Kindred — Local services in Vancouver

I love this store and have shopped here several times because I love the affordability and the selection of the bulk section. I especially like the tea and household cleaning items. I also have always experienced very positive interactions with the staff. They are so friendly and helpful. However, unfortunately today was different. I was getting some items from the bulk section and was approached by a male staff member, who asked if I had weighed the jars that I was filling. I said no, and explained they were jars from the store and showed him they already have the weight written on the bottom. (On a previous visit, another staff member kindly showed me that they mark the weight on the jars they provide.) I also had 2 jars I brought with me (Ball, wide mouth) that were exactly the same ounces and brand as the marked one from the store. He behaved as if he hadn't heard anything I just said and told me he could show me how easy it was to weigh the jars. I explained I knew how to do this. Again, he acted as if I hadn't said anything and went on to tell me how much easier it was for everybody if I would just weigh the jars. Then he demonstrated the process to me which I already knew and patronizingly said, "See how easy that is?" I got tired of the power struggle and not being heard. Honestly, I wanted to leave but complied because I love the store and I want to support their mission. He responded with "Thank you" in a tone and finally left me alone. It was ironic because when I took the items up to the register, the process that was supposed to be "easier for everyone" didn't work anyway. Two of the exact same jars with the same bulk product came up with vastly different prices--$5 and $20. The woman that was helping me check out kindly gave me the lower price and apologized for the confusion. Maybe she could give some lessons to the male staff member. I will still come back but sincerely hope I don't on a day...

There are not enough stores in this town that feel like catching up with an old friend. Kindred is one of them. I have been shopping at Kindred for almost 4 years, and it has felt that way since day 1.

Walking through the door feels unclenching your jaw. There’s a sense of safety and belonging. Every single item in the store was thoughtfully selected to be there – It is high quality, sustainably sourced, and supports a small and/or local business owned and operated by good people. It’ll help you live a better life, or make the world a better place, somehow. You’ll find short lists of ingredients you can pronounce, hardly any plastic, and a grounded sense of empowerment that sings, “This isn’t that hard, after all. I can do this.”

Even weekly visitors are promised new adventures and wonder at Kindred. Things are always moving, shifting, changing. The community and swap table will keep their promise that you won’t ever regret the time you spend lingering at Kindred.

The friendly, smiling business owner who gives off the cooler cousin vibes is Alex. Easily approachable by all standards, she has a wealth of knowledge, and she is eager to share. She’ll meet you where you’re and guide you through the process.

I can’t promise this to everyone, but something changed in me when I started shopping at Kindred. Something was missing and Kindred filled that space. I feel good shopping there- every little purchase feels like I supported something important because I did. My life feels healthier...

So many good things to share about this lovely establishment. Firstly, the customer service is OUTSTANDING. Everyone who works here is so warm & friendly! I had recently lost my dog on my first visit, and it was my first time being back in "society" after the tragic loss. The love & kindness that exudes from this store is unreal. I was met with such kind words and outstanding service.

I am a Realtor in the area & self proclaimed house plant freak. This place is PERFECT for me! I love purchasing unique house plants for my clients here as gifts. I can just walk in, give them a general idea and just like that, it's ready! I love that they pot the plants for you. Everything has always been securely packaged as well. I'm in love with everything I have purchased here from wooden carved mushrooms, to Elkhorn Ferns! My only complaint is that it's far from Camas, but it will continue to be the only reason I leave the countryside for Downtown Vancouver.

Thank you to your team for all being phenomenal people. If you love giving gifts from the heart, you should check...