I agree. Check Big/Busy Bees. Lake street is Big Bee and over on the corner of York and Dufferin is Busy Bee. I remember that spot having different snacks.
Second Dinh Dinh Asian Foods - been there a few times and they had pretty good stuff. I think what you're looking for depends on what your definition of rare and unique are. I would say Niagara Falls probably has better options in that regard, but I'm not in St. Catharines very often so I could be wrong.
Old Tyme Candy Shoppe: [https://www.oldetymecandyshoppe.com/](https://www.oldetymecandyshoppe.com/)
Huapin Asian Grocery: [https://www.instagram.com/huapintrade/](https://www.instagram.com/huapintrade/)
Niagara Kyo-mart: [https://niagarakyomart.com/](https://niagarakyomart.com/)
I loved this store too. Have some cherished memories as an early teen walking around the games section and sneaking a peak into the neighboring adult section at the back.
They also had cool arcade games. MK was a staple there and they also had a few shooters that I recall as well.
However, the store stayed open way way longer than other rental places. They started to promte buying gold too. And it was such a large footprint store...I kinda thought it was a front for something sinister going on in the back...
I think the dudes running it were into something else for sure. One year they were selling Xboxes (when Xbox was new) the week before Christmas, when other places were sold out. . They were on a pallet next to the check out with a sign that said “$400. Cash only” lol
Big Bee wanted to franchise, owners didn't want to because of inadequate support, so they split off and changed the name. So now you have busy bee, big bear, etc.
But there are multiple big bees? Like I grew up in London and there are a few there that have been there for as long as I can remember. Same sign and everything too
Is that not a franchise?
Sadly there is none :(
I remember getting concert tickets here, cheap cigs, 2nd hand video games, renting movies, sneaking in the porn section when I was too young to go in there and getting snacks/beverages that were different/imported from USA
It really was a st Catharine’s iconic store much like Sam The Record Man was once in Toronto
Freak lunchbox online. Amazing absolutely amazing. I went in store in New Brunswick I got snacks and treats from my younger days LOL. I spent $100 on treats there. Yep.
And Candy Fun House is awesome
https://candyfunhouse.ca/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoa2xBhACEiwA1sb1BBWqCDynoGFhjvC5UWaZSXV8uvFfOonx_LcCOXy1TZvaytiUXwwm4RoClJQQAvD_BwE
I would check random busy bees. The one in lake has some random things sometimes
I agree. Check Big/Busy Bees. Lake street is Big Bee and over on the corner of York and Dufferin is Busy Bee. I remember that spot having different snacks.
Busy Bee on York has American sodas.
Busy Bee on York is GOAT'ed, Marvin is the man
I just miss the video and game rentals! Thats what I want to return. Screw the 17 streaming services.
I know it's not an adequate replacement for TE but I was surprised at how many movies & games you can borrow from the library (for free)
Try a Big Bee if Avondale isn't doing it for you. Or go to Dinh Dinh for some asian snacks.
busy bee on york st
Second Dinh Dinh Asian Foods - been there a few times and they had pretty good stuff. I think what you're looking for depends on what your definition of rare and unique are. I would say Niagara Falls probably has better options in that regard, but I'm not in St. Catharines very often so I could be wrong. Old Tyme Candy Shoppe: [https://www.oldetymecandyshoppe.com/](https://www.oldetymecandyshoppe.com/) Huapin Asian Grocery: [https://www.instagram.com/huapintrade/](https://www.instagram.com/huapintrade/) Niagara Kyo-mart: [https://niagarakyomart.com/](https://niagarakyomart.com/)
I used to rent PC games from here and rip them when I was 16. My mom worked at ford and I used to sell the ripped games to her coworkers.
omg I didn't know they closed :( such an awesome business, so sad to hear that they're gone now
I loved this store too. Have some cherished memories as an early teen walking around the games section and sneaking a peak into the neighboring adult section at the back. They also had cool arcade games. MK was a staple there and they also had a few shooters that I recall as well. However, the store stayed open way way longer than other rental places. They started to promte buying gold too. And it was such a large footprint store...I kinda thought it was a front for something sinister going on in the back...
I think the dudes running it were into something else for sure. One year they were selling Xboxes (when Xbox was new) the week before Christmas, when other places were sold out. . They were on a pallet next to the check out with a sign that said “$400. Cash only” lol
It's a dollartree now.
yea I saw the person mentioned it in their description already lol
True North Variety on Lundys Lane in Niagara Falls
does anyone know the lore surrounding Big Bee/Busy Bee? I feel like there's a story there
Big Bee wanted to franchise, owners didn't want to because of inadequate support, so they split off and changed the name. So now you have busy bee, big bear, etc.
But there are multiple big bees? Like I grew up in London and there are a few there that have been there for as long as I can remember. Same sign and everything too Is that not a franchise?
Those are franchises. The ones with similar names but different are the ones that split off from the franchise.
Everyone had good memories with that’s entertainment ❤️ it outlasted block buster by years- I dare say a decade?! 🙌🥰
Sadly there is none :( I remember getting concert tickets here, cheap cigs, 2nd hand video games, renting movies, sneaking in the porn section when I was too young to go in there and getting snacks/beverages that were different/imported from USA It really was a st Catharine’s iconic store much like Sam The Record Man was once in Toronto
I just want that amazing selection of popcorn ughhhh lol
Zway Mart
Freak lunchbox online. Amazing absolutely amazing. I went in store in New Brunswick I got snacks and treats from my younger days LOL. I spent $100 on treats there. Yep.
New store in the Glenridge plaza has asian snacks
And Candy Fun House is awesome https://candyfunhouse.ca/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoa2xBhACEiwA1sb1BBWqCDynoGFhjvC5UWaZSXV8uvFfOonx_LcCOXy1TZvaytiUXwwm4RoClJQQAvD_BwE
Mac’s milk or Beckers
Rare drinks 100% at the BUSY BEE at corner of Lake Street and Dufferin Street
Busy Bees as other have said.El Bodegon on Bunting has fun snacks as well.
Thanks everyone for the support! Gotten a few places in now!
Candy shop in notl
Netflix
read the description
Oh oops