Not Big Box retailer – we’re talking independent stores. ZULU Records grabbed ‘Best Music Store’, Videomatica got the nod for Best ‘Video Rental Store’ and Book Warehouse, Duthie’s, and Banyen Books took the top three spots in ‘Best Book Store’. If you trust the Georgia Straight, you can hit West 4th for all your listening, viewing, and reading needs.
Zulu Records specializes in alternative music, local and import, new and used. You’ll also find a good selection of vinyl and magazines. The knowledgable staff has diverse musical tastes and is happy to make recommendations and bring you up to speed on what’s hot in the local music scene.
Videomatica was created for film buffs back in 1983. Their goal was to be the best video store in town – with hand-picked selections in every imaginable interest category. Not a lot of independent video rental joints survived the VHS to DVD transition – but Videomactica keeps going strong.
Book Warehouse is the best of the discount bookstores. While they have a great selection of new releases, local interest, children’s, cookbooks, self-help, computer and reference books, the core of their business is their exceptional selection of "bargain books" – remainders, publishers’ overstocks, reprints, slightly damaged books, samples, bankruptcy stock, and special imports.
Since 1957 Duthie Books has sought to provide excellence to readers throughout the Lower Mainland. Unfortunately their Kitsilano location is the sole survivor of this venerable chain after a hard fought battle with newcomer Chapters a half dozen years back. They have a thoughtfully chosen inventory and can quickly obtain titles from a database of literally hundreds of thousands of titles – Duthie’s is Kitsilano’s neighbourhood bookstore.
Keep travelling down West 4th toward UBC and you’ll eventually get to Banyen Books. Established in 1970, Banyen is recognized as Canada’s premier bookstore for Spiritual Traditions, Healing Arts, and Earth Wisdom. They sock over 27,000 new books, Tarot and Oracle sets, talking tapes & CDs, videos, music CDs, and calendars.
Last modified: September 29, 2005
I have an independently produced romantic comedy DVD, 110 minutes, not rated but P or PG type. If any of the stores on your beat would be interested in it, please let me know.
Regards, George