The McIntosh story
It started in 1906. From coffee, tea and spices in Ottawa, to 33 china shops across Canada, to a historic collection of buildings in South Lancaster which is home - entrepreneurship has been part of the family for more than a century.
See our story
FAMILY BUSINESS SINCE 1906
Each generation took what came before and added something different to it. There are fantastic pieces of the existing story that should not disappear. This is the short version.
A short photo story from the family archives.
Rob’s grandfather and great-aunt open McIntosh & Watts in Ottawa, selling coffee, tea and spices. Cups and saucers join during the Great Depression. That small addition changes everything.
Rob's father, Grant McIntosh, stationed in England during World War II, sees an opportunity to bring English dinnerware and figurines home to Canada. Another big move.
Rob fulfills his dream and opens his first shop in Cornwall, Ont. Barb agrees to pitch in for a few weeks to help with the books and payroll. Barb stayed. More than four decades later, she’s become a McIntosh entrepreneur. It’s catching.
From coast to coast in Canada. One store becomes many, from Halifax to Vancouver, including china departments in five Eaton’s locations. The fourth generation, Jamie and Peter, are the driving force behind this expansion.
An old school, relocated historic buildings, a bank safe, connecting tunnels and a 23,000-square-foot retail smorgasbord become the Rob McIntosh Unique Shopping Experience.
The fifth generation is on board and already following his own entrepreneurial path. Alex is studying and playing hockey in Slovakia, while Rob and Barb are still a big part of the story back home. The entrepreneurial streak is yet in play.
This link doesn't work yet. Barb is in the middle of writing a novel containing anecdotes of the past 47 years. It's in progress and when done will connect to this link. Maybe soon. Maybe next year. Maybe I should get your help but at the moment, it's in the future. Lots of happiness to all.