Retail

A look at heritage buildings and storefronts from Diana Krall Plaza

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.

SOURCE: NANAIMO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, JULY 2023
Wholesale TradeCount% of Sector
411 - Farm product whl.30%
412 - Petroleum product whl.111%
413 - Food, beverage & tobacco whl.212%
414 - Personal & household goods whl.101%
415 - Motor vehicle & parts whl.91%
416 - Building material & supplies whl.455%
417 - Machinery, equipment & supplies whl.172%
418 - Miscellaneous wholesaler-distributors91%
42421 -Pres,non-pres Botan Drug & Herb Merch10%
425120 - Agents and brokers20%
Retail Trade
441 - Motor vehicle & parts dealers627%
442 - Furniture & home furnishings stores415%
443 - Electronics & appliance stores354%
444 - Building material & garden equipment dealers425%
445 - Food & beverage stores789%
44523 - Fruit and vegetable markets30%
446 - Health & personal care stores647%
4461 - Health & personal care stores10%
447 - Gasoline stations303%
448 - Clothing & clothing accessories stores8810%
4482 - Shoe stores51%
4511 - Sport, hobby & musical instrument stores243%
4513 - Book stores & news dealers354%
452 - General merchandise stores152%
453 - Misc. store retailers40%
4531 - Florists243%
45321 - Office supplies & stationery stores71%
4533 - Used merchandise stores152%
45391 - Pet & pet supplies stores101%
45399 - All other misc. store retailers101%
453998 - Marijuana stores, medical or recreational131%
454 - Non-store retailers10%
4542 - Vending machine operators71%
4543 - Direct selling establishments12614%
45439 - Other direct selling establishments10%
Total869100%

Last updated: August 4, 2023

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