A Space to Give Back: The Heartwarming Mission Behind Trevor’s One Stop Shoppe
By Brandon M.Casimiro
Published: June 24, 2026
Walking through the beautiful streets of Kingston always brings surprises, but sometimes, the best discoveries aren't just the products on the shelves or that new food you tried, but the people behind the counter. Recently, we welcomