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In the world of retail, few stories are as rich and colorful as that of Rob McIntosh and his namesake store. Spanning generations, this tale goes beyond the evolution of a shopping experience — it's a story rooted in family legacy, fueled by determination, and shaped by an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in Canadian retail, Rob McIntosh has always stood for quality, tradition, and an enduring passion for bringing exceptional products to everyday homes.

The McIntosh Legacy

Rob McIntosh was born in 1941 into a proud Scottish merchant family with deep roots in commerce and a strong work ethic. The family’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1906 when Rob’s grandfather and Great-Aunt opened a shop in Ottawa called McIntosh & Watts, originally specializing in coffee, tea, and spices. As the Great Depression took hold and economic challenges mounted, the business adapted by introducing cups and saucers — a modest but pivotal step into the world of dinnerware. During World War II, Rob’s father, Grant, who was stationed in England, saw a unique opportunity: importing fine English dinnerware and figurines back to Canada. This savvy move gave the business new momentum and helped establish McIntosh & Watts as a fixture in Ottawa’s retail landscape. The brand’s reputation only grew stronger with the opening of their store in the city’s first indoor mall on St. Laurent Boulevard, cementing the McIntosh name as a household staple.

A New Chapter Begins

In 1979, a pivotal chapter in the McIntosh family story unfolded when Rob McIntosh decided to step out on his own. Though naturally reserved, Rob was driven by a bold vision — to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that reflected his passion and heritage. With his father’s blessing, he launched Rob McIntosh China Inc., taking his first leap into independent retail. What began as a solo dream quickly became a shared mission when his wife, Barb, joined to help “just for three weeks” — and never left. Together, they dove headfirst into the unpredictable world of retail, turning every challenge into an adventure. On October 3, 1979, that dream officially took shape with the opening of their very first store in Cornwall Square. Of course, there were nerves — plenty of them. But fear was no match for their determination. With a little faith and a lot of grit, what started as a modest shop soon blossomed into something far bigger than they had ever imagined.

The Climate of Challenge

Rob’s early venture unfolded against a tough economic backdrop. Interest rates were soaring, reaching an astonishing 21%, and many retailers struggled to stay afloat under the weight of financial pressure. Yet, amid this turbulence, Rob’s store found its footing. Shortly after his initial success, the neighboring toy store closed its doors — a twist of fate that opened a new door for Rob. Seizing the opportunity, he expanded into the adjacent space and launched what would become known as the Apple Gallery — marking his first major expansion and a bold step forward in the retail world. The late 1970s and early '80s were transformative years, especially with the booming interest in collectibles. Two names stood out in this new landscape: Robert Bateman’s artwork and Bradford Exchange Collector Plates. Rob, ever the visionary, recognized the trend and swiftly broadened his product offerings to meet this growing demand — further cementing his place as a tastemaker in Canadian retail.

Dreams of Expansion

Rob dreamed of building a chain of fine china and dinnerware shops along the scenic St. Lawrence Seaway — a vision rooted in both passion and place. In 1984, that dream began to take shape with the opening of a second location in the Kingston Shopping Centre, thanks in part to the generous support of Wedgwood. The excitement was electric. Rob’s eldest son, Jamie, eager to be part of the journey, pitched in by delivering shipments to the new store after school. It quickly became clear: this was more than just a business — it was a full-fledged family endeavor. Soon, Rob’s younger son, Peter, joined the fold, further deepening the McIntosh family’s hands-on involvement. The momentum kept building. In 1985, a third store opened in Brockville, followed closely by a fourth in Quinte Mall, Belleville. What began as a bold dream had become a thriving reality — a proudly Canadian retail presence stretching across the seaway.

A Twist of Fate

Just when everything seemed to be unfolding according to plan, fate delivered an unexpected twist. While operating in Cornwall Square, Rob was approached by the owner of a national restaurant chain, Sneaky Pete’s, who introduced him to a trio of businessmen with an ambitious idea: take the Rob McIntosh brand nationwide. Though flattered, Rob trusted his instincts and declined to join the venture. Undeterred, the group moved forward on their own, launching five china shops in malls across Ontario — from the charm of Cornwall to the misty backdrop of Niagara Falls. However, success proved elusive, and within a few years, two of the stores had closed. In a surprising turn of events, the group returned to Rob, offering him the opportunity to take over the remaining leases. Without hesitation, he said yes. What followed was a remarkable leap forward — transforming Rob McIntosh China from four Seaway stores and one Apple Gallery into a thriving retail network of six Rob McIntosh locations and two Apple Gallery stores.

