The Straight’s weekly Shop Stalk finds the coolest deals for your closet, vanity, and home, so you don’t have to. Simply read up, show up, and stock up—no bargaining necessary.

April 21: Gastown Shop Hop

The Gastown Shop Hop is returning tonight (April 21) from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., transforming the cobblestone grounds of Water Street and beyond into a one-night–only trove of special discounts and deals. This spring’s event features almost 50 home and fashion retailers, including John Fluevog, Litchfield, dutil., and newcomer LBV Lifestyle Boutique. Gentlemen can even get tidied up by one of the in-house barbers at FortKnight Boutique before completing their look with a pair of kicks from Rowan Sky or Menu Skateboard Shop. Expect live music, complimentary drinks, and light nibbles throughout, though you can also step into one of the nine participating restaurants, like Bambudda, Nicli’s Antica Pizzeria, and Tacofino, if you find yourself working up a hefty appetite.

April 22–24: Make It! Vancouver spring show

The popular Make It! craft show is hosting its first spring edition in Vancouver from this Friday to Sunday (April 22 to 24) at the PNE Forum (2901 East Hastings Street). Fans of the local shopping bonanza’s long-running holiday iteration can expect the same urban-cool vibe—which includes plenty of food trucks and a fully licensed beer garden—though the locally made wares on offer will be geared more toward the season’s calendar of events. Browse artisan ceramics and screen-printed textiles to gift at your best bud’s wedding; handcrafted soaps, candles, and gourmet edibles for Mother’s Day; and breezy accessories and handwoven caps to keep you cool in music-fest heat. Among the 250-plus “makies”—nearly 80 of them new—a number of students from the Junior Achievement British Columbia program will also be on hand with a selection of entrepreneurial creations, like locker air-fresheners and adult colouring books.

Admission is $5 at the door—or $4 online—and children under 12 get in for free.

April 23: Refresh Market

Head out to Squamish this Saturday (April 23), where the Refresh Market will be setting up shop at West Coast Heritage Railway Park (39645 Government Road) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. One of B.C.’s largest indie marketplaces, the event will feature over 90 vendors offering a highly edited selection of handcrafted apparel, home décor, stationery, and more. Find everything from upcycled yoga bags by Boot’s Bags Company to vintage tableware from Bungalow968 to delicate gemstone earrings by Zaleska Jewellery, plus edible treats from culinary makers like Goodmallows, Spark Kombucha, and Kiki’s Kitchen. Attendees can also enjoy live music and a fashion show by Squamish boutique Wild and Heart. The first 50 shoppers through the door will score a swag bag loaded with goodies from participating vendors.

Admission is $3 at the door and children under 12 get in for free.

April 24: Douglas Park pottery sale 

The Douglas Park Pottery Club is hosting its first sale this Sunday (April 24) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Douglas Park Community Centre (801 West 22nd Avenue), where curious shoppers can nab pieces crafted by a number of artists and potters who work from the site’s studios. Expect functional wares, like mugs, plates and vases, and sculptural ceramics that range in styles from the classic to the contemporary—all starting at $15. Many of the participating vendors—whose experience in pottery-making spans from three to 10 years—will be showcasing their work to the public for the first time at the sale. You’ll also be able to take a peek into the Douglas Park Community Centre’s studios, sign up for pottery classes, and speak to instructors to learn more about the art.  

April 24: Wise Hall Flea

The Wise Hall Flea’s monthly market takes place this Sunday (April 24) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at East Vancouver’s Wise Hall (1882 Adanac Street), where you’ll find more than 25 vendors hawking a variety of arts and crafts, apparel, ceramics, vintage goods, and more. Shop turtle-engraved mugs crafted by Strathcona-based artist Niki Holmes, ultra-comfy and ethically produced apparel from Vancouver’s Oona Clothing Company, and eclectic art by local potter and painter Melissa Humes. You can also expect to find coffee and grub from a number of vendors and food trucks onsite.

Admission is $2 at the door.