How do you define the heart of a community?
One visit to Newport Village in Port Moody (207-276 Newport Drive) will give you the answers.
For Linda Berg of Wish On A Star, one of its first tenants in 1998, the shopping centre’s central location was a major reason why she located her business there.
“I chose the village since I lived in Port Moody, and there were very few places, short of heading downtown, to fulfill my home decor and gift-giving needs,” Berg says. “The school also bus dropped my kids off at the shop to finish the day with me!”
Berg adds the shopping centre’s pleasant ambience also makes it feel like Whistler Village.
“It’s a pleasure to shop there, not a chore, and our customers are happy to come and see many of our one-of-a-kind gifts and take a stroll through our beautiful village,” Berg says. “It’s like going on a vacation in your own town.”
Plus, shopping locally boosts the local economy and is especially appreciated as small businesses felt the negative impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have so many amazing customers who have been loyal and shopping local to help us get through the pandemic, and we have had so much love from them, and the feeling is mutual,” Berg says. “We closed voluntarily for six weeks to help bend the curve and served many customers one-on-one, and hand-delivered to many in the community.”
Rose Pero of Case Del Pene says the COVID-19 pandemic provided some tough challenges for her bakery and deli, which opened for business at Newport Village in 1997.
“COVID-19 has been challenging for everyone, and we have adapted by providing sneeze guards, limiting customers in the store, requiring masks, providing sanitization stands, and individually wrapping items, if needed,” Pero says.
Case Del Pene specializes in authentic Italian baking—from handcrafted bread, pastry and cookies, to deli and exclusive grocery products.
It’s a perfect fit for Newport Village that Pero also likens to a mini Whistler Village.
“It makes it an excellent shopping destination because there are so many specialty shops, and you can get everything you need while supporting local, small businesses,” she says.
It’s a similar story at the The Village Toy Shop, which specializes in creative playthings for children of all ages.
"Our shop is a go-to place for locals to pick up birthday gifts—sometimes even on the way to the party,” says Teresa Johansson. “Plus, Newport Village has a very welcoming and friendly vibe! It’s a unique and special place to eat, shop and relax.”
The Village Toy Shop offers complimentary gift wrapping and personalized service. “We happily support fundraising initiatives that support local schools, community events and services,” Johansson says. “This year we were able to donate $1,500 to Share Society with the help of our customers who purchased Playmobil sets through a fundraiser.”
For more information about the shops and services you can visit at Newport Village, visit the shopping centre’s website at shopnewportvillage.com.