Scaling New Heights

With growth came new challenges — particularly the logistics of serving a rapidly expanding network of stores. Rob quickly recognized the need for a more efficient delivery system. A dedicated truck became essential, making weekly rounds to each location. But in true Rob McIntosh fashion, the solution sparked a bigger idea: if there were no stores between Belleville and Niagara Falls, why not fill in the gaps? After all, where others saw distance, Rob saw opportunity. And just like that, expansion took on a life of its own. Looking back, those early years were filled with hurdles — but also with limitless potential. What started as a single store in a small town grew into a proudly Canadian, family-run enterprise, stretching across the picturesque St. Lawrence Seaway and eventually reaching 33 locations coast to coast over the next 15 years. At its core, the Rob McIntosh story is one of resilience, vision, and the belief that big dreams are always worth chasing. October 3, 1979 wasn’t just the opening day of a store — it was the beginning of a remarkable legacy.

The Remarkable Story of Lancaster

As Rob McIntosh’s unique shops continued to grow, so did the need for proper storage. The search for the right space was long and uncertain — until fate intervened. A decommissioned public school, perfectly situated at the intersection of Highway 401 and Highway 43, came up for tender. Where others saw an aging building, Rob saw potential. He placed a bid, and against the odds, won the property. But this wasn’t just a practical solution — it was a building steeped in history. Along with the keys came an unexpected gift: an eight-page handwritten document chronicling the school’s past. It listed every teacher’s name, the very first kindergarten class, and even included a song commemorating the school’s amalgamation with the township. It was more than a building — it was a story waiting to be told. The kind of tale that could easily inspire a heartfelt stage production, not unlike Jersey Boys — full of legacy, community, and unexpected turns.

Unearthing Local History

Lancaster is a place steeped in history, and Rob’s vision was only the beginning of bringing that legacy to life. One by one, historic buildings found new purpose on the property. The Breadalbane Schoolhouse, once part of the Breadalbane Baptist Church, was carefully relocated to the site. Soon after, the Cattanach Building made its journey from nearby Williamstown, Ontario — and with it, a rich story spanning generations. Far more than just a store, the Cattanach Building is a true historical landmark. According to the 1851 Census, it was originally a shop owned by cabinetmaker Peter Gadbois. For over a hundred years, the Gadbois family operated a general store there — a vital community hub that even housed the local post office. The Cattanach family later took ownership, and the building became home to the Bank of Montreal until 1982. Remarkably, the original bank safe still stands, untouched, at the center of the floor — a quiet testament to its past. Once the buildings were relocated to the Lancaster site, they were joined by a cleverly constructed tunnel — not just a practical solution for staff during Canada’s long winters, but a subtle nod to the resourcefulness and enduring spirit of earlier times.

Building Dreams, One Brick at a Time

While the rich local history of Lancaster continued to unfold, Rob McIntosh was dreaming on a national scale. As the dinnerware industry flourished, he envisioned a dedicated space large enough to showcase an ever-growing selection of fine products. To bring that vision to life, two skilled local Ukrainian craftsmen, Mike Psyk and Mike Fedchyk, were commissioned to build a stunning 7,000-square-foot showroom. In a true display of community spirit, shipping crates donated by a Czech company were repurposed during construction — a creative example of support from near and far. As the Rob McIntosh brand expanded across Canada, its success caught the attention of Eaton’s, the iconic Canadian department store. Rob was handpicked to operate the china departments in nine of their flagship locations. This partnership marked a turning point, helping the business grow into a network of 33 china shops from Halifax to Vancouver — all managed from the heart of Lancaster, made possible by the emerging power of computer technology. To meet rising demand, Rob built an additional 7,000-square-foot warehouse, streamlining operations and injecting new energy into the community. But even the brightest chapters have their turning points. As consumer trends shifted and the dinnerware industry began to decline, Rob found himself closing more stores than he was opening. In true McIntosh fashion, the family embraced it with humor — often joking, “We opened and closed 65 stores in nine years.” A testament to resilience, adaptability, and the ever-changing nature of retail.

A Unique Shopping Experience Reborn

But the story doesn’t stop there. Lancaster’s spirit has always been one of resilience. Though Rob faced difficult decisions along the way, today the McIntosh Unique Shopping Complex stands strong—a thriving business that proudly reflects the values and history woven into its very foundation. Now in the hands of fourth-generation McIntosh, Jamie, who is also the father of the fifth generation, Alex—an entrepreneur in the making, balancing Junior A hockey and university life—the legacy continues. From humble beginnings with just seven stores and no warehouse, to a bustling local shopping hub, the journey has been anything but simple. Each challenge and triumph has deepened Rob McIntosh’s story and strengthened the community spirit at its core. So, remember: the future is full of surprises. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the stories still waiting to be told!

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The McIntosh Legacy

A New Chapter Begins

The Climate of Challenge

Dreams of Expansion

A Twist of Fate

Scaling New Heights

The Remarkable Story of Lancaster

Unearthing Local History

Building Dreams, One Brick at a Time

A Unique Shopping Experience Reborn

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