Nanaimo as a shopping destination?

[PaulStevens]

What would you rate Nanaimo as a shopping destination of a scale of 1 to 10, as compared to other places in BC?

[ebusinesstutor]

Nanaimo - 6 out of 10? Some funky shops downtown and in the old city quarter, but the rest is just big box stores.
Qualicum - 8 out of 10. Awesome downtown stores and no franchises allowed.
Steveston, BC - 8 out of 10
Harrison Hot Springs - 8 out of 10
Springdale, Utah - 10 out of 10