Pacific Centre, Vancouver

So Pacific Center has undergone a MAJOR facelift this summer. The Holt Renfrew store (high-end designer goods) has tripled in size and contrary to other reviews is extremely welcoming and friendly – the clerks are pretty used to the fact that most people are there to browse/ogle and tend to leave you alone unless you have a question. I have never had an issue there with the staff and find them very accommodating. Plus some things aren’t really that expensive and the sales can be very worth-while. Look around and ask lots of questions!
I’ve you’re a fashion-brained person like I am you will love the opportunity to see all the recent collections from JPG, Miyake, Galliano, Chanel etc – try them on! Don’t be afraid to ask!
This is the perfect opportunity to sample some luxury!
There is also a Hermes, Tiffany and Coach stores located within Holts as well as an extensive menswear department and a jaw-dropping esthetics floor.
Also in the mall is a brand new H+M which opened in mid-June of this year – this marks the third H+M in BC and the only one located downtown. It’s two levels and has a good selection and an excellent return policy – a good place to check out if you’ve forgotten to pack something important!
A new MAC (the computers, not the makeup) store has also opened and the food-court has also been re-vamped with some delicious and healthy alternatives as well as the usual fast-food options.
Attached to the mall is The Hudson’s Bay and Sears, both large department stores each filling 5 to 6 floors with good quality merchandise.
The Bay houses several other smaller companies internally including Mac (yes, the makeup this time).

This mall is definitely a fashion-driven one with stores ranging from The Gap and Smart Set to Guess and Parasuco.
There is really not much more than clothing except for a drug-store and a few smaller electronic stores.

The mall is pretty central to the downtown area, located literally across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery, steps from Robson Street (even MORE shopping!) and only a few blocks from the tourist-crawling Gastown area. Also quite close are the Vancouver law-courts, which boast great architectural details and offer great views of downtown from quiet, raised gardens.
There are plenty of other shopping areas close to the mall itself if you head South on Granville or West on Georgia you will find everything from the Gucci boutique to a multi-level Urban Outfitters.
The mall is a great place to take a break (except on your wallet), grab a bite and get cool or dry when downtown. The people-watching is fun and since most of the mall is underground, it’s also a great way to get around the downtown area.