The Saugeen Times

A treasure trove of unique gifts at The Back Room on Princes

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Pewter jewellery from Wales, and gold jewellery from Colombia

If you're looking for a special gift for that special someone, chances are you'll find it at The Back Room on Princes. Or you'll have a fantastic time looking for it.

Located at the back of 737 Princes St. in Kincardine , the shop was formerly called "Mercatores Mundi Inc." and is a treasure trove of unique gifts. Owned and operated by Jane and Paul Rigby, the retail store has been open for the past three years and offers locally-made items, as well as a remarkable international gift gallery featuring home decor, jewellery, textiles, garden decor, Canadian and imported products, religious artifacts, paper, the elegant and the unusual.

The Rigbys lived in Hamilton where they operated Rigby Trade, an import/export business. While they have continued that business since moving to Kincardine 11 years ago, they enjoy the retail store, and operating "Grubby Paws," a line of pet lifestyle products, which they also brought with them from Hamilton.

Among the many items available through "Grubby Paws," are co-ordinated paw-printed ceramic bowls, cookies jars, textiles, slobber towels, and paw wipe towels. Newly available are 100-per-cent Canadian ceramic pet memorials, urns and memory boxes, made on the premises, complete with plaques.

The "Grubby Paws" line of products began when Jane created a mat for their own dog, with paw prints all over it. They took it to a trade show, the interest spiraled and the Rigbys have expanded it to include covers for beds and couches, etc. The Line has been expanded to include a wide range of textiles and ceramics

The Rigbys also operate the Apothecary, a line of natural products for pet health - all 100-per-cent Canadian, made. Among the items are paw balm, soap, shampoo, and healing salves. There is also bottled water for dogs, aptly named Eau de Toilette and Eau de Puddle.

Since last March, Jane has been doing all the ceramics in the basement of their home, using two kilns. Besides the pet products, she enjoys making art ceramics - jewellery, objects, and tea strainers and tea bag holders. Right now, she is working on Christmas ornaments that look like gingerbread cookies.

The international gift gallery stems from the import business, with the Rigbys bringing in a variety of intriguing items for sale at their shop, such as costume jewellery from Greece, Botswana, and Turkey; Celtic jewellery from Wales and Scotland; gift objects from Athens to Zimbabwe; traditional religious artifacts from Tibet and Nepal; and a vast assortment of other items from Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, India, and China. The handmade paper from Nepal is sold to specialty paper shops across Canada and to the Shoreline Artists.

While browsing the many beautiful items, take time to check out the bargain area where Jane has good quality "seconds" in the ceramics line, available at special prices, as well as the "looney bin" where you can fish through and find a deal.

The Back Room on Princes is open Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 519-396-6060 for an appointment. During the winter time, the shop is open by appointment only. Regular hours return in April or May. Also check out the website at www.grubbypaws.biz.

So, take a stroll along Princes Street, Kincardine, deke down the lane and check out The Back Room on Princes.

Looney Bin bargains