This page will excite your senses and inspire you to " Explore all the wonderful possibilities" under one roof.
I would like to share the exciting vision of Grandma’s Vintage Market with you, as we begin a brand new chapter in all our lives Dear Friends and Family,.
For many years I have dreamed of having a little Shoppe of my own that featured all of the things I loved best throughout my life. I have always been a nurturing person who loves people, so nearing my 70th birthday, I decided to embark on a new adventure and create something that was needed in our community and different then a conventional store.
The vision was to create something distinctive and unique based on old fashion values and incorporate a place where a small community like ours could gather around the table and have a coffee and perhaps enjoy a little home-made snack. I envisioned creating a familiar place where one could chat with friends, browse a little and see all the different things available and maybe find a little treasure to take home or give as a gift.
My budget is small, but my heart is big and with my experience as an office manager and bookkeeper I was able to come up with a sound business plan. Unlike most of the local businesses, my plan does not count on summer tourist traffic; but rather based on serving the local people from all the small communities in Lambton Shores year round.
Within a few weeks after opening in April, several people approached me about adding consignment furniture, household goods and clothing along with my personal stock to expand my inventory. With these few items and the tremendous support and help of friends and my awesome landlords Barb and Ray Locee, I opened on April 19th.
During the summer, I met some wonderful, talented people who share the same vision for community as I do and it became obvious to me that I needed to share my space with these people because they all have something very special and unique to offer and just need a venue to showcase their creations.
At that point in time 1100 sq feet expanded into 2000 sq feet and after November 15th Grandma’s will expand to 3000 sq feet to showcase artisans, crafters, vintage furniture, Shabby Chic furniture and décor and unusual and handcrafted gifts. With all these recent developments, I thought the business name should be changed from Grandma’s Attic Treasures to a name that best described more of a co-op venue under one roof, than just one small Shoppe.
Most folks that have come in for a visit since I opened last April are surprised at how reasonable and affordable price are, so sales have been pretty good considering that advertising has been limited and the signs are not up yet. I have established a good relationship with most of the folks who have come to visit, and now have regular customers who come in from Sarnia, London, the US and any where between here and Goodrich. It warms my heart when they lovingly refer to me as “Grandma” and I get lots of hugs. (Smile)
It’s so exciting to hear comments from old and new customers that walk around the Shoppe now and see all the different areas that are all unique on to themselves. Each corner is beautifully displayed with gifts and household décor that are usually only available in high-end boutiques in the bigger cities. The warmth and positive energy of the vendors is contagious and you can’t help yourself wanting to linger and stay for a longer visit.
I found that a lot of folks, especially women my age don’t like sitting down by themselves and ordering a meal in a big restaurant, so coffee is free and if I'm having lunch then people are welcomed to join me, as long as we have enough to go around. For me, there is no price on nurturing the body and the soul, so anything I serve is without cost, unless you want to leave a donation to 4 The Luv of Luna ( For Ferral Cat Rescue) or Paws International for our Doggie Friends.
Grandma’s is a little more cozy than a conventional eatery, very informal, welcoming and without a time limit, so people can visit and not feel like they are being hustled out the door.
The vision was to create a community gathering place where we can all sit down and share a pleasant conversation over a cup of fresh brewed coffee or tea.
All of us, that are part of Grandma’s family work together to help create this immensely enjoyable ambiance. Although it is important for all of us to make a living, for this family, making money is not the bottom line. We all feel that sharing our gifts, talents and heart is the focus and reason behind Grandma’s creation and subsequent success.
Grandma’s Vintage Market has become even more then what I had originally envisioned it to be. Thanks to all the incredible people that are gifted and generous with their time, support and encouragement something extraordinary has happened here and it keeps on growing. I am so blessed that all these remarkable people are here to help create an atmosphere that is comfortable, relaxing and welcoming, old fashion Shoppes all under one roof, where people are drawn to visit and encouraged to linger and enjoy all the wonderful possibilities.
So there you have, guess when you think about it, you are never too old to follow a dream, I personally believe that life begins at seventy (smile) and everyone should live it to the fullest with joy, happiness, smiles and give lots of hugs. I look forward to visiting each day with old and new friends that are very special to me.
Love and warm hugs to all
Grandma
We are located in the old Sand Dunes General Store on Lakeshore Drive ( Highway 21) in Northville also known as Lambton Shores. Just a hop and jump for Port Frank's,Ontario
We have over 3000 sq ft of unique little "Shoppes" with something special for everyone of all ages.
Tags: Antiques & Vintage