If you’re tired of seeing the same old stuff in the big malls, the little village in Ladner may be the place to check out.
Ladner Village offers a variety of shopping from unique-in-the-world antiques, to the latest consumer goods, to everything in between.
Many shops and services can be found in the village, along with a range of tasty places to sip coffee, quaff cold beer, munch on delectable food or grab the latest book, all within a few steps of each other.
But apart from the easy way to fill your Christmas wish list without worrying about parking, is the healthy stroll that’s all part of a shopping expedition. The Fraser River is just steps away so shoppers only have to walk a few blocks to the west and they can relax on the Fraser River waterfront.
“It’s just that hometown community feel,” said Richard Wischnewski, president of the Ladner Business Association (LBA).
“We have unique shops where items are available that can’t be found in regular shopping mall locations.”
The village is constantly changing and adapting to consumer and community needs, he added.
The LBA has existed since 1978 with many of its community events becoming annual traditions.
“Our advocacy with local government ensures that the interests of our members are considered. And our involvement in other aspects of the community, such as having a float in local parades, promote our members and helps Ladner to thrive,” the association said on its website.
Contributing to the community is important for Alviene Wilkins, owner of Vinca’s Kitchen.
“I’m always aware that I’m here only because the community is supportive,” she said.
She donates to fundraisers and provides a scholarship at Delta Secondary, “because those are the people that shop here.”
“Everybody I think in our area, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Delta … people are focusing on shopping local.”
Larger stores have customer service, but not to the depth available at Vinca’s because staff are very familiar with the products, she added.
People can also shop online and then have products delivered to their homes free if they live in Delta, however, Wilkins notes that most of the online business is for orders coming from across Canada.
Vinca’s Kitchen is in the process of expanding to include a real kitchen, opening next year, and offering baking and cooking classes taught by local experts.
At Black Bond Books, they have worked over the years to represent the community and hire local people who are bookworms themselves. The excellent staff can be a huge help with Christmas shopping if someone comes in with a list of people for whom they’re trying to buy gifts.
All the shopper has to do is tell the staff a bit about the person they’re buying for and staff can find a good book.
“We just love putting the right book into the right hands,” said manager Holly Morgan.
People can also order online via the store’s website then pick up their book at the store with no shipping charges. They also have signings by local authors.
“There’s always something happening in the store,” said Morgan. “We’re very dedicated to our community.”
Including the Ladner Centre Shopping Mall, Trenant Park Square and downtown Ladner, the LBA has 84 businesses, Wischnewski said.
Members include small, medium and large businesses, service organizations and representatives from all levels of government.
