Retail, Food & Drink

Osoyoos is home to a strong specialty retail sector. As a resort municipality, Osoyoos experiences a significant influx of visitors, who frequent the local shops for unique products and exceptional customer service. Osoyoos is also a regional centre, drawing shoppers from around the South Okanagan Similkameen region and northern Washington State. The community has a growing population base and a high level of spending as measured on a per capita basis. As a result, there is a strong local and regional market for retailers and the tourism industry provides a complimentary base to augment sales potential.

Retail

The local retail sector is mainly centered on Main Street in the community’s town centre. As part of the community’s downtown revitalization initiative, Main Street has received upgrades including improved crosswalks, benches, planters and signage, which has created a highly walkable district where residents and visitors can stroll, linger and shop.

Restaurants

As a regional centre, Osoyoos restaurants are supported by residents from around the region. From April to October, many tourists flock to Osoyoos, which provides potential additional revenue for restaurant owners. Snowbirds also visit Osoyoos during winter, offering another source of revenue for area businesses.

Food Vendors

Osoyoos permits food trucks and food carts in a number of locations within the community, including downtown.

The process for applying is as follows:
1. Contact the Town of Osoyoos Planning and Development department to discuss options
2. Complete a Food Vendor Application form and submit required documentation
3. Planning & Development department will review your application
4. Once approved, obtain a business licence and pay the corresponding fees, as outlined in the Business Licence Bylaw

For more information on bringing your food truck to Osoyoos, contact the Planning and Development department.

Farmers Market

From May to September, crowds descend upon Town Hall Square on Main Street, which hosts the farmers market every Saturday morning, with over 40 vendors registered. To register your business at the farmers market, contact Osoyoos Market on Main.

Craft Breweries

The Okanagan is quickly gaining recognition as a craft beer mecca. Breweries in Kelowna and Penticton have earned accolades in recent years, and now Osoyoos is joining the craft beer movement. For more information on potential sites to locate your craft brewery, contact the Planning and Development department.

Wineries

The South Okanagan is well known as the Canada’s wine capital. With 41 wineries in the Osoyoos and Oliver area, the region is home to many wine related businesses, including wine tour operators, wine retailers and support businesses. For more information the region’s wine industry, contact the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association.