Spring 2025.
It's a time of renewal in the Oceanside communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
We're not talking about changes in the natural world, but in the Retail sector of our Vancouver Island community.
Some local stores are renovating, some closing, others opening. It's all happening at PQB!
Here's a list of changes taking place at local stores and restaurants in Spring 2025:
Transforming:
Bradley's was our favourite place for a breakfast sandwich, so we're sad to see it go. Hopefully Cafe Floresta will still serve coffee and snacks during the day when they re-open in April.
191 Jensen Ave E, Parksville
Bailey's in the Village > is changing to > The Village Eatery, coffee/pizza house
This iconic Qualicum cafe is under new ownership, following the Thomson's retirement. Set to re-open in April with coffee by day and pizza at night. 670 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach
Relocating:
Crafty's Crystals is moving across the street into the property vacated by Petal and Kettle at 122 Craig Street, and is looking forward to the "bigger beautiful space"
*Update: June 2025 We are happy to say this Dollar Store has relocated to182 Island Hwy E, Parksville. They are always happy to let Chloe come inside and sniff around while we shop!
Renovating and re-positioning:
**Update August 2025** Pacific Brimm Cafe has now changed to Trio Restaurant
Pacific Brimm also on Craig Street re-opened following renovations, and is now positioning itself as a restaurant, rather than a coffee house/cafe.
Chloe is sad we can no longer visit for morning coffee. However, other residents and tourists may appreciate this new venue for evening meals.
Opening/relocating:
Hook Seafood Store at 156A First Avenue, Qualicum Beach, opened this year.
Selling local fresh and "always wild" fish and seafood. Hook is located just off Qualicum town centre: turn left at Munchy Business on Primrose street.
Update November 2025: Almost ready to open! Dollarama is at Park Plaza, 102 Island Hwy at the former site of the Fields store.
Fields, 102 Island Hwy, Parksville
Parksville Fields store has moved across the plaza to the former Lucky Loonies site. It has downsized and is now focussing solely on clothing.
Closing:
LP Records, 182 Island Hwy
Always sad to see a
local business closing. To be honest though, we have not purchased
vinyl records since the 1980s, so perhaps this is just too much of a
niche market to survive in a small town.
Let us know in the comments below if we've missed anything new in the PQB retail scene. We look forward to visiting all the new and re-newed local businesses!