New Rainy River store to offer "Unique Variety" of items

By Ken Johnston
Editor

A unique business opened its doors over the weekend in Rainy River. J & E's Unique Variety is located on the top block of Fourth Street just down from the Canadian Legion.
The shop, formerly the Rainy River Toy Library, is owned and operated by Jon Laviolette and Elissa Gamble and offers a truly “unique” inventory.
“I grew up in a small town an hour away from Timmins and always wanted to have a store in my town that offered things I had to drive to Timmins for. So that is what I wanted here as well with it being an hour to drive to Fort Frances.”
Having been a Professional Re-seller for 15 years, Gamble brings a great deal of product sales experience. The inventory of J & E's Unique Variety ranges from convenience grocery items such as bread, pasta, soups, etc. to collectibles, novelty items, jewelry, purses, candles, incense, etc. It also features lingerie and adult items. “We will have curtains over the lingerie, in case some people do not want to see them,” said Gamble.
For Laviolette it is his first business experience. He is a welder by trade, and welded for the same company right out of high school until last year.
Last year the couple began looking for property to buy that could serve as a home and have a business on it. “One day I was looking on a realty site and saw this Rainy River listing. I said we can buy something in the $250,000 range, borrow money, or buy this one in Rainy River and not have to borrow.”
So they both took a week’s vacation and came to Rainy River. “We fell in love right away. We came in August and the Main Street was beautiful with flowers everywhere,” said Gamble.
So they went back home and Jon put his home on the market and Gamble gave her notice. They moved to Rainy River in early December.
Not only did they purchase the former Toy Library but also the Marmus Apartments (formerly the Credit Union and Rainy River Drugs even further back). They had planned to live in the apartment building but it was a struggle to get all the utilities hooked back up in the winter. “Plus the place needed a lot of work,” said Jon.
So they set up camp in the future store and began working. Their two sons, Aiden and Cahlum, stayed behind in Southern Ontario to finish their school year. They are 12 and 11 years old.
Gamble said they are trying to offer unique items not available in the community. They will also be selling Slush Puppies featuring six flavours and novelty ice cream products as well as candy and potato chips.
Jon hopes that they may expand into food items like homemade pizzas or sub sandwiches. But for now they are focusing on getting the business established.
The couple said that people have been so warm and welcoming. “We now want to welcome everyone to come into the store and check it out.”
They are hoping to have a grand opening in the not to distant future.