No, it’s not some sort of Guns N’ Roses tribute. And no, it’s not the kind of general store that sells milk and eggs. GNR — which simply stands for George and Robert — is a new consignment store in the old Motor Tech building on 10th Avenue North.
George Benedict and Robert Schmidt, co-owners and operators of the GNR General Store officially opened their doors on May 15th. They have been receiving positive reviews ever since.
“A lot of people just love it,” said George, who will be the store’s front-man for the next couple years while Schmidt continues his work as an equipment operator for Flatiron’s Donald Bridge construction project. “They come in and think it’s just the coolest little store. And they’re buying things too!”
The store will take just about anything — from mattresses to Christmas ornaments and everything in between. George and Robert will take 25 per cent of the sale, which George says is the standard in consignment businesses.
George and Robert met in Golden in the early 80s and have been friends ever since. When George retired from his job as general foreman at the Moberly silica plant, which he held for 10 years, he decided he needed to work on some sort of project.
“I was retired and got bored silly. Robert and I were sitting down for coffee one day and I said hey, let’s try this,” said George, explaining that if you don’t try, you’ll never know if your idea will work or not.
He believes Golden is in need of a business like his as not everyone can afford to buy items new. George and Robert are also planning on selling some of the more valuable items and antiques on eBay.
“You never know what people will want,” said George. “ I just sold 30 vinyl records to one person!”
The store is open from Tuesday to Saturday and accepting new and used items.
“We take anything and everything.”
