FAQ
About SORT
What is SORT?
SORT is a curated retail shop in Kitsilano, Vancouver. We carry zines, paper goods, books, ceramics, tools, and small objects — a mix of in-house made goods and pieces from other studios we trust. Everything on the shelf earns its place. Less, but better.
Where is SORT located, and what are your hours?
2550 Stephens St, Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC. Tuesday to Thursday, 11am–5pm. Friday and Saturday, 11am–6pm. Sunday, 11am–5pm. Closed Mondays and statutory holidays.
Does SORT make its own products?
Yes. Some of what we sell is produced in-house under our own label. The rest comes from other makers and studios we work with directly.
Are all your products made in Japan?
Most, but not all. A large share of what we carry — stationery, ceramics, glassware — is made in Japan, from makers like Stalogy, Hasami, and Toyo-Sasaki. We also carry goods made in-house here in Vancouver and pieces from other makers elsewhere. Check each product page for where it's made.
Can I shop SORT online, or only in person?
Both. Everything in the shop is also available online at sortdays.com, with pickup in Kitsilano or shipping across Canada and the USA.
Ordering & Payment
How do I place an order?
Add items to your cart and check out on sortdays.com. You'll get an email confirmation once your order is placed.
What payment methods does SORT accept?
We accept major credit cards and the payment options shown at checkout.
Can I cancel or change my order after placing it?
Email us at [email protected] as soon as possible. We can make changes before an order ships, but not after.
Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship?
Across Canada and to the USA. We can't yet ship internationally through the website — for an international order, email us at [email protected] and we'll see what we can do.
How long does shipping take?
BC: 3–10 business days. Rest of Canada: 5–10 business days. USA: 6–10 business days via USPS Ground. In-store pickup orders are usually ready within 1–2 business days.
How much does shipping cost?
BC: $16 CAD, free over $100 CAD. Canada-wide: $22 CAD, free over $150 CAD. USA: $28 CAD (about $20 USD), free over $195 CAD (about $140 USD). All rates include tracking and insurance.
Will I be charged extra duties on a US order?
No. As of January 5, 2026, we cover import duties on US orders ourselves (Delivered Duty Paid). The price at checkout is final — nothing extra is collected on delivery.
Can I pick up my order in store?
Yes. Choose in-store pickup at checkout and we'll email you when it's ready at 2550 Stephens St. We hold pickup orders for 30 days; after that, unclaimed orders are cancelled and refunded.
Full details are in our shipping policy.
Returns & Exchanges
What is your return policy?
In-store purchases can be returned, exchanged, or turned into store credit within 21 days, in original condition with tags and packaging attached. Online orders can be returned within 10 days of the delivery date under the same conditions; return shipping is at your own cost. Consumables, stationery, special order items, and printed matter (books and magazines) are final sale.
How do I start a return?
Email [email protected] with your order number and the item(s) you'd like to return, exchange, or credit. We'll walk you through the next steps.
Do you offer exchanges?
Yes, in-store and online, under the same conditions as returns and subject to availability.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Let us know within 3 days at [email protected] with a photo and a short description, and we'll sort it out.
Full details are in our refund policy.
Shopping by Category
Where can I buy Japanese stationery in Vancouver?
SORT carries Japanese stationery brands including Stalogy, Midori, and Penco / Hightide, in our Kitsilano shop and online at sortdays.com. Notebooks, pens, rulers, and desk tools built to be used, not just displayed.
What is Stalogy?
Stalogy is a Japanese paper goods brand made by Sasaki, known for the 365 Days Notebook and its low-viscosity oil-based ballpoint pens. We carry the notebook in A5 and A6, plus the pens and memo pads.
Are Penco and Hightide the same brand?
Penco is a product line made by Hightide, a Japanese company known for well-made office and outdoor gear. We carry Penco pencils, pouches, desk trays, and carry cases.
Does SORT sell design and architecture books?
Yes. Our book selection includes "Designing Design" and "White," both by Kenya Hara, and "Super Normal" by Naoto Fukasawa and Jasper Morrison — foundational reading on Japanese design thinking.
What is Hasami Porcelain?
Hasami is a pottery town in Nagasaki, Japan, with roughly 400 years of ceramics history. Hasami Porcelain is a well-known minimalist tableware brand from the same town, recognizable for its stackable mugs and coasters in a proprietary stone-and-clay finish.
What's the difference between Hasami Porcelain and HASAMI Maruhiro?
Both are ceramics from Hasami, Nagasaki, but made by two different makers. Hasami Porcelain is the minimalist mug-and-coaster stacking system; HASAMI Maruhiro is a separate maker in the same town, known for its Block Mug series inspired by vintage American diner tableware. We carry both.
Where is SORT's glassware made?
Our Toyo-Sasaki Hard Strong stacking glass cups are made in Japan and built to resist chips and cracks better than standard glassware.
What's a good gift under $100 at SORT?
Look for well-made objects like an Incense Pot by Pull Push, incense, T-Lab Animals, a notebook, or a TOYO Toolbox. Good for a gift or a shelf refresh.
What are SORT's staff picks?
Staff picks change with what's on the shelf. Right now that includes the Kenya Hara books, Snow Peak titanium mugs, and Hasami block mugs — objects our own team reaches for.
What does "Award Winner" mean at SORT, and what is the Good Design Award?
The Good Design Award (G-Mark) is Japan's national design award, recognizing outstanding, functional design since 1957 and now administered by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. Our Award Winner tag marks the pieces in our shop that have received it — including the Allex Scissors, Hirota Soy Sauce Cruet, and Ito Bindery paper goods.