Walkerville Relics is the kind of shop that feels instantly familiar. Tucked into Windsor’s historic Walkerville neighbourhood, it’s a small, ever-changing space filled with vintage finds and pieces that spark memories the moment you see them.
The shop is owned by Rachel Bondy, who opened Walkerville Relics after years of selling potted houseplants out of Anchor Coffee House, the café she co-owns just two doors down. What started as a side project grew quickly during the pandemic, when Rachel began thrifting vintage pieces to use as planters and exploring how old objects could be given new life. When a space became available next to the café last spring, she didn’t hesitate.
“I’ve always loved interiors that feel lived-in and alive,” she says. “Filled with greenery, history, and personal touches.” Walkerville Relics became a natural extension of that idea, bringing together vintage goods and thoughtfully selected objects that tell a story.
Rachel measures success a little differently. For her, it’s not just about sales. It’s about creating a space where people feel at home, where a piece catches someone’s eye because it reminds them of their grandparents’ dishes or the mug their dad used every morning. Those moments of nostalgia and conversation are her favourite part of the job.
Nearly everything in the shop is for sale, including the furniture and displays, which means the space never looks the same twice. “It’s always changing,” Rachel says, and that constant evolution is part of what keeps people coming back.
When she’s not in the shop, Rachel’s ideal day off starts with a pour-over coffee and scrambled eggs at home, followed by a long walk through the conservation area with her pup, Winston. Afternoons are for thrifting and sourcing new finds, and evenings usually involve a glass of wine, a bag of chips, and a good mystery book.
What motivates her most is the creative process and the joy of giving old things new life. She loves experimenting, repurposing objects in unexpected ways, and creating spaces that encourage people to slow down and appreciate the beauty that already exists.
Walkerville Relics is located at 571 Lincoln Rd, Windsor, Ontario, and is well worth a visit if you love spaces with heart, history, and a sense of community.
