Biscuit General Store

Halifax, Canada

4.2

20 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 902-425-5436
Address:
1661 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2B5
Downtown Halifax
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
530 ftGo Time 480-8823 - Hollis at Sackville
600 ftGo Time 480-8822 - Hollis at Prince
840 ftGo Time 480-6122
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Bussiness info

Accepted Cards
Credit, Debit
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes

Today

Today 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Local time (Halifax) –

Business hours

Monday 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Biscuit General Store is a modern-​day department store located in downtown Halifax, NS, that offers modern clothing & shoes for men and women. We believe that trendier fashion should be affordable, but expensive items must be well-​constructed and have incredible detail to justify the price. You’ll see international fashion brands you love, plus emerging and Canadian designers. You’ll experience an environment that is all about fun — free popcorn, cartoons onscreen, friendly staff and retro décor help to make Biscuit a fun stop for everyone. You’ll also find a cool selection of gifts, novelties, jewelry, home décor, accessories and books that will suit any occasion — with most items under $ 20! Each item in the store is personally selected by the owner with input from the staff and customers — so we’re always interested to get ideas or feedback from you!

We typically just get 2 – 6 pieces of each fashion piece — hurray for boutique shopping!

History

Established in 1996.

Biscuit was opened in a tiny space on Spring Garden Road with NO money but a lot of determination and fashion-​sense! We’ve grown gradually over the years… The store moved to Argyle Street in 2000, and added gifts and accessories — then expanded again in 2006 to add shoes, cocktail dresses and the popular Bargain Basement! We want to continue growing by adding further products that make our customers happy! Who knows what’s next? Furniture? A Restaurant? Tell us what you’d like to see!

Meet the Business Owner

Wendy F.

Business Owner

HI Biscuits. It’s Wendy. a little bit about my background: I got accepted to Parsons and FIT — awesome fashion design schools in NYC. Problem? No money. So, I decided that I would just have to learn the fashion business on the job. I got a job in a boutique, that led to a job offer from a local designer, then a job producing fashion shows. I worked several other retail jobs before being hired as a designer and showroom mgr. I’m lucky to know the fashion business from each perspective so I’ve been able to form great relationships in the industry. I also learned a lot about what I DIDN’T want to do as a business owner — I want to run an ethical company that treats people well and is constantly evolving. And I missed retail! I wanted to work directly with the staff and customers — to see people matched with the clothing that would make them feel good about themselves. I LOVE MY JOB! I’m always happy to come to work. Biscuit is my baby —

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20 reviews of Biscuit General Store

