Vancouver Retailer Little Sister's Marks 38th Anniversary

Vancouver Retailer Little Sister's Marks 38th Anniversary

VANCOUVER — Little Sister's Book & Art Emporium will mark its 38th anniversary on Saturday, May 29.

The brick-and-mortar retailer was founded and owned by Jim Deva and Bruce Smyth until Deva's sudden passing in 2011; Smyth subsequently sold the store to Don Wilson, who also sits on the stewardship committee for the public area known as Jim Deva Plaza.

"Since we opened in the West End [neighborhood] in 1983, the store has been a mainstay in the community for LGBTQIA+ folks by offering a safe haven for all persons regardless of their sexual orientation and by tirelessly fighting for equal rights for all folks," a rep told XBIZ.

From its inception, Little Sister's specialized in selling LGBTQIA+ literature.

"Our store was thrust into the public eye in our fight against custom censorship laws where we found our books repeatedly being seized and detained due to outdated and equality-rights-infringing provisions labelling the books as 'obscene.' After many years of court battles, Little Sisters eventually won a court case with specific censorship provisions being lifted," the rep recalled.

The court battles brought Little Sister's international recognition. The store expanded its inventory to include Pride items, greeting cards, clothing and adult health products.

The retailer continues to participate in Vancouver's yearly Pride parade, acts as a ticketing vendor for the Vancouver Queer Film Festival and other local community events and funds a yearly scholarship to the Loud Foundation in support of future leaders of the Canadian LGBTQIA+ community.

"We appreciate your continued support during these trying times," the rep said. "We always look forward to your visits!"

Store hours are currently 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (PDT) Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays and holidays. Bike racks are installed in front of the store; five free parking spots, and a handicapped spot, are available in back. Current COVID-19 regulations require face masks for admittance and while shopping.

Visit Little Sister's online and on Instagram.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

'Groove Thing' Sets Kickstarter Funding Record for Insertable Pleasure Product

Groove Thing, an insertable pleasure product that plays audio, has set a funding record on Kickstarter.

Nalpac/Entrenue, Ohdoki Sign Distro Deal for 'The Handy'

Nalpac/Entrenue has inked an exclusive U.S. distribution deal with Ohdoki Products for The Handy.

Onahole Debuts New 'Miss Boss Cup' Stroker

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Miss Boss Cup stroker.

ProDx Health Introduces 'Trust 1' HPV Test

ProDx Health has introduced its new Trust 1 Home Collection Kit for HPV testing.

Eye of Love Debuts 'Pheromone Roll-On Duo' From Bloom Line

Eye of Love has introduced the Pheromone Roll-On Duo fragrance set from its Bloom collection.

Full Circle Releases 'Grinders' Collection

Pleasure brand Full Circle has debuted its new Grinders collection of discreet vibrators.

Doc Johnson, Polynesian Pleasures Ink Distro Deal

Pleasure brand Polynesian Pleasures has signed a deal with Doc Johnson for global distribution.

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys & Tailends Studios Launch Limited Partnership

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys, and Tailends Studios have launched a one-month campaign to produce customizable dildos, with some proceeds benefiting SWAID Collective.

Sexpo Australia Founder Launches SexEx

Sexpo Australia founder David Ross has launched his new adult lifestyle expo, SexEx.

Orion Unveils New Styles From 'Svenjoyment Bondage' Line

Orion Wholesale has released two new styles from its Svenjoyment Bondage line.

Show More