Retail
![A look at heritage buildings and storefronts from Diana Krall Plaza](/images/0default/dk-looking-towards-commercial-.jpg)
Nanaimo is the regional retail and service centre for central and northern Vancouver Island. The Retail sector is the second largest employment sector in Nanaimo, providing jobs for 7,380 local residents which accounts for approximately 14.9% of the total labour market (2022 Esri). 869 establishments in Nanaimo hold a wholesale or retail business license, representing 13% of total business licenses in the City of Nanaimo.
There are several factors which influence Nanaimo's role as a regional retail and service centre. The city is the largest urban area north of Victoria, with a growing population base. All major Island transportation corridors lead to Nanaimo and the City is a gateway between the Island and the mainland.
The sector has benefited from an expanding market and positive economic conditions. Within a one hour drive Nanaimo has access to over 260,000 people.
Wholesale Trade | Count | % of Sector |
---|---|---|
411 - Farm product whl. | 3 | 0% |
412 - Petroleum product whl. | 11 | 1% |
413 - Food, beverage & tobacco whl. | 21 | 2% |
414 - Personal & household goods whl. | 10 | 1% |
415 - Motor vehicle & parts whl. | 9 | 1% |
416 - Building material & supplies whl. | 45 | 5% |
417 - Machinery, equipment & supplies whl. | 17 | 2% |
418 - Miscellaneous wholesaler-distributors | 9 | 1% |
42421 -Pres,non-pres Botan Drug & Herb Merch | 1 | 0% |
425120 - Agents and brokers | 2 | 0% |
Retail Trade | ||
441 - Motor vehicle & parts dealers | 62 | 7% |
442 - Furniture & home furnishings stores | 41 | 5% |
443 - Electronics & appliance stores | 35 | 4% |
444 - Building material & garden equipment dealers | 42 | 5% |
445 - Food & beverage stores | 78 | 9% |
44523 - Fruit and vegetable markets | 3 | 0% |
446 - Health & personal care stores | 64 | 7% |
4461 - Health & personal care stores | 1 | 0% |
447 - Gasoline stations | 30 | 3% |
448 - Clothing & clothing accessories stores | 88 | 10% |
4482 - Shoe stores | 5 | 1% |
4511 - Sport, hobby & musical instrument stores | 24 | 3% |
4513 - Book stores & news dealers | 35 | 4% |
452 - General merchandise stores | 15 | 2% |
453 - Misc. store retailers | 4 | 0% |
4531 - Florists | 24 | 3% |
45321 - Office supplies & stationery stores | 7 | 1% |
4533 - Used merchandise stores | 15 | 2% |
45391 - Pet & pet supplies stores | 10 | 1% |
45399 - All other misc. store retailers | 10 | 1% |
453998 - Marijuana stores, medical or recreational | 13 | 1% |
454 - Non-store retailers | 1 | 0% |
4542 - Vending machine operators | 7 | 1% |
4543 - Direct selling establishments | 126 | 14% |
45439 - Other direct selling establishments | 1 | 0% |
Total | 869 | 100% |
Last updated: June 20, 2024
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