Grand Central opened in 1983 and has graced the same location in Little Burgundy from the get-go. Owner Gordon Downs worked in antique shops before beginning this new venture on his own. “He was also involved in lighting as well as the retail side of things. He’s an expert in many aspects of this business,” says manager Wayne Downs.
“We consider ourselves to be the best. This is probably the best antique shop in Canada. I think we certainly have the finest chandeliers. We have a very broad stock in both European and English furniture,” says Wayne. Grand Central prides itself on having items that are ordinarily very hard to find. “We have silver, we have porcelain and we have rare French furniture.”
Grand Central has received recognition from different publications over the years. It was featured in Architectural Digest for its distinctly unique interior. However, this isn’t what fuels the owner’s idea of running a successful business. “I think our greatest reward is our ever-expanding customer base — people coming in from out of town because they have heard about us,” says Wayne.
