Kaia Boutique - A Star Wars Store in Quebec City

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Post by the89thchris Sat Sep 28, 2019 3:15 am

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Last year I learned that there was a retail store that specialized in Star Wars memorabilia in the French-speaking province of Quebec. Last week I finally had a work trip that allowed me to check it out (for 15 minutes before I had to race to the airport  rofl ) This place is called Kaia Boutique, and it's amazing.

It's raining, I'm driving into an area of Quebec City that I've never been before, and I'm on the clock. I'm thing wondering if I will even notice the place as I drive up. I shouldn't have been worried about that. I saw Star Wars iconography a block away. This place had beautiful prints all over the windows (essential for blocking harmful UV rays  rofl  ) !

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The first step inside the store and I am greeted by a custom, life-sized Trade Federation Destroyer Droid! I apologize for the terrible framing here, I had to make sure I saw everything with the limited time I had. This was a strong indication of what was in-store.

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When I first looked in the center of the store, I was blown away. Lined up on the wall were chronological examples of the entire action figure line, literally one end of the store had some vintage Kenner, and from left to right, all the way up to the front of the store, each series of figures was represented, right up to the most recent cases of Rise of Skywalker merch that the owner was unloading as I entered, not yet for sale. The ceiling was lined with store displays and custom dioramas. One of those was completely breathtaking and Ill give you a closer look at that later.

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The center of the store had display cabinets featuring Hot Toys & Gentle Giant statues, as well as rare and exclusive figures from various modern lines. I'm not ashamed to say, there were several modern vehicles and playsets that I was extremely tempted by, things I'd never seen in person. Luckily I had a flight to catch and no more luggage space lol so the real estate in my collection room was saved for vintage. They had the Geonosis Arena Playset, for example, something I had no awareness of at the time of its release, and this was the first time I've ever seen it in person.

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The selection from the modern lines was strong. That being said, I could tell that this store certainly had its regular clients because there was little in the way of hidden gems. The more desirable modern figures had been picked out, but it was nonetheless impressive to see each line presented chronologically. I can only think of one other store in Canada which has done this quite this well and that would be Toy Traders in Langley, British Columbia. Interestingly, this store has some official relationship with Hasbro. The Rey - Island Journey figure, and the Current Lando Skiff figure from the Vintage Collection were exclusive in Canada to this store, whereas in the United States they were Walmart exclusives.

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When it comes to the vintage stuff, there wasn't a great deal, but there were some quality pieces. There was a decent selection of MOCs, all were Kenner USA so I didn't really ask for any prices. If id had time and the ability to transport it safely, I'd have inquired about the Canadian snow speeder.

As evidenced by the life-sized Destroyer Droid, someone is clearly supplying this place with amazing custom pieces. There was a diorama that looked true 3.75" scale which featured the base of the Sandcrawler from the droid auction. Once again, I wish I had more time to appreciate these things while I was there. I'm sure there were two or three that I missed.

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All and all, I loved each of the 15 minutes I was there. I bought a modern figure rofl and please check out a few more photos from the place, the guy has a freaking life-sized Rancor head.

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bananarock
the89thchris
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Post by Commander Clint Sat Sep 28, 2019 8:19 pm

Great pictures Chris. Thanks for sharing. clapping
It's nice to know that if when we are traveling thru Quebec, that we can still find some nice toy shops.
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Post by grinchy Sat Sep 28, 2019 8:26 pm

Wow what a store, looks great mate, thanks for sharing, love all the displays
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Post by arohk Sun Sep 29, 2019 3:16 pm

That is a cool looking store indeed.
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Post by the89thchris Sun Sep 29, 2019 3:48 pm

Yeah, I've been thinking about that Rancor head for days. rofl
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Post by Cardnut Sun Sep 29, 2019 5:18 pm

Excellent pictures Chris. Thanks for sharing. It is always cool to see current as well as vintage stuff displayed. I would be afraid to even think about what some of those custom pieces would go for. whew
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