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The Kootenay’s top destination shopping market
Cranbrook is the market and shopping destination centre of the East Kootenay and the largest city in the Kootenays.
A city of 20,000 people situated on an elevated plain above the Kootenay Valley, looking at one of the most impressive ranges in the Canadian Rockies, Cranbrook plays a vital role in a wide array of government, healthcare and business services, for its residents and for the 45,000 plus other East Kootenay residents who visit the city on a regular basis.
As a result, the city has a splendid quantity of accommodations available for all needs, from luxury to fun-for-the-kids to affordable.
All the accommodations are within easy walking distance to two or more of the city’s five main shopping areas. They are also serviced by an excellent team of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and lounges and fast food outlets.
Not surprisingly, the city has an impressive variety of shopping experiences awaiting consumers, from Tamarack Centre to Baker Street downtown to Victoria Avenue businesses to the box stores and many other businesses along the Highway 3/95 strip (Cranbrook and Van Horne Streets).
Cranbrook is a great location for women and girls seeking new wear or accessories.
Are you looking for furniture and housewares and gardening supplies? Cranbrook has awesome variety.
Are you looking for hardware and home improvement goods? The city has box store giants and small business specialty.
Are you looking for children’s clothing and toys? Check.
Looking for mega-variety stores? Check.
Looking for summer or winter toys? Check.
Looking for hunting and fishing gear? Check.
How about books? Check. Pets and pet supplies? Check. Specialty foods? Check. Electronics? Check. Vehicle parts? Check. Jewelry? Check. Shoes? Check. Basic Christmas shopping supplies? Check. Groceries? Check. Professional services of all kinds? Check. A new vehicle? Check and check again.
And please do check again because shopping locally benefits everyone, from the business owner to the consumer to the local economy.
Some tips for you to consider if you are new to Cranbrook and want to cover all the main shopping areas
Cranbrook’s downtown: Baker Street and adjoining thoroughfares make for a beautiful outdoor mall experience, with shops and businesses you would expect in a city of Cranbrook’s size. Be sure to check out Baker Mall at the east end of Baker Street, too.
Highway strip: The long Highway 3/95 drive through Cranbrook literally screams ‘commerce’ and the variety of shops and businesses available range from box stores (on the eastern side of town) to specialty shops and services of all variety.
Industrial Park: Cranbrook has an extensive industrial park, located on the north side of the CP Rail tracks, with a great variety of services and stores on hand (including Slater Road, McPhee Road, Cobham Avenue and Theatre Road).
Tamarack Centre: The biggest mall between Lethbridge and Penticton, Tamarack Centre has about 40 stores, restaurants and service providers in one location.
Victoria Avenue: Turn at the Husky, across from Tamarack Centre, to access the businesses along Victoria Avenue, including the Save-on-Foods mall.
Do you want some proof about Cranbrook’s oomph as a shopping destination? Head to the Key City this Friday, Nov. 21 and take part in Black Friday.
Organized by the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce, Black Friday is entering its fourth year.
Participating businesses make the day, and many of them the weekend, a festive affair, with themed costumes, fun and some major deals.
Also of note for shoppers, following the JCI Kootenay Santa Claus Parade on Friday, Nov. 28 (5-9 p.m.) the Cranbrook Farmers’ Market is holding a night market and on Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30, there will be farmers’ markets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The markets are being held at the old Supervalu building on Baker Street, downtown.
Lead image: Tamarack Centre becomes a Cbristmas wonderland every year.
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