It was a love for Niagara that brought Grace Rufenacht and her mom, Jackie, proprietors of One of a Kind Furniture Décor and More, back home.
“We just returned to the region three weeks ago from Halifax,” said Jackie. “A job transfer took us out east, and we had opened the same store in Halifax. But we got so homesick for Niagara, we decided to move back.”
Jackie’s husband is also involved in the operation.
The store’s location, at 9 Highway 20 West, near the corner of Pelham Street, was Frank Ryan’s Frontier Gun and Sport shop for many years. Frank and his wife, Jan, also resided at the property from 1973. Frank passed away in 2018, but his widow still lives upstairs. The building is owned and was renovated by Overbeeke Construction of Fenwick.
“We source our products from small businesses and vendors across Canada and around the world,” said Grace. “We know many of the suppliers as friends, or friends of friends. Many furniture pieces on display are reclaimed mango wood from India. It’s a hardwood that is very durable, and has an antique look.”
Grace said the store stocks unique products from Indonesia, from across the U.S., plus Canadian crafts and décor items.
“We are always interesting in stocking products made by local artisans.”
Christmas is the current theme on display, with glistening ornaments from many countries available for purchase.
One of a Kind Furniture Decor and More had a soft opening last week, but has its grand opening this Saturday from 10 AM until 6 PM, with coffee and treats, and raffle prizes. Mayor Marvin Junkin will be on hand at noon for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
