The Archetype

Nice corner location, been here for years I think, not a regular here.
Your overall women’s clothes, accessories, purses and a ton of hats… stylish, hippish, even funky.
Nice price tags too, from a consultant’s point of view lol.
Their sale items in far right corner, on other side of fitting rooms.
Credit ok.

I love this store! The sales staff have always been really friendly and helpful. I always find something here (I mostly look for sales though.)

Prices for new stock are on the high side, but you can usually find good sale/​clearance stuff. The staff has been super friendly and helpful every time I’ve been in there– finding sizes or suggesting things when asked, but not pushy if you’re there just to browse. Large selection of hair dye as well.

I came across Archetype during my stroll down Main Street on Car Free Day. I saw a long stripped dress in the window and decided I would attempt to try it on.
The place was busy but while I waited for a change room I checked out the clothes and their jewelry which is amazing!
I felt that a lot of the clothes were too expensive but they do have some deals. It’s the price you pay for originality. I decided to purchase the dress because of its originality and because it is far better quality than the ones in H&M and Forever 21.
I was very impressed by how much the staff helped. They even tailored the dress for me. I do have to go back to pick it up. No big deal.
I will definitely stop in once in a while to find that unique wardrobe piece. Stop by if youre in the area and have a look. They have a huge selection from purses, hats, stockings, jeans, dresses etc. And they have guys stuff too.

Wow seriously bad service here coupled with mediocre buying.
I’m not really sure how this business sustains itself on such a competitive shopping street.
I’ve witnessed the owner here being repeatedly rude and abrasive to both customers and staff. My friend had a hellish time trying to return a damaged item and I’ve awkwardly watched strange situations play out more than once. The shop owner is a far cry from the hippy & love infused decorations disjointedly strewn about the dressing rooms.
You may find one or two decent items here, I did — but you’ll have to dig through tons of crap in a hostel shopping environment, I won’t be back.

I walked in to kill time before catching the #3 on the way to my favorite record shop. I immediately noticed the Star Gazer products which was from back in the day when Vancouver had a punk goth store called the Underground. The same lady whom owned the Underground now owns this store, only instead it’s more adult hipster with a slight edge. If you’re that punk rock/​goth kid from the 90’s that grew up in the real world you can still have your cake and eat it to, just re-​fashioned more for the work place with hints embedded in the designers of the past. I personally have never used Star Gazer or found any reviews. I am more of a Special Effects/​Manic Panic hair dye person. I did back in the 90’s use their make-​up line a lot. I used to paint my face goth white using the pale white foundation bought at the Underground. I wish that this store carried the make-​up line as well, however, appreciate and can understand the owners re-​direction and focus on the new fashion model she wants to present. There is something for everyone. I have actually been into this store 2 times this year while waiting or missing my #3 bus. Both times the service has been hit and miss from forced friendly to genuine friendly. Prices are decent for what you get, however, I can never find my size. I am still waiting to make a purchase for someone like myself who is average built.

I came in to Vancouver for a weekend from Seattle. I don’t frequent this store because I’m not a local, but if I was a local, I still wouldn’t frequent this spot.
I was disappointed, to say the least with this shop. Although the clothes have a variety of style, fun vibrant colors, interesting patterns, and overall seemingly good quality, I wouldn’t purchase based on my experience.
I went into the store early in the day. Now, no one in the store, looked at, smiled at, or greeted me. Ok, whatever… There were several items I had my eye on, and with so many other shops to view on Main St., I decided to hit it again on my way back. When I returned, it was about 15 minutes to closing. It’s a small store, I knew what I wanted, so I wasn’t worried about the pressing time. Again, NO ONE (there were at least three visible employees in a 700 sq foot space) greeted me. As I sifted through a rack, reaching for my size, an employee finally approached me.
«Do you need help with something, because we’re closing in like 2 minutes, so do you need help?»
I was so offended that the only reason why they would talk to me, was to shoo me out, that I decided not to purchase the items I had in my hand and left. Very rude!
My advice is to explore further down Main St, skip this one all together.

I had no idea these guys sold hair bleach and colouring products. I just happened to be strolling down Main Street and stopping in to a few of the stores to see what was new and exciting when I noticed the rows upon rows of hair colour behind the counter. Yes!
I have to admit it was a little more expensive than what I usually get at Shopper’s, but they were sold out and I had some nasty roots goin on. In any case, problem solved!

most of their clothes were kinda lame. accessories were okay. leather jackets rocked my world! but since i tend to spend about $ 25 on used leather, and these came in well over $ 125, i didn’t even try one on. if you have over $ 100 to spend on a spankin’ new leather jacket, go here.

Ark is probably my favorite clothing store on Main… they have a great selection of both men’s and women’s fashion… current trendy styles. pretty hipster but a little something for every fashionista!
They also sell some great accessories. of which I am prone to buying more then clothes for some reason… I may not have enough pants but my God I have lots of great bags and watches! Some of which have come from ark… the have some awesome wallets right now. you have to stop in and check out the Run DMC wallet… a must have for $ 26.

In my opinion, one of Main Street’s best clothing stores is Ark Clothing where you’ll find everything from eclectic to mainstream fashion. I’ve bought a few pieces from this shop, including a mustard-​coloured pinafore top, which garners many bona fide compliments. Ark sells both women and men’s clothing as well as accessories including some incredibly funky bags, if you’re into that colourful retro look. Prices air on the higher side (my top was $ 70), but if you’re looking for something special or original this is one of the best places to come.

With no lack of interesting shops on Main, Ark seems to maintain a cool vibe with little pretension in the air, something that is certainly NOT lacking on Main Street. The ladies running the shop were totally helpful and inviting, they made no attempt to make you feel as if you walked in from squaresville because your jeans aren’t skinny enough, which is truly refreshing. From reworked retro leather jackets in a million colours and great prices, to a few select vintage pieces and tons of quirky and unique accessories, Ark has created a store with something for everyone. They also carry a great selection of inexpensive, cute and trendy clothes as well as some great messenger and reporter bags with black and white old-​school photos of Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee on the front, amongst others.

Ark’s a cool little shop on the corner of Main and East 10^th. Amongst the intense profusion of shops, Ark’s carved its own little niche in retro-​styled wears and trinkets. Without being to costume-​y, things are fashioned to resemble the styles of decades past, even the lighters carry images of war-​inspired peace mantras and symbols. Full skirts, vintage-​soft tees, old-​style piping…

Another hipster emporium on Main Street. You’ve got your retro-​ironic gear, T-​shirts, jeans, and a smattering of pretty tops and dresses for the ladies. They also have an excellent selection of leather motorcycle jackets in various colours that I believe are made from recycled leather. I especially like the zippy, cropped style in red or blue that made me also lust for the matching cycle. Alas, on my budget, I had to content myself with a John Travolta, circa Grease, fridge magnet. But I’ll be back.