. Visitors can also consult staffers for sightseeing advice that steers them toward St. John's Church, the deGarthe monument and gallery, and other coastal landmarks within walking distance.

Zephyr Rug and Home shines a spotlight on Canadian-made furnishings in its Quinpool showroom. Crisp, modern ceiling lights and dining tables from Jesse, Selene, and Korson Furniture Design add trendy touches to homes. More than 300 styles of hand-knotted and tufted rugs maintain their fresh appearances, even when faced with rough shoes and foot traffic. Zephyr also employs two interior decorators who perform onsite consultations to help customers to update their household’s style and garage's haircut.