In July of 2005 Peter and I moved into a beautiful century building in the lovely village of Lyndhurst. It has been home to us and The Green Gecko for 10 years now! We LOVE being here and are so grateful to everyone who has embraced us and our little shop and helped us to reach our 10 year anniversary! On our anniversary I'd like to share some of the story of us & The Green Gecko....
More than a store: The Green Gecko celebrates a decade
of merging lifestyle, eclectic shopping and community
of merging lifestyle, eclectic shopping and community
Owners Terri and Peter Dawson speak fondly of their century home and storefront. The front of the building shows off the historic gingerbread woodwork. A comfortable mix of international market one-of-a kind finds and local artisan creations is nestled on the shelves at The Green Gecko. Situated in an historic house on the main street in Lyndhurst, Ontario the Green Gecko has literally breathed new life into the downtown core of the village.
During the last 10 years, the Gecko has redefined the bottom floor of the home and embraced a community. Hand-picked, value-priced goods from around the world and down the road accent the eclectic shop. Among the vibrantly-coloured scarves and clothes, handmade jewelry, funky home decor and eye catching Asian artifacts, there is an element of treasure hunting for customers, which makes each stop at the shop a memorable experience.
Opened in 2005 and now celebrating its 10th year, The Green Gecko has become a fixture on the small business scene. Customers drive to Lyndhurst from urban centres specifically to shop at the store, and orders from The Green Gecko’s online offering have even been shipped as far as Tasmania.
During the last 10 years, the Gecko has redefined the bottom floor of the home and embraced a community. Hand-picked, value-priced goods from around the world and down the road accent the eclectic shop. Among the vibrantly-coloured scarves and clothes, handmade jewelry, funky home decor and eye catching Asian artifacts, there is an element of treasure hunting for customers, which makes each stop at the shop a memorable experience.
Opened in 2005 and now celebrating its 10th year, The Green Gecko has become a fixture on the small business scene. Customers drive to Lyndhurst from urban centres specifically to shop at the store, and orders from The Green Gecko’s online offering have even been shipped as far as Tasmania.
Owner, Terri Dawson stands in her shop. Owner Terri Dawson and her husband, Peter, were drawn to Lyndhurst for the quality of life. In fact, they are the first people to own their circa 1860s red brick house outside of the original family. Dawson said keeping the heritage feel to the house was paramount when opening the shop, as was showcasing the building’s architectural features without sacrificing its comfortable feel.
“Having the house as part of the big picture is essential to us,” she said, noting that they live upstairs while running their business on the lower level. “That element of history engages people.” In fact, that engrained heritage and the village culture was a big part of what attracted them to relocate.
“Having the house as part of the big picture is essential to us,” she said, noting that they live upstairs while running their business on the lower level. “That element of history engages people.” In fact, that engrained heritage and the village culture was a big part of what attracted them to relocate.
The picturesque town of Lyndhurst is known for it's stone bridge - the oldest in Ontario. Arriving in the village a decade ago and setting up their business was filled with promise. “We saw a real potential in Lyndhurst and were anxious to get in on the ground floor in a place that has the natural surroundings, is close to the lake, is picturesque and just has great community feel to it,” said Dawson.
The store itself was born from a love of travelling and collecting beautiful things. The goal was to find a balance between supporting the people they meet overseas while at the same time giving local artisans an opportunity to showcase their talents. Artisanal work from across Ontario complements the gems Terri and Peter find during their annual travels to South East Asia, where they scout out artisans or family businesses while focusing on fair pricing and ethical sourcing.
“When we’re overseas we go to the markets looking for people making things,” she said. “The market is the essence of what we’re doing: making connections with people and understanding what’s important to them. It gives the shop an authentic feel and ensures we always have interesting, revolving and meaningful items to offer our customers.”
The store itself was born from a love of travelling and collecting beautiful things. The goal was to find a balance between supporting the people they meet overseas while at the same time giving local artisans an opportunity to showcase their talents. Artisanal work from across Ontario complements the gems Terri and Peter find during their annual travels to South East Asia, where they scout out artisans or family businesses while focusing on fair pricing and ethical sourcing.
“When we’re overseas we go to the markets looking for people making things,” she said. “The market is the essence of what we’re doing: making connections with people and understanding what’s important to them. It gives the shop an authentic feel and ensures we always have interesting, revolving and meaningful items to offer our customers.”
 |  | Scouring international markets with the locals is a favourite part of the process of bring unique items to the Green Gecko shelves. |
Terri stands in front of the new Lyndhurst billboard, a Chamber of Commerce & Community Development initiative she spearheaded. Not only do they make a difference with artisans from around the globe, but also at home in their local community. Already actively involved in community events, the local Chamber of Commerce and community revitalization, being a part of the big picture for the future of Lyndhurst is always a priority.
Not just that, but the Gecko owners routinely act as ambassadors for the area, rarely missing a moment to shine a light on other local businesses or areas of interest for visitors and residents alike. Dawson says part of her philosophy is about paying it forward, and realizing benefit as a resident and business owner from how much you give back to your community.
Not just that, but the Gecko owners routinely act as ambassadors for the area, rarely missing a moment to shine a light on other local businesses or areas of interest for visitors and residents alike. Dawson says part of her philosophy is about paying it forward, and realizing benefit as a resident and business owner from how much you give back to your community.
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