Lucas CloutierWhenever I go overseas, I am always amazed by the convenience shops. Depending on where you go, you can pay bills and buy movie tickets. Believe it or not, you can even do laundry.
But back at home, everything is usually so different. For example, the last time I was in Smithers, the convenience store was filthy, and the snacks were expired.
Motivated to find a decent convenience store in Vancouver, I checked out different shops. Here are the ones that I thought live up to being convenient.
1. Sherry Convenience Store & Vape Zone
Address: 145 E Broadway
Contact Details:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 3 AM
Operating Hours: +1 604-874-0679
Sherry Convenience Store & Vape Zone is the go-to for many people looking for a quick snack on the go and all things vape.
They have a nice selection of vape kits and pods. They also stock several different vape e-liquid flavors like strawberry, frozen waterberry, and more.
Besides vaping products, I appreciate that they have a great produce section. I was able to snag a few vegetables and fruits for a cheaper price than I would have at the grocery market.
Snack-wise, they have a ton of different candies to choose from. I also found several interesting British and American biscuits and chips.
I just wish they had more drink choices. I saw a few everyday soda brands and water, but nothing like exotic teas or healthier energy drinks.
That aside, I do think it’s neat that they accept deliveries for courier parcels, which is convenient when you don’t want to go to the post office.
If you’re into the lottery, I’ve heard from many that the store has a really good lottery ticket selection.
Have products/groceries for everyone
“Shery is my go to neighbourhood convenience store. It is VERY convenient. They have literally EVERYTHING. You don’t have to go anywhere else. This store is it for me. 10/10 recommend. Very friendly and relatable staff. Can communicate with all ages and have products/groceries for everyone. They have all the basics and then some. If you live in close to E Broadway visit this store for a great experience”
- Kylie Gold Google Reviews
Must visit store
“Great store to buy. Good and very supportive nature from store keeper. must visit store to buy 👍😊”
- Maulik Patel Google Reviews
2. Lucky’s Exotic Bodega
Address: 94 Lonsdale Ave
Contact Details: +1 604-770-3929
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday -11 AM to Midnight
Lucky’s Exotiv Bodega is where you go if you want to find fashion finds, collector cards, shoes, and even those Labubus that are all over IG and TikTok.
I love that they’re constantly updating their inventory. They stay up to date with current trends, stocking snacks and goods that customers actually want.
Their snack selection is impressive. They sell everything from chocolate and chips to baked goods and ice cream. I even found some microwaveable meals that are a convenient choice for individuals who don’t have enough time to cook.
I also think it’s great that they sell rare items at prices more reasonable than other markets would. Several people told me they picked up a few collector’s cards here for an unbeatable deal that they wouldn’t have been able to find elsewhere.
The clothing section is another highlight. I didn’t find flimsy, throwaway pieces when I visited. Many of the shirts they offer feel well-made and durable, so you know they’ll last.
That said, checkout is pretty slow. Some shoppers report waits of up to 30 minutes, so that’s one area where the store could definitely improve.
Customer service is truly top-notch
“Always such a treat visiting this store! The staff are warm, welcoming, and create an amazing atmosphere every time. Customer service is truly top-notch, and the prices and deals are unbeatable. If you’re looking for unique snacks and a friendly vibe, this is the spot. Highly recommend! 💯 Fav spot in the city!!”
- Nidhi P Google Reviews
The snack variety is next-level
“I feel like an actual kid in a candy store every time I come in. The vibes are always amazing, and the snack variety is next-level — literally something from every corner of the world. Coming in is always a good idea. 10/10!”
- Zina Aly Google Reviews
3. H&Z MARKET
Address: 3150 Main St
Contact Details: +1 604-874-9309
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
H&Z Market is open 24 hours and has just about everything, from groceries to everyday goods you can use around the house. I’ve picked up everything from hair dye to light bulbs and batteries here.
One thing I appreciate is their massive selection at prices that are affordable. I spotted a few American snack brands that are usually overpriced at other stores, but were pretty affordable here.
It’s also a great spot to grab a quick bite. They’ve got plenty of items to munch on, including chips, pastries, and samosas. Plus, they also have several different international sodas and drinks to try.
