Shop till you drop

Cranbrook offers a wide variety of stores

Cranbrook’s Tamarack Centre appeals to shoppers of all stripes. — Kris Lindblad photo

Along with having the charm and accessibility of a smaller community, Cranbrook also boasts a number of diverse shopping zones that not only appeal to residents but also to those who are visiting from out of town. Whether you are in search of a souvenir to remember your trip by, a homemade item or the latest clothing trend, there is something waiting for you in Cranbrook’s bustling trade sector.

See what’s in store

At Tamarack Centre, located at 1500 Cranbrook Street North, more than 30 innovative businesses can be found. They offer everything from electronics and leather goods to books and clothing for shoppers of every age group. There is a hairstylist on site, and a food vendor and seating area where you can relax and observe the classy layout of the mall and its decorative features. There are also several gift shops, two jewellery businesses, a dollar store and pharmacy, in addition to the ever-popular Zellers and Winners department stores. The mall has convenient hours of operation seven days a week, staying open until 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights.

Next to Tamarack Centre, you can check out the latest technology at Staples, head across the parking lot and get a bite to eat at Boston Pizza, then pick up a double-double or grab yourself a delicious doughnut at Tim Hortons, which is located right next door. 

Take a trip down Willowbrook Drive to find another selection of stores—you can check out  the local Wal-Mart and Real Canadian Superstore, as well as women’s apparel, electronic gaming, work wear and a shoe store. Of course you can also stop at one of the numerous businesses located along the Strip (Cranbrook Street).

Baker Street, considered to be Cranbrook’s main street downtown, is yet another central location for merchandise of all kinds. There are small businesses that offer souvenirs and other intriguing goods, health food stores and quality apparel merchants. At 1200 Baker Street, there is a smaller indoor shopping centre called the Baker Street Mall. Flanking this mall are Safeway and Giant Tiger outlets.

The restaurant choices in Cranbrook will impress the most discerning diner. There are family restaurants and fast-food vendors, sushi bars, steak houses, lounges, coffee shops and fine dining establishments. There is also an impressive array of ethnic cuisine, including East Indian, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Asian and Bavarian choices.

Home-grown goodness

Every Saturday from June 25th to September 17th, the Cranbrook Farmers Market sets up shop on 10th Avenue South beside Rotary Park in downtown Cranbrook.

Open from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m., this gathering of vendors showcases the homemade food, locally grown produce, crafts and other goods that the talented residents bring to the table. Originating with the help of a grant from Columbia Basin Trust in 2009, the market has become a huge hit, and every year it attracts a more interesting range of products and creations.

With a goal of boosting the sustainability of the East Kootenay economy, the Cranbrook Farmers Market Society won the 2010 Community Builder Award for its contribution to the local economy and character of the downtown area.