Best of Both Worlds
Location:
Hours of Business:
Phone:
Web Address:
2713 Quadra Street (close to Hillside/Quadra corner)
Mon to Sat 12 noon to 6:00 pm
386-8325
www.worldzbest.net
Chosen for:
Affordable Prices
Fair Trade
Biggest Selection of Asian Products on the Island!
Although the day began with threatening black clouds, sunshine ultimately warmed the 26 curious people who tramped through a hidden alley to surprise owner Robin Elworthy and his right-hand helpers, Lyn and Bobbie, with the announcement that his store, Best of Both Worlds, had been chosen `Best of the Bunch'.
"The store is beautiful, with many treasures at good prices."
Best of Both Worlds is a warehouse-style retail store that offers a wide range of Thai imports. Buyers can choose anything from $2 chopsticks to rustic or refined furniture crafted from exotic woods such as rubber, teak, bamboo and bird's eye maple.
Our entourage scoured the shelves, nooks and crannies, discovering rocking horses, dragons, surprising lamps, incense shaped like flower buds, picture frames and more – delighting in the gorgeous zippered silk cushion covers for a mere $15.
For people creating their own `Zen' atmosphere, the Buddhas practically fill their own room! Stock includes everything from Buddha paintings, to exquisite wooden wall plaques, to 2"-4' statues of wood, metal or glass.
Best of Both Worlds was exclusively a wholesale outlet until retail was added four months ago. From its humble beginnings in Robin's garage 16 years ago, the shop has grown into a 6,000 square foot emporium of Asian treasures.
Robin expresses great gratitude for his parents' generous hands-on assistance. When he hired Lyn Kumpula to be his invaluable assistant last spring, she developed eye-catching displays that incorporate furniture and accessories to best exhibit the varied stock. She later added the distinctive orange paper umbrellas that cheerfully lead visitors into the store that's set far back from the street.
Robin makes regular buying trips to Thailand and prides himself on getting to know the craftsmen. By visiting the factories, he makes a point of learning their policies and employment standards - and ensuring that fair trade is an integral part of his company.
And just when we thought we'd seen all the store had to offer, we found "The Paper Room" with its large choice of beautiful handmade wrapping paper and journals, as well as teeny to big gift bags - all reasonably priced.
A huge new shipment arrived only moments before Victoria's Grapevine swooped in... you can be sure that now there's even more interesting products to discover!