Paraphernalia Books ‘N’ Stuff, the shop known for British treats, books, puzzles and gifts, celebrated its Grand Reopening on Thursday at 290 Front Street in Downtown Belleville.
Owner Susan Chambers was joined at the ribbon-cutting by Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis, Councillors Garnet Thompson and Margaret Seu, Trisha Pretty on behalf of MPP Tyler Allsopp, Nicole Kleinsteuber on behalf of MP Chris Malette, Cristina Cadavid from the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Brad Roach from the City of Belleville’s Economic Development Department, Luc Fournier from Small Business Centre and Downtown Belleville DBIA Executive Director Danielle Hanoman.
The store re-opened at its new location inside Stephen Licence Ltd. following a summer fire above her previous location where Chambers lost most of her British food imports, 150 books, 132 puzzles and 226 collectible tin signs.
After the fire, Chambers connected with Kevin Bongard from Stephen Licence Ltd. The family-owned business—now 107 years old—had once suffered a similar experience.
Chambers is grateful for the new storefront located inside the bicycle shop. “They’re just amazing people. They do things out of the goodness of their heart. That’s why they’re still standing after 107 years,” Chambers said.
Chambers first launched Paraphernalia Books ‘N’ Stuff in 1999 at a Bowmanville flea market, then opened her first bricks-and-mortar shop in Oshawa in 2002.
After several location changes, Chambers purchased a home in Belleville in 2023 and promptly opened her store downtown in June 2023.
“A place came up for rent in Downtown Belleville and it was affordable,” said Chambers, of her former location.
Customers can look forward to an expanded puzzle selection, plus seasonal Advent-calendar puzzles, United Kingdom goodies and confectionery at her new location.
“There’s more space, more choices, and more room to showcase things,” Chambers said.
“I’m hoping to have a little reading nook set up, but customers can expect the same friendly service as before,” said Chambers.
Paraphernalia Books ‘N’ Stuff is your go-to destination for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts offering a unique blend of used books and new treasures with a distinctly British and retro vibe.
Paraphernalia Books ‘N’ Stuff is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(BROCK ORMOND)
