You would never guess it from street level, but tucked just below a market on Centre Street in Calgary lies a vintage shop that feels like a hidden discovery. It’s one of those places that you could walk past a hundred times without even realizing what is waiting underneath, which makes finding it even better.
What you’ll find inside
Inside the Tigerstedt and Friends store on Centre Street, you will find Prairie Bazaar tucked downstairs. Once you head down, it’s a completely different vibe from above ground. The shop is filled with curated vintage finds, from clothing and home decor to rare thrifted pieces you definitely won’t find anywhere else.
It’s a great spot if you’re looking to shop local and want pieces that will last. The store focuses on bringing in pieces that feel timeless rather than trendy. And if you’re starting your quest for Stampede outfits, there is plenty of denim, western-inspired pieces, and one-of-a-kind finds that make it easy to create a look that you won’t find at your typical store in the mall.
And if you can make it to their physical location, they also have a popular online store, which makes it easy to shop their curated drops!
What makes it even more interesting is the story behind it. Prairie Bazaar started in 2016, when Ellen Crawford and her sister Lee Crawford-Vieira began selling vintage pieces at markets together. According to an Instagram post by Prairie Bazaar, what started as a small passion project has now grown into a full storefront, with Ellen still running the shop and carefully curating the clothing and pieces inside today.
The brand has a strong focus on community and consistently supports initiatives and creative efforts globally. Most recently, they hosted a Prairie Bazaar clothing auction that raised over $800 to support Palestinians.
So if you’ve been looking to upgrade your summer wardrobe, this is a great place to start. At Prairie Bazaar, you’ll find pieces that are a little more unique and will last longer than a fast fashion haul. You can find outfits that are more personal to you, whether you’re shopping for everyday staples or putting together some Stampede looks with a bit more character.
There is no better time to support small businesses while finding something you can wear on repeat.
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 918 Centre St. N., Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free to visit
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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