DUNBAR MART:
A Traditional Convenience Store Story by Sarah Gordon
photos by Sandra Steier & Carolynne Palla
You may have noticed a new convenience store has opened on Dunbar Street next to Starbucks, although it could have easily been a part of the community for years. Dunbar Mart conjures up memories of old Vancouver when independent convenience stores were found across the city. Today, few remain, and this little blast from the past is a breath of fresh air. Zahid Mahmood also owns another convenience store in downtown Vancouver. Zahid had been operating his original business for five years when he got into a discussion with a friend who owned a Mac’s franchise. He suggested Zahid should consider opening a store in Dunbar. Zahid followed his advice and proceeded when he saw a former dry-cleaning business was for lease. After renovating the space with new 8
flooring and paint, Dunbar Mart opened in late November 2021.
“Dunbar Mart is a traditional convenience store with an emphasis on being neat and tidy.” Snack foods are carried along with many basic groceries. If you are running low on bathroom tissue, butter, canned goods, cereal, coffee creamer, ground coffee, milk, noodle, rice, and much more, Dunbar Mart may become your new go-to shop. Two hundred types of drinks are sold including Aloe Vera drinks, Jones cane sugar soda, Brew Dr. Kombucha, sparkling ICE, Jarritos fruit-
April 15 - June 15, 2022
www.DunbarLife.com
