Nova Scotia is packed with incredible locally owned businesses, and we wanted to know which ones locals love the most.
Good Day Nova Scotia asked followers to nominate their favourite small businesses from across the province, and the response was huge.
From independent bookstores and vintage shops to galleries, boutiques and locally owned businesses, dozens of Nova Scotia spots were nominated.
One Halifax business especially stood out, receiving more nominations than any other business in the September vote.
Here are 10 of the most recommended Nova Scotia small businesses, based on nominations from our community.
1. The Loot
The Loot was the clear standout in this month’s voting.
The Halifax vintage shop received more nominations than any other business, with locals repeatedly tagging the shop throughout the comments.
Known for its carefully curated vintage clothing and unique finds, The Loot has clearly built a seriously loyal following in Halifax.
If you love hunting for one-of-a-kind pieces instead of buying something everyone else has, this is one local shop worth checking out.
2. Open Secrets Books
Independent bookstore Open Secrets Books was another major favourite among voters.
The locally owned shop focuses on books, community and creating an inviting space for readers.
It was nominated by several different people and businesses throughout the voting, making it one of the most recommended spots in this month’s roundup.
3. Bee’s Knees General Store
Bee’s Knees General Store received plenty of love from the community.
The shop was repeatedly nominated alongside other independent Nova Scotia makers and businesses, showing just how connected it is to the local small-business community.
It’s exactly the kind of locally loved spot this series was created to highlight.
4. Bridge Beauty Bar
Bridge Beauty Bar also landed near the top of the voting.
Multiple people nominated the locally owned beauty business, with its name appearing again and again alongside some of the province’s favourite independent shops.
5. Argyle Fine Art
Art lovers will probably recognize this one.
Argyle Fine Art is an independent Halifax gallery showcasing work from Canadian artists, with plenty of colourful, quirky and distinctly East Coast pieces.
The gallery received multiple nominations from the community and was also recommended by other local businesses.
6. The Loop
The Loop is another Halifax favourite that received multiple nominations.
The independent shop is a destination for knitters, crocheters and fibre lovers, offering yarn, supplies and plenty of inspiration for the next creative project.
Its nominations show just how much love there is for Nova Scotia’s smaller specialty shops.
7. Inkwell Boutique
Inkwell Boutique was another recurring name in the nominations.
The Halifax shop is known for stationery, paper goods, gifts and beautifully designed products, making it an easy place to spend far longer browsing than originally planned.
It was recommended by several members of the community during the vote.
8. Toucan Studios
Toucan Studios also earned multiple nominations again from locals.
The creative business appeared several times throughout the voting, earning it a place among this month’s most recommended Nova Scotia small businesses.
9. Khush Mizaj
Khush Mizaj received several nominations throughout the voting and was another business that clearly has some enthusiastic local supporters.
The Halifax-based business stood out among the huge number of shops, restaurants, makers and service businesses nominated this month.
10. Fireworks Gallery
Rounding out our list is Fireworks Gallery.
The Halifax jewellery gallery was among a large group of businesses tied for the final spot, with multiple nominations from the community.
Fireworks has been part of Halifax’s independent retail scene for years and specializes in distinctive jewellery and pieces from Canadian designers.
Nova Scotians Nominated Dozens Of Local Businesses
Choosing only 10 wasn’t easy.
Several businesses finished tied in the voting, including Bird’s Nest Halifax, Al Whittle Theatre, KingsPIER Vintage, The Float Centre, Tuna Blue, Wildflower Makery, Hi Love Greetings, Mockingbird Bakeshop, High Tide Wellness, Cam’s Coastal Catering, Shotgun Vintage, Last Chance Sandwich and Best Kind Mud Shop.
And those were only some of the businesses mentioned.
The nominations included restaurants, cafés, bakeries, artists, makers, vintage stores, bookstores, wellness businesses, farms and shops from communities across Nova Scotia.
The biggest takeaway is pretty simple: Nova Scotians really love supporting local.
Cast Your Vote For October
Know a Nova Scotia small business that deserves more recognition?
Place your votes below by tagging your fave local business!
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