Shop Review – Evolution (Whistler)

For my first shop review I wanted to write about one of my favourite shops that I frequent in Whistler, Evolution (http://www.evolutionwhistler.com).



Evolution is a locally owned shop that is located in the Whistler Village between the Village Square (Citta’s, Liquor Store/Grocery Store) and the Conference Center (Buffalo Bill’s Tapley’s). It’s quite a unique store in Whistler because it really fuses snowboard and mountain biking with fashion. The reason I say its quite unique is because most board shops, especially in Whistler, just sell gear with very little consideration on the fashion side of things. If I’m not describing it well here is the “about us” from the Evolution website. I guess you can say it’s like their mission statement:

The Evolution Story

Evolution established in 1995, is located in the heart of the Whistler Village in BC, Canada.

Evolution represents Whistler’s culture of Biking, Snow riding, Skateboarding, and Fashion.

In the winter we sell Snowboards and NarrowAssSnowboards (sold in pairs…) and stylin' related outerwear and accessories.

In the summer we rent and sell select quality bikes, parts and accessories and our excellent tech's service all types of bikes. Year round we stock a boutique selection of fashion from brands that often request to be in our store.

We offer opportunity to find clothes that are unique because we do not stock two of the same item

Evolution supports local artists, photographers, videographers and musicians with sales, and use of art, photos, DVD’s and CD’s.

Evolution is committed to quality service, products and style.

If you love bikes, snowboards, fashion or art: a visit to Evolution is a must when you are in Whistler.

So as you can see Evolution truly represents snowboarding culture and that why I really like this shop. So without further adieu here is my detailed review.

1) Shop setup / Visual Merch

Since Evolution is more a stylish shop the visual merch and shop setup are awesome. From outside to inside of the shop it feels lively due to all the art work colours that are displayed. Since the shop is pretty small it’s very easy to get around. Clothes and other accessories are at the front or entrance of the shop, while the snowboard and mountain biking gear is located in the back. Also Evolution carries a ton of videos and local music that are located just behind the counter.

Don’t be fooled about the size of the shop…it definitely packs a punch because it combines both substance and style. Evolution is one of the most visually pleasing shops in Whistler among all the large corporate stores….it’s really refreshing and inspiring to see an awesome locally run shop in Whistler.

2) Variety

Evolution sells a large selection of clothes and gear from many of the top brands. From a snowboarding perspective they stock Rome, Ride, Lib Tech, Rossi and 32 plus a ton out outerwear from Plant Earth, DC, Airblaster and more. Evo also stocks the lasted videos.

In the summer months this shop transforms into the best mountain bike shop in Whistler, carrying bikes from Specialized, Cove and Santa Cruz. If your ride needs some lovin’ bring into Evolution because they always have the best techs there to give your bike the treatment it deserves.

3) Product Pricing

The price of the merch in the shop is relatively the same as any other shop you might find. But the good thing about Evolution is that they seem to have more sales than any shop in Whistler. So if you catch it at the right time you can pick up some gear for a good price. I have usually seen about 10% to 15% off at times, so always check back into the store just to make sure you’re not missing a good deal.

4) Customer Service

Ok this is where Evolution set itself apart from other board shops in Whistler and even in Vancouver for that matter, their customer service. From the moment you walk into the shop you are greeted with a friendly hello, usually from the shop owner Jenine. Once in the shop you are never really ignored or feel out of place because the staff is so friendly and always willing to help you out. The staff takes the time to chat with you even if you’re not buying anything which is cool to see.

The Evolution staff really makes all its customers feel at home in their shop and I think that stems from it being locally owned and operated. That’s why I really enjoy going into their shop, even if I’m not buying anything….their customer service is the best out of all the board shops in Whistler and Vancouver.

5) Overall

As you can tell Evolution is my favourite shop and I really urge anyone visiting Whistler looking to purchase some gear to head over to this shop and check it out. You won’t be disappointed.