Before the lockdown, my visit to the decorated Distillery District led me to a glimmering antique shop, Biltmore Domicile. A vintage paradise, adorned for Christmas, welcomed its customers to purchase antique treats for their loved ones. Unfortunately, the news of lockdown brought distress to small business owners like Eugenie and Gary.
Politely, they accepted my request to share their attitude towards the announcement of the lockdown. Read on to know more about their collector’s heaven, enhanced with creativity and shared love for art.
How did you come up with the idea of opening a vintage store?
Gary: The inspiration for the store was Eugenie’s grandfather who happened to be a collector of old and rare books. Yet, it was by accident that our furniture store transformed into a vintage store. Our loyal customers would regularly come to us to customize their furniture. Eventually, they began asking us for small antique items instead of larger things. As a way to cater to our customer base, we began expanding our range of art objects, books, paintings, show pieces and home décor.
The store feels like an art gallery. Did you consciously make it an accessible and inviting space?
Eugenie: The look of the store is a mélange of both of our creative sensibilities. Broadly speaking, the furniture aspect is Garry’s vision as a furniture maker. And all the quirky and artistic elements are mostly my picks. [Eugenie is a knowledgeable artist herself. Some of her artwork is available in store]
Juxtaposition of old and new is the idea behind setting the items in a certain way. The beauty of old with the new and vice versa adds a mysterious glamour to both. The consideration of the material is provided great emphasis. Wood, cloth, stone, down, leather and feather is visible in different parts of the store.
How has the lockdown impacted your work?
Eugenie: The unprecedented times like these have forced the closure of our store and pushed us to switch to online orders and curbside pickup. The most delightful time of the year, when we joyfully greet our customers is obstructed by the grim reality.
Unlike brick and mortar stores like ours, big corporations stay open and unchallenged. The worst repercussions of the pandemic are suffered by local businesses. Now, it is only possible to sustain ourselves with the support of people. People who still crave for the taste of Toronto provided by small stores.
Unlike brick and mortar stores like ours, big corporations stay open and unchallenged. The worst repercussions of the pandemic are suffered by local businesses.
We wished to continue welcoming our customers with proper safety guidelines. However, we understand that safety and health of the people comes first. In testing times, like these, it is important to stand together and be there for others. The spirit of humanity can help us emerge out of the catastrophe.
I am grateful to Eugenie and Gary for taking out time to speak to me. 🙂 I encourage all my readers to check out their lovely store on Instagram and Facebook. You can also facetime them and get a virtual tour of the aesthetic store. Feel free to get antique and vintage pieces from them for your family and friends, this festive season.
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