Another thing I appreciate is how friendly the staff are. Whenever I went to check out the few items I bought, the cashier always greeted me with a smile.
The only ick I got about this shop was that items sometimes end up stacked in the wrong aisles. I wish they’d pay more attention to keeping things organized.
This convenience store truly lives up to its name
“This convenience store truly lives up to its name convenient in every sense! The store is always clean, well-organized, and fully stocked with everything you could need, from snacks and drinks to everyday essentials. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, always greeting customers with a smile and ready to help if you need anything. What really sets this store apart is its retro old school vibe.”
- Haffsa Zahid Google Reviews
This convenience store is a hidden gem
“This convenience store is a hidden gem. Not only is it spotless and well-organized, but the drink selection is absolutely top-tier. Everything from classic sodas and energy drinks to unique international beverages you won’t find everywhere else. The variety of exotic snacks is also a major highlight, with treats from around the world that make every visit feel like a mini adventure.”
- Alisha More Google Reviews
4. Mr. Jones Convenience Store
Address: 531 Main St
Contact Details: +1 236-978-2244
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM to Midnight
Mr. Jones, the owner of Mr. Jones Convenience Store, always greets his customers kindly and takes a personal interest in helping them find what they’re looking for in his store.
When I went, I appreciated his kind demeanor and how helpful he was in helping me understand the different Persian and Arabic items he had in hand.
His selection is fantastic, and I like how all of his products are never expired or a little past that “best before you buy” date. Everything I found here, from the delicious pita bread to the bags of cookies, is fresh.
Sweet lovers will also be happy here. Mr. Jones carries a great assortment of Mexican candy, chocolates, and other treats at very cheap prices.
I also appreciate how clean his entire store is. All of the items were organized and in the right place. There was nothing stuffed in the wrong place and no ripped-off price stickers.
However, I will say the parking here is quite terrible. It was hard for me to find a spot, so I had to walk from a block away.
Owner is super great and friendly
“Great store !!!always clean and product never out of date as owner only gets smaller quantities so that nothing is out dated and he will bring things in pretty much the next day if you need something he’s out off.owner is super great and friendly and the staff are always polite,friendly and helpful and open late for that last min items.”
- Tear Akkar Google Reviews
Price was amazing
“Visited this store for the first time on my friend’s recommendation and I am extremely happy with my purchase. Price was amazing and the sales person at the front has a positive vibe.”
- Ammy D Google Reviews
5. Dank Mart
Address: 805 Thurlow St
Contact Details: Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Operating Hours: +1 604-559-1060
Dank Mart is the go-to spot for international snacks and childhood classics. Whenever I drop by, I find everything from cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch to Korean-imported Cinnamon Oreos.
Their chip selection is just as impressive, featuring Chex Mix, Bugles, and more. Even their drinks are from all over the world. I actually found that strawberry lemon 7UP that I got from my Thailand trip last year here.
With such a massive selection, it’s hard to decide what to try. Thankfully, the staff are always more than happy to help. They always give snack and drink recommendations, which I really appreciate.
Another thing I like about this store is how clean and organized everything is. I spotted one staff member immediately pick up items that a customer left in the wrong place and return them to the proper aisle.
The only downside is that their items are a little pricier than the average convenience store since most of them are imported.
Different types of snacks that are unconventional
“Kevin, the owner, showed us around the store and I found it so fascinating how they bring different types of snacks from around the world. Dank Mart is really cool if you want to try different types of snacks that are unconventional and not usually found in regular stores. And also if you’re into meme culture.We bought some Korean style fried chicken flavoured lays, mint + dark chocolate Kit Kats, and rose flavour pocky. You can’t find this stuff anywhere else.”
- Moe Bachrouch Google Reviews
Lots of neat flavours and brands you don’t get
“Wasn’t sure what this was when I saw the sign. But looked in and it’s a fun little unique candy store. Lots of neat flavours and brands you don’t get around here. Grabbed a couple things. Very well organized clean and bright store.
- Thunderstorm Productions Google Reviews
