I’ve been living in Ottawa for the past two years, which means that I’ve had my fair share of shopping sprees in this sometimes not-so-fashionable city. To be honest, being from Montreal, my inner fashionista was kind of disappointed by the lack of stores in this wonderful, laid-back city. But do not lose faith dear collegiettes™, we actually do have a solid amount of amazing stores. I’ve made a list of some known and not-so-known clothing stores, rating them on their customer service, quality, style and price.
*Price Legend
$ 0-50
$$ 50-100
$$$ 100-200
$$$$ 200-350
$$$$$ 350 and over
Schad – 521 Sussex Drive
Customer Service ★★★★
Quality ★★★★★
Style ★★★★
Price $$-$$$$
Shopping Tip: Schad carries OneTeaspoon, an Australian brand, that is known for their fashion forward clothes at affordable prices. The store DASH by the Kardashians in SoHo carries OneTeaspoon!
A Curious Shop- 154 York Street
Customer Service ★★★★
Quality ★★★★
Style ★★★★
Price $-$$$
Shopping Tip: This one-year-old store offers anything you might need in your closet, all made by local artisans!
Victoire – 246 Dalhousie Street
Customer Service ★★★★
Quality ★★★★
Style ★★★★★
Price $$-$$$$
Shopping Tip: This is THE place to get amazing jewelry at an affordable price! However, I have to admit their clothes are overpriced considering most are made of vintage material.
Young Janes – 223 Dalhousie Street
Customer Service ★★★
Quality ★★★★
Style ★★★★
Price $$-$$$
Shopping Tip: This is a vintage store, so make sure the clothes you get don’t have stains or broken seams.
Aritzia – Rideau Centre
Customer Service ★★★★
Quality ★★★★
Style ★★★★★
Price: $$-$$$$
Shopping Tip: This store is the best place to find leggings at a relatively low price. Some of the cheaper brands in the store are TNA, Talula and Wilfred Free. The most expensive brands include Rag and Bone, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Mackage.
American Apparel – Rideau Centre
Customer Service ★★★
Quality ★★
Style ★★★★★
Price $$-$$$
Shopping tip: Made in ‘Merica, this brand sells expensive, not-so-wonderful quality clothes that make bold statements with their out-of-the ordinary outfits. However, be careful if you get some of their white clothes, they might become see-through after a few washes.
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Banana Republic – Rideau Centre
Customer Service ★★★★
Quality ★★★★
Style ★★★★★
Price $$$
Shopping Tip: In need of professional attire? Banana Republic is the store for you.
Zara – Rideau Centre
Customer Service ★★★
Quality ★★
Style ★★★★
Price $-$$
Shopping Tip: I’ve had bad experiences with their heels in the past, so if you’re looking for a pair of heels to last you a few years, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a cheap statement pair, this might be a good place to start!
Forever 21 – Rideau Centre
Customer Service ★★
Quality ★
Style ★★★★
Price $
Shopping Tip: ‘You get what you pay for’ could not represent Forever 21 better. If you’re looking for unique jewelry or clothes for a themed party, this store is great to fulfill your needs.
Roots – Rideau Centre
Customer Service ★★★★★
Quality ★★★★★
Style ★★★★
Price $$-$$$
Shopping Tip: Look like a true Canadian by shopping at Roots! However, try to get something other than the typical Roots sweatpants – they have great leather and cozy knit sweaters!
Guess – Rideau Centre
Customer Service ★★★★
Quality ★★★
Style ★★
Price $$-$$$
Shopping Tip: Guess is my personal favourite store to get denim. However, they’ve been having a hard time keeping up with trends lately.
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Marciano – Rideau Centre
Customer Service ★★★★
Quality ★★★★
Style ★★★
Price $$$
Shopping Tip: Great place to get cocktail dresses and work shirts!
NRML – 184 Rideau Street
Customer Service ★★★★
Quality ★★★★
Style ★★★★★
Price $$-$$$
Shopping Tip: Be ready to spend your whole paycheck because you’ll want to get everything.
Urban Outfitters – 135 Rideau Street
Customer Service ★★★★★
Quality ★★★★
Style ★★★★★
Price $$-$$$
Shopping Tip: You can find something unique with any budget. Also, don’t forget to take a look at their accessories to spice up any boring outfit you might have.
Holt Renfrew – 240 Sparks street
Customer Service ★★★
Quality ★★★★★
Style ★★★★★
Price $$$-$$$$$
Shopping Tip: Tiffany & Co to Burberry, they practically have it all. However, if you want to get good customer service, make sure your outfit suits their standards.
Photo Sources:
http://www.calforex.com/uploads/images/branches/Rideau_Centre_Ottawa2.jpg
http://theinformants.ca/dealer-briefing-nrml-ottawa/
http://followthel.com/blog/fashion-essential-canadian-clothing-brands/
http://www.ottawamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/YoungJanes2.jpg