Want to Shop Local? Check Out The Best of Clark County Businesses
Whether you’re stepping out to find those last minute back-to-school supplies, picking up a grab-and-go meal, or allowing your window-shopping to escalate to the real deal, there are great benefits to shopping local. American Express wouldn’t have branded a day of credit card transactions as “Shop Local Saturday” if it only benefited them, no?
Shopping local impacts the entire community from the ground up – literally. Most local stores are built using local architects, contractors, and crews, and consumers can expect more from their local store owners. How much more? From expanded selections within a product line to items carefully sourced through local farms or artisans, shopping local is geared to better supporting the individuals in your area. So, you want to shop locally? Check out the Best of Clark County Businesses:
Top Grocery Store: Chuck’s Produce & Street Market
Chuck’s has been a local favorite since opening in 2010. The family-owned business carries what they describe as top-notch products at low prices. With two locations, they maintain one of the largest selections of organic foods, with fresh seafood, produce, a butcher, artisan bakery, gourmet coffee shop, deli, and salad bar, plus an expansive health and wellness shop and even an ice cream and soda fountain! It’s not just family-owned but also family-oriented – Chuck’s is closed on Saturdays for “Family Day”. No wonder it’s the Best of Clark County. Visit Chuck’s at Mill Plain in Vancouver or in Salmon Creek, WA.
Top Women’s Boutique: Willows
A Vancouver staple on Grand Boulevard since 1997, this shop carries women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories. It’s the kind of store where you should not only look at the well-organized displays or what the mannequins are wearing, but also check out the employees for accessorizing tips. Oh, and don’t forget to look beyond the clothes for kitschy and on-point gift items. Head to toe fashion, journals, and a personal touch. It’s a best of Clark County place to shop local for bestie and yourself.
Top Hardware Store: Parkrose Hardware
I can’t help it. When I think to go to the hardware store, I always think of tagging along with my dad to get some crazy combination of twine, a shovel, an odd-sized light bulb, a pack of seeds and… a toy. And at Parkrose Hardware, this Best of Clark County business with four locations would have all of that, plus share their recipe for grilled pizza. They have full departments supporting all of your needs in automotive, paint, outdoor, lawn & garden, power tools and so much more. Get your build on at Parkrose Hardware in Portland, Hazel Dell, Vancouver and Vancouver Heights.
Top Consignment Store: Spanky’s
There is no shortage of consignment stores in the Clark County area. But lucky for you, rising above as the Best in Clark County is Spanky’s. This shop boasts a staff that can serve as your personal shopper, while also selling your own gently worn kids, ladies’, plus-size, maternity and men’s clothing, plus and home décor. They offer 50% earnings on items sold over $45 with options to mail-in clothes if you can’t drop by their Mill Plain store, the Northwest’s largest consignment store for over 30 years. If it ain’t broke, bring it to Spanky’s and they’ll sell it!
Top Crafts Store: Craft Warehouse
This family-run company has everything you need to embrace your inner DIY doer, with great classes, online tutorials and a vast supply of materials. With three locations in the area, plus five beyond Clark County (in Oregon and Idaho), their tag says it all: “We are as BIG as your imagination!”
Top Brunch: Kitchen Table Cafe
Breakfast + Lunch = Brunch. And that’s all that you can find on the brunch menu at Kitchen Table Café’s three locations (Evergreen Place, Salmon Creek, and Orchards). Eggs, scrambles, salads, burgers, even a selection of gluten free buns to cover dietary needs. Loyalists can earn dining credits with their rewards program. Earn myself a free Avocado Benedict? Eggs-cellent!
Top Bridal Shop: Sincerely, The Bride
Shopping for a wedding dress is one of the most special moments for affianced. And, it can be one of the most stressful! But with one of the Best of Clark County stores, Sincerely, The Bride makes a difference. From the renewed, rustic building to the knowledgeable staff, it’s no wonder brides travel from afar for the personalized service at Sincerely, The Bride. They have three dressing rooms and take appointments as well as walk-ins, as available. Dresses range from $1,000 to $5,000 with samples on site from sizes 6 to 24. And talking about shopping local to the Best of Clark County? Many of their designers are exclusive to the area! Say “I Do” to them on West 7th Street.
Top Pet Store: Natural Pet NW
Yep, Fido and Fifi also appreciate great selections, exceptional service, and competitive pricing, and Natural Pet NW has it all. They’re the Best of Clark County two years in a row (plus they held the honor in 2014!) The store is dedicated to carrying healthy pet foods as well as treats, supplies, training tools and more. Located on 212 NE 164th Ave in Vancouver.
Top Oil Change: Gaynor’s
An eight-time Best of Clark County victor, Gaynor’s is more than just an oil change. They’re a locally owned and operated business with four locations and the staff and supplies to keep your autos riding easy providing oil change and basic repairs to tires, tune-ups and major repairs on most vehicles and trucks. Find them in Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Downtown and Cascade Park.
In addition to these wonderful local businesses, at New Tradition Homes we are proud to once again be voted among the Best of Clark County in the New Home Builder category. We, like our fellow winners, are committed to positive growth and development within the county and are glad to provide our services to its residents and visitors, alike.
Looking for more shop local inspiration? ClarkCountyLive! curates a large list of local businesses covering additional categories including medical, financial, photography, automotive, attractions, salons and spas, and so much more. They have a great map feature with flags by category so you can even find that yoga studio closest to home, or the market on the way back from an oil change, all found in Vancouver and Clark County.
Next time you head out, shop local and shop the Best of Clark County!