The iconic TJ Finn- Store in Gaskill St
This October long weekend marks the 150 year anniversary of TJ Finn, Canowindra’s pioneering businessman.
TJ Finn the impetuous for retail business in Canowindra opened a general store at Moorbel in 1869, moving the business to the current location of Finns Store in Gaskill Street.
Fast forward to 2009, Jackie Yeo dis-covers the old Finns building by chance or maybe providence. The building, like the town was still standing proud but in a chronic state of disrepair. With the same spirit of enterprise and adventure Jackie seeing the opportunity and potential for the building to be revitalised incorporated a fu-sion of Australian cafe culture with afford-able homewares, clothing, art and more embarked on the mammoth undertaking of bringing Finns Store and Canowindra back to life.
It is hard to believe that back in October 2010 after months of painstaking restora-tion and renovation Jackie and Geoff Yeo re-opened the doors of the iconic building, beginning the restoration of Canowindra’s retail centre and community spirit.
Since re-opening on that long weekend and since its first customer, none other than a Mrs Finn, the store has expanded from a small gift shop cafe to a unique multi spaced area able to handle large licensed functions and small intimate meetings all set amongst unique pieces of furniture, clothing, jewellery and art.
The store is now in its own right a tourist destination recognised as the driving force behind the retail and historical regeneration of Canowindra. Finns Store is a place that has something for everyone be it a simple coffee, exotic retail choices or simply a re-minder of our wonderful past.
Finns Store is open Thursday to Sunday providing locals and travellers authentic Australian history, hospitality and retail therapy. Be sure to call in and experience TJ Finn’s heritage and JJ Yeo’s vision.