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Retail

A look at heritage buildings and storefronts from Diana Krall Plaza

Nanaimo serves as the regional retail and service hub for central and northern Vancouver Island. The retail sector is the City's largest employment sector, providing jobs for 7,762 residents, which account for approximately 15% of the total labour market (Esri 2023). Additionally, the wholesale trade sector employs 1,368 people. In total, 880 establishments in Nanaimo hold wholesale or retail business licenses, representing 13% of all business licenses in the City.

Several factors contribute to Nanaimo's role as a regional retail and service centre. As the largest urban area north of Victoria, the City has a growing population base and is a key point in all major Island transportation corridors. Nanaimo also serves as a gateway between Vancouver Island and the mainland.

The sector has thrived due to an expanding market and favourable economic conditions. City businesses have access to a population of over 265,000 people within a one-hour drive.

Here is a breakdown of businesses in the Wholesale and Retail Trade sector:

SOURCE: NANAIMO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, JULY 2023
Wholesale TradeCount% of Sector
Farm Product Wholesale20%
Petroleum Product Wholesale121%
Food, Beverage and Tobacco Wholesale202%
Personal and Household Goods Wholesale71%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Wholesale111%
Building Material and Supplies Wholesale465%
Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Wholesale152%
Miscellaneous Wholesaler-Distributors101%
Pres., Non-Pres. Botany Drug and Herb Merch20%
Agents and Brokers20%
Retail Trade
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers647%
Furniture and Home Furnishing Stores435%
Electronics and Appliance Stores334%
Building Material and Garden Equipment Dealers445%
Food and Beverage Stores789%
Fruit and Vegetable Markets20%
Health and Personal Care Stores678%
Health and Personal Care Stores20%
Gasoline Stations304%
Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores8910%
Shoe Stores81%
Sport, Hobby and Musical Instrument Stores223%
Book Stores and News Dealers364%
General Merchandise Stores152%
Miscellaneous Store Retailers40%
Florists273%
Office Supplies and Stationery Stores61%
Used Merchandise Stores152%
Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers10%
Pet and Pet Supplies Stores111%
All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers101%
Marijuana Stores (Medical and Recreational)131%
Non-Store Retailers10%
Vending Machine Operators91%
Direct Selling Establishments12215%
Other Direct Selling Establishments10%
Total880100%

Last updated: November 14, 2024

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