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Halifax, Canada
I don’t buy clothes at Biscuit. I don’t have $ 100 to spend on a shirt. I do, however, have $ 20 to spend on a pair of earrings or a book. While I do admire their clothing (and bemoan how tiny most of them are), I like this store for their accessories, knick-​knacks and unique gift ideas.
The layout is such that you feel there are new surprises around every corner when you haven’t visited in awhile. They have a unique selection of everything they carry, including vintage-​inspired pieces. I almost bought an old-​fashioned bread box the other day. :-D
Service is friendly and helpful and I’ve had only positive experiences here.
Place rating: 3
Halifax, Canada
Ok. I have very very mixed feelings about Biscuit General.
A few months ago I went into this fine establishment after losing 20 lbs (!), and bought a shirt and a dress. In total it cost me about $ 150, I consider this expensive for 2 items of clothing. However, this shirt though… I have never in my life worn a shirt that looked half as good as that shirt looked on me. I went to work and got countless compliments. I was hooked. I knew I had to go back to Biscuit on my next payday and get more.
After multiple purchases, around a month later, I realized it was time to wash the dress and shirt mentioned above. I followed the wash instructions meticulously. I went to put on my favorite shirt ever and was absolutely horrified to find out it shrunk to about half the size it was. I went back with the shirt and the associate told me «yeah, you generally aren’t supposed to wash expensive clothes often.» No offer of a return or anything. Now, something I forgot to mention above, was that a coworker of mine had purchased that shirt after seeing it on me and a week or so after that encounter with the sales woman, she told me she now hated that shirt, as it shrunk so much it doesn’t fit the same way. I thought of going back to the store, but then decided to contact the company and ask them. I’m still waiting on a response (thanks Gentle Fawn).
Anyway, so I bought another shirt of the same brand and eventually, again, I had to wash it. SAME THING. IT SHRUNK. I decided I was not going to have any of this anymore as this shirt was about $ 100. I went down to Biscuit General and demanded a refund, it was a different sales associate, and he gave me a store credit. I feel like I’m writing a novel but I’ve had a few issues with the quality of the clothing I’ve bought here. I feel like its mostly the manufacturers fault, but Biscuit is charging me $ 100 a shirt for this stuff. I’ll likely continue to shop here since their stuff is really quite awesome, but I question the quality and value of the clothes here. Its also the only store I’ve discovered in the HRM that has a great selection of Levis women’s jeans.
The sales associates are generally very very helpful and friendly. Its also nice knowing that if you bought a dress/​article of clothing here, you will not run into the issue of seeing a hundred people with the same thing on. The owner is also a really lovely person so it kills me only to give them a 3 star review. I think I’ll steer clear of Gentle Fawn’s clothing from now on.
Place rating: 5
Halifax, Canada
Broke out of my comfort zone and went into a retail establishment this weekend. Gasp! Full retail prices?! Luckily, there were sales. Good ones! Every time I go in there seems to be a great sale happening. I picked up a Cheap Monday sweater for $ 39. It was more than half off, so I couldn’t leave it. As BEAUTIFUL as the spring goodies were, it’s Full blown winter here, so bring on the winter clearance!
I gave Biscuit 5 stars because I love everything they bring in. They sell every sub brand of free people, their own label, Levi’s, and you know. Everything else good. I find the new lay out the best in years, and the selection of items bang on. I feel like I’m big city shopping when I walk into biscuit. Best part is — I’m shopping local!
Place rating: 5
Halifax, Canada
What can I say about Biscuit? I have had over a 10 year relationship with this fabulous store! I give a major portion of my fashion-​ista skills to this place! The assortment was the first of its kind in Halifax and gave us, otherwise fashion starving, east coasters a taste of what the rest of the world has access to! Free People, Mink Pink, Toms, and many more brands were probably first experienced here for me and many others! I also love that there are just the few sizes of each style so you aren’t seeing EVERYONE wearing your cool new top, or whatever.
They also have some of the best «gift» ideas, whether it’s a cool home décor piece or a hilarious «Jesus: Soap on a Rope» you can pretty much find something for anyone and it is ALWAYS unique! All this stuff is moderately priced considering all the factors; unique pieces, good quality and the service is great too! To me it is a must see for anyone visiting and just a fun time to stop in and see some familiar faces and pick up a new outfit! That’s what Halifax is all about; business, with a personal touch!
Plus you can’t beat their Boxing day sales… I mean come on, it’s Tradition! Am i right?
Place rating: 5
Denver, CO
What does it say about a store where when I walk in a salesgirl asks me, «Did you buy that here?» Obvi, I’m from Denver so the answer is no, but sure enough they had the very dress I was wearing (purchased from ModCloth) hanging just behind her. And as I took in rack after rack of the loveliest dresses I alternated between school-​girl-​giddiness and cursing Shannon for bringing me to such a place.
Not only do they sell dresses that are right up my alley they also offer adorbs baby/​kid things, accessories, décor items, and even stuff for guys.
