Here at Kitsilano.ca we tend to devote a great number of our posts to the never ending cycle of opening and closing stores and restaurants. And how can we not.
However, this time I would like to highlight one of my favourite stores on West 4th: awesome magazine emporium Does Your Mother Know? (2139 West 4th Avenue @ Arbutus).
They have been in the same location for over 9 years, have no web presence, and have no real background story as to what the name might refer to (and there are no obvious references to ABBA in the store…).
Does Your Mother Know? always makes me wish I read more magazines. I typically walk out with the same one every time, but I just love browsing through the store, marveling at the incredible amount of specialty magazines that are still produced and, presumably, read. Yesterday, for instance, I found myself immersed in Brain Child – the Magazine for Thinking Mothers. If only it was for thinking fathers also.
Another great feature of DYMK? is that they have one of the best greeting card selections in Kits, easily rivaling those of the likes of Briers and Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
And last, but certainly not least, DYMK? also has a huge community board, featuring local events, classes, and small entrepreneurial endeavors. Yes, DYMK? is one of those great neighbourhood staples, and well worth supporting.
Last modified: August 16, 2008
I love this place. Not only do they have a great selection (including the smaller literary publications, which is always nice to see), but they know their product. (The owner is amused that my order often includes “Glamour” and “The Walrus”.)
I pick up a few favourites and at least one new title each time I’m in. I discovered “Mother Jones” there and, more recently Montreal’s “Maisonneuve”.
Last month I also left with a tip about beet greens — apparently they’re all sorts of buttery goodness.