Calgary’s small businesses are vital for the development of our city. So many unique amd niche businesses can be found in the streets of downtown, selling homemade candles, pastries, socks, and more. As a thank-you for all the hard work that goes into each and every one of these small businesses, I compiled a list of Calgary-based companies that deserve some appreciation.
If you’re looking for a new place to shop, this post is for you!
1. Yann Haute Patisserie
Address: 29, 23rd Avenue SW T2S 0J3 in Calgary
Yann Blanchard is an internationally-recognized chef who settled in Calgary after studying in Paris, France. He seeks to continue his father’s legacy through his craft and opened Yann Haute Patisserie in 2009, with the business consisting of 10 employees. This pastry shop functions inside of a big yellow house, which Yann and his team renovated into a bakery. Citizens of Calgary are raving about his delicious delicacies and claim that him and he is the best at his craft. If you’re interested in buying delicious macarons, cakes, croissants, and more, check out Yann Haute Patisserie!
They do deliveries as well, and have a separate delivery menu. For more information like store hours and contact information, check out there website here.
2. MilkJar Candle Co.
Address: 1450 28 St NE # 7, Calgary, AB T2A 7N6
Milk Jar is a Calgary-born small business started in 2016 by Holly Singer. Holly’s mission was to raise money for programs supporting people with disabilities, and she began in her kitchen hand-pouring candles to sell at local markets. Her goal was to raise $500, but her work began to gain immense popularity in the Calgary scene, and MilkJar is now a rapidly-growing business. They boast “inclusive employing” and provide jobs to those who are disabled, while creating plant-based, phthalate-free, “clean-burning”, deliciously scented candles. They have raised over $400,000 so far and aim to create a safe, inclusive workspace for everyone.
As if they weren’t amazing enough already, they offer workshops for people to create their own candles and diffusers. If you’re interested, check out their website here!
3. Noto Gelato
Address: 236 4 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3S2
Noto Gelato is the talk of the town, catering to everyone’s gelato needs. They aim to bring authentic Italian gelato to Calgary, and have gained immense popularity doing so. Their gelato is handmade, and their ingredients are imported directly from Italy. They have a wide range of flavours and a welcoming ambience in their NE location. They offer stellar deals such as “Free Scoops for Dads” on Father’s Day, and many reviewers continuously mention the great service and staff.
If you’re craving a sweet treat, learn more about Noto Gelato here!
4. Moonstone Creation
Address: 1219 10 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0W6
Moonstone Creation is a beautiful and authentic Indigenous-owned shop located in the heart of downtown Calgary. Run by a mother-daughter duo, this boutique carries handmade pieces such as beaded jewelry, moccasins, leatherwork, and art made by over 60 Indigenous artists across Canada. Their goal is to preserve and share Indigenous culture through art and storytelling, creating a space that celebrates creativity and tradition.
Every piece sold at Moonstone has meaning behind it, and by supporting their store, you’re directly uplifting Indigenous artists and their communities. If you’re looking for a gift, statement piece, or just want to learn more about Indigenous culture, Moonstone Creation is the place to go! Check out their website here.
5. Labode Shoppe & Interiors
Address: 812 49 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1G8
Labode Shoppe & Interiors is a charming little boutique tucked away in the neighbourhood of Inglewood. Owned by a mother-daughter duo (Bobbi and Mercedes), this shop is a carefully curated space full of cozy home decor, unique gifts, and lifestyle pieces that bring a soft, minimalist aesthetic into your space. Everything in the shop is inspired by European culture, from handmade ceramics to textiles and glassware.
This boutique specializes in timeless styles, offering items that provide comfort and elegance. If you’re looking to elevate your living space with something thoughtfully made, Labode is the perfect place to visit. You can learn more about them on their website here!
Conclusions
Calgary is composed of hundreds of small businesses, each offering new and unique products. Unfortunately, I couldn’t fit more of my favourites like Wakado Ramen (I’ve already mentioned my love for this place in previous posts) and The Silk Road Spice Merchant into this blog post, but I want to end off by encouraging everyone to go and explore the amazing businesses our city has to offer.
From greenhouse-boutiques to stores specializing in vintage eyeware, there are so many lovely companies to shop from if you take the time to look. Taking the current state of politics into account, it’s becoming increasingly more important for us to shop local and support our small businesses. I hope you found some cool spots to check out after reading this post!