Luckily I was here just after my birthday, which brought a plethora of new dresses and I had minimal room in my luggage so I avoided emptying my bank account into their coffers. Unfortunately, I now know they are there and will be arriving next time with just one change of clothes and my checkbook.
Place rating: 4
Halifax, Canada
Biscuit is one of those stores that can easily drain your entire paycheque if you’re not careful. It’s not just the fashion either. It’s the adorable notebooks, the kitschy kitchen décor, and the selection of locally made jewelry. There’s just so much to look through.
This is a great place to shop with a friend. You really need two pairs of eyes to take it all in. The clothing varies from crazy expensive to reasonable, and from totally gorgeous to tacky as fug. Either way it’s worth going through every rack. Be sure to try something on as well, if only to see the inside of the dressing rooms.
The sales rack is also actually worth perusing, I’ve scored some great deals there, and the shoe selection is one of the best in the city. This is a great place to go if you need to buy a gift for someone special. They also a huge men’s section, so don’t think this is just a boutique for the gals! This really is the best general store for all things fashionable.
Place rating: 4
Halifax, Canada
Biscuit is a delicious morsel of fashion. I love how packed to the rafters the store is. It can take ages to search through all the racks, and even then you’ll still find something super funky tucked away.
Check out the Frock Shop (second floor) when you’re looking for something for that special night. They have a wonderful selection that you won’t find anywhere else.
Staff are great and helpful. They’re all smiles and lacking in pretension, and they clearly love their stock. The store also features an awesome little gift section with all sorts of pretty and quirky items.
Alas, try as I may (and I’ve tried on SO MUCH there) I’ve rarely bought anything other than the odd accessory. For some reason, the styles they carry just don’t seem built for my body type. I’m too tall and my torso is too long, so most of the dresses come up uncomfortably short on me. Ah well, c’est la vie! I’m still happy to accompany my friends when they come to Biscuit and help pick out things for them.
Place rating: 4
Halifax, Canada
Who wants a pretty party dress? I do! Biscuit offers Haligonians a generous selection of stylish, vintage-​inspired attire in a retro boutique-​style atmosphere.
Biscuit not only caters to women, but also to men (although a smaller selection), not to mention a section devoted to home décor and novelty items. I sometimes find locating a new pair of shoes in Halifax a daunting task, but Biscuit has a shoe selection that ranges from casual to dressy. The staff are always friendly and helpful, and the clothes are reasonably priced. I’d check out the discount section (located beside the dressing rooms on the raised level) — there’s always a deal to be found. They also often have crazy sales on almost all their merchandise.
Whether you’re itching for a new outfit for the weekend, or hunting for a quirky gift, Biscuit is where you will find it.
Place rating: 5
Dartmouth, Canada
I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed Biscuit yet! This is my happy place in Halifax. Many of my favourite things have come from this store: my super cute ice cream bowls, my Hunter rain boots, my favourite mustard yellow shoes, my sort of Mad Men-​esque tie blouse, my Steve Madden knee high black leather boots, and some gorgeous jewelry/​accessory pieces.
It’s such a fun and colourful store, even before you walk in the door. And once you do, your senses will be taken on a wonderful little trip around this retro, character-​filled store. Most of the items you find here, from gift items to the salt and pepper shaker collection to children’s books to shoes to bags to clothes to jewelry to greeting cards, won’t be found elsewhere in the city.
I’ve always received excellent service here. I’m greeted with a friendly smile in every section, and offered help every time. In August, I had put a pair of Hunter boots on hold for a few days because I knew my friends were getting me a Biscuit gift card for my birthday. I walked in the other day (3 months later), wearing the boots, and the sales clerk who’d put the boots on hold for me immediately called out, «Hey — you’re wearing your birthday boots!» That’s a very personal level of service and speaks volumes to the quality of service provided by Wendy and the Biscuits.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
So I came here a few days ago on a mission to find a really flattering bathing suit. Some friends had told me that they had a large selection. And they do! There are two racks (1 for one pieces and another for two piece suits) on the right hand back part of the store. I had an arm full of at least 30 potentials that I tried on.
The girl working the rooms was nice and helpful without being too pushy. I requested at least 6 different sizes and she didn’t grimace or give me a tone at all. There was even an awkward moment when I realized I had full frontal flashed her and she didn’t bat a lid just calmly handed me a bikini and walked away.
The only thing that was aggravating was that although the racks were full, they had hardly anything above a size 6. When I asked the sales lady about it, she said that they always order from size 2 – 12. So I’m assuming that the larger ones sell out faster which makes me wonder — knowing this, shouldn’t they order more of the sizes that are popular? This is a dilemma that deals not only with this store but with all clothing stores. They always have to put the S and XS sizes on sale because there simply aren’t enough customers, and yet, anticipating this, they don’t change their ordering strategies.
Anyways, after some searching, I found two beautiful bathing suits (that fit) and my bill came to ~$ 200. I would definitely return to this small boutique again!
Place rating: 4
Kitchener, Canada
Biscuit is an absolute gem of a store and has been a favourite of mine since I first moved to Halifax ten years ago and would go there for fun and quirky postcards.
I love their commitment to bringing fun and unique clothing and giftware to the city and for making that work so well. It’s got a great mix of everything from cute dresses to outerwear to kitchen items to shoes and many things in between. A mix like that could be a hot mess, but like I said, Biscuit makes it work.
The staff are super. I finally gave in and bought my first pair of TOMS and like on all my other visits, the Biscuit who was helping me out was delightful and helpful. She knew her stuff and put my shoes on hold while I went outside to call a friend to talk through my feelings about buying TOMS.
As others have said, prices can be a little steep (although, not that bad), but I recognize the smaller Canadian designers they carry and I can appreciate that it’s not all mass-​produced and so cheap that everyone and their dog owns it. Biscuit is the place I go to buy a piece that’s a bit different. Not everything in the store is my style or meant for my shape, but c’est cool. I can usually find one thing I love and fits me. And really, all you need is that one great thing to treat yo’ self with. (and it’s so worth it when you still get compliments on that one thing a few years after you purchased it).
Pro-​tip: when you know the 50% off sale is coming up, scout out the store in advance and know what you’re getting. It’ll save you from wandering around in the crowds trying to find stuff. If you find something you want, don’t put it down unless you’re prepared to lose it. Just buy it. And wearing leggings and a tank top helps with trying something on when the change room lineup gets long.
Place rating: 4
Vancouver, Canada
True/​False? Biscuit is the first store I visited in Halifax.
True/​False? It was Ben B that recommended it to me.
True/​False? One of my beloved «Flair» lanyard pins is from Biscuit.
True/​False? I have interrupted people in stores in Vancouver who have mentioned Biscuit.
True/​False? I once scored a pair of bright yellow Hunter boots using a limited time only check in offer on Unilocal (and then went back the following day to purchase a full priced beautiful dress).
Answer: all statements are true.
But for serious, why in the world are you still reading my review when you could be browsing the immensely dense selection of womens and mens apparel, ogling the kitchen merchandise, and debating your «need» for a owl egg timer? Get thee there now. And don’t delay — between the bargains in the basement, the shoes, jewelry and the evening/​grad dresses on the left and the jeans and all other wardrobe genres in between on the right, Biscuit has it going on.
Place rating: 4
Timberlea, Canada
Biscuit is another of those places Downtown that I just never visited until recently, and I’m sad that I’ve missed out all these years! It’s an adorable little shop on Argyle, and a place that’s fun for everything to visit. They offer clothing, small housewares, and fun trinkets.
First, their clothing. Definitely a tendancy towards the hipster/​vintage scene here. Their Mens’ clothing is really nice, if a tough expensive, especially given the target audience. They do offer a few items at a more reasonable price, including really fun socks by HappySocks, which I was happy to pick up for $ 10 a pair. Their shirts tend to run in the $ 100 area, however, which I’m sad to say is out of my price range.
Their other stuff is all excellent, though. As well as being reasonably priced. They offer many quirky products by Fred and Kikkerland, as well as a few objects that you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else; rubber chickens, fish vases, etc. This area of the store is definitely my favourite, and the main reason I visit. It’s the perfect place to shop for the person who you can’t think of anything for.
The store itself is a nice little place, with wood floors and merchandise everywhere. It’s easy enough to find your way around. A tip, their sale area is at the very back down a few stairs. It’s a small area, more of a bargain alcove then what the sign claims is a «Bargain Basement». I have also yet to find any Mens’ clothing in the Bargain area, but I might not be looking hard enough.
The service here has also always been adequate as far as I’m concerned. They tend to leave you alone after greeting you, which I appreciate; I don’t like to be pestered when I shop. And it’s easy enough to find someone if you need someone. However, I find the service at the cash desk a little brisk; my attempts to strike up a conversation have all been shot down very quickly. Perhaps my hipster cred isn’t up to snuff.
Bonus points awarded for the free popcorn. Yes. They offer free popcorn.
Place rating: 4
Halifax, Canada
This has got to be the prettiest little boutique downtown. Any time of the year it’s worth a browse — for edgy clothes, gorgeous jewelry, nifty housewares, interesting cosmetics, even kid and baby gear.
I have to admit I’m usually too cheap (and sometimes too curvy) to shop for clothes very often here, but I’ve been pleased when I’ve splurged on an investment piece.
Not to be missed is the bargain basement, where the last items from different lines are marked down to move-​move-​move.
And let’s talk shoes. Biscuit’s carefully curated collection is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere (save the now-​sorta-​ubiquitous Tom’s). The prices are entirely reasonable, and the staff are really helpful when it comes time to try them on.
It’s not for nothing that my house is stocked with a small selection of Biscuit shopping bags.
Place rating: 4
Calgary, Canada
I love this store!!! The cool little trinkets and ridiculous/​gag gifts! I’m definitely going to be doing a little Christmas shopping here!
The clothes are unique and well priced. The quality of products is high! Its very entertaining being in this store and definitely find myself feeling like I could easily spend a whole paycheque here… is that a good thing or a bad thing?
The staff are friendly and very helpful! (and not pushy at all! I know its amazing)
This store also satisfy’s my obsession with 50’s era clothing and accessory. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to pick through here!
Place rating: 4
Halifax, Canada
If I had one word to describe the Biscuit General Store, that word would be «fun». I find myself casually walking into this store all the time, not necessarily looking for anything in particular. I mean all the different things you can browse and buy. it’s endless. Fully stocked with clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, housewares and gadgets, Biscuit has something for everyone. The décor and layout of the store alone fills my mind with happy thoughts every time I walk in.
I have to agree that items can be pricey (for those of you who have read my previous reviews, you know that I am a cheapy) But that being said, they do have a «Bargain Basement» where you can find some cute things that are easier on the wallet.
The Biscuit General Store is a unique place like no other in Halifax. It can be a hit-​or-​miss experience but it is definitely worth checking out.
Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada
Attention girls and boys, Biscuit is fully stocked with summertime goodness.
As I did a Saturday morning browse, my visit to Bisc assured a home run for warm weather classics. The store is looking great with all the semi-​recent renovations, new clothes, stylish staff, and lastly– the popcorn machine.
Munch and crunch your way through the lovely designs of Kenzie, Free People, Valerie Dumaine and more. The store’s new-​ish Twitter account provides a peek of what’s to come for fall with some Free People pieces, and WHEW– things seem promising.
I heart Biscuit and the wholesome vibes it provides. A longtime staple in the downtown area, my recent trip tested my gears pretty good. For those interested, the store is currently offering 30% off all shoes and accessories this weekend. I must hold back for now, but will be sure to head down again soon.
Place rating: 4
Halifax, Canada
Biscuit will always be a place I stop in to browse on lazy weekends, the novelty collection is amazing, and some things are so unique that it’s easy to find something you wish you had the money to buy. For example, I spotted a pair of pillow cases with «His» and «Hers» scrolled on them, and a pair of gold framed sunglasses for $ 20 that I swear by. This is a great place to buy a gift for a friend, a friend that appreciates funny and quirky presents.
While I love browsing the «toys» I’ve never had much luck finding anything here. I’m usually operating on a budget and most of the brands that are carried at this little shop are way out of my price range. Scarves and accessories (hats, sunglasses, socks) are usually pretty well priced, but I cant bring myself to buy anything at regular price here (as much as i admittedly want to).
Hot Hint: If you’re like me (a bargain hunter) then don’t forget to check out the sales nook, it’s down the stairs from the raised dresses section.
Place rating: 3
Halifax, Canada
Perhaps I am the most negative reviewer with regards to this store, but to me a store like Biscuit is not new. I have seen stores similar to Biscuit in places such as Miami and California. So its selection does not surprise me. Not that I don’t think its a great selection. In fact I’m very happy that someone is opening up a store similar to the ones I see in the United States with unique, products and fun stuff to buy. But I am surprised to see that their clothes are overpriced. This is one thing that separates Biscuit from similar stores in the United States. I mean, I am sure I can get a short sleeved shirt for less than thirty or forty dollars elsewhere. So why the steep pricing? I have no idea. But the other Knit Knack’s in the store are great and make great novelty gifts if you want to add something fun to a birthday present.
The staff are generally very pleasant and helpful, but tend to always be on the «go.» So you have to snag one with a net to get their attention. But once you do, they will stick with you until you are satisfied.
I find my women friends are more inclined to pop on into Biscuit than myself and my male friends. After all, it does have a large selection of accessories for women. So its worth checking out. Some of their clothes are incredibly overpriced but their accessories, bags and gift items are sometimes fairly reasonable. So its worth walking in and checking out for sure.
Place rating: 4
Halifax, Canada
If this store sold a single item of clothing in my size, I might have given it five stars, but no, I am apparently too HUGE to be allowed to fit in with the cool kids.
Otherwise, I love everything about this store. Great selection of fun novelty items and gifts, cool hats and scarves and mittens in winter. Watch for their boxing-​day half price sale, where I was once able to snag the BEST wristwatch ever made, which had an awesome wide green leather band. Shop also sells footwear and men’s clothing, plus some beauty products and kids’ items.