There’s so many reasons to shop at Daniel’s Market that it’s easy to forget you originally planned to only stop for gas.
What began in 2019 as a small produce market attached to the former Shell gas station on Sooke Road has been transformed into a large, multi-roomed shopping hub that occupies the old garage bays and beyond.
The original market now serves as a garden centre, with soil, seedlings, and plants for sale, as well as automotive care products such as motor oil and brake fluid. A few steps away through the convenience store, you’ll find the fresh produce market, complemented by products from Finest at Sea Ocean Products, and a selection of popular items from Glenwood Meats and Berryman Brothers Butcheries.
“We try and source from local or Vancouver Island farmers and suppliers first, and then from B.C. next,” said operations manager Evan Milner. “We have a great assortment of organic and artisan-style products and try to bring in as much local as we can.”
The effort to go local is on full display throughout, with many of the herbal teas made in Sooke, honeys from Metchosin, and handmade chocolates from Cowichan Bays taking their place next to a variety of items like pickles, jams and sauces produced locally.
The local theme permeates the gift shop as well, which has a Coombs-like country market feel, thanks to the recently completed renovations that incorporate repurposed wood elements.
“We have a very eclectic mix, including flowers, cards, skin care products, jewellery soaps, and handmade aprons all made in Sooke,” Milner said. “It’s probably easier to list what we don’t carry.”.
With all the recent additions, it’s easy to forget the convenience store in the centre that serves coffee and espresso-style beverages, fresh baked goods, sandwiches and salads, all made in store.
“You can get the cheapest gas in Sooke and pick up something for lunch or for dinner when you get home,” Milner noted. “Our 40 plus flavours of ice cream are popular all year, but more so in the summer, especially with kids.“
Another new feature quickly gaining popularity is a selection of non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits, including alcohol-free tequila and rum, which can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio around a fountain surrounded by tables.
“We have a bike rack because lots of cyclists come in right of the Galloping Goose,” Milner added.
More food options are on the way as well, with plans to add two large freezers for grab-and-go and ready-made meals in the future.
Daniel’s Market, which is locally owned and operated, employs more than 20 people, and has an affiliation with Esso for the sale of fuels.
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