Cathay Importers 2000

Need kitchen and houseware knick knacks or woven baskets and are cheap like me? Cathay’s got you covered.
Being the tag-​a-​long of many furniture/​houseware trips, I actually enjoyed looking around in this store. Plus they let me bring my dog inside!
I’ve pretty sure this company supplies a ton of gift stores across Canada. As an ‘outlet’, prices are super low and quality is pretty good.
No entertaining bargaining required. These guys price it right.

Don’t bother going to IKEA, Home Sense, not even Winners! Find the woven basket here.
Cathay Importers in my mind is a typical example of hidden gem in Vancouver Chinatown. It looks a bit messy and crammed. Things on display may have a natural protective layer (of dust) but hey, just remove the cover and you got real bargain!
Like the other reviews mentioned, there’re lots and lots of woven stuff (not just baskets, although there are LOTS) here. They also sell good selection of little silk draw-​string bags for little gifts. Think about the give-​away gifts for you wedding… ;)
I was there once where a girl picked up an order she made on the phone. So, yeah, seems like you can order in advance and just pick up.
I recently got a very well made woven basket for $ 5, which I’m SURE will cost more than $ 10 at HomeSense. So yeah, I’m quite happy that I got a good deal. :)

Do you like baskets? Do you like wicker? Then you will love Cathay Importers!
The Cathay store in Chinatown is a labyrinth of wicker baskets in every size and shape imaginable. Just when you think no one could carry this many baskets in one shop, you turn the corner and find a massive back room with, you guessed it, more wicker baskets! Amongst the wicker you will find various home and garden accents from signs and decorations to vases and the like. Plus, everything is totally affordable.
Cathay Importers show up at trade and arts and crafts show around the city, so you are bound to find them somewhere close to you. If not, take a trip to Chinatown and peruse. If you can’t find the basket you want here, it doesn’t exist!

I searched all over Chinatown for square glass vases and found the best deal at Cathay Importers. Not only were the prices good, but the service was excellent. The woman who helped us took all the vases out of their prepackaged boxes to make sure there were no blemishes. She also assured us that if we discovered any flaws, to just bring them back for an exchange. In a sea of stores jam packed with knick knacks and random household good, Cathay Importers is a real gem. Check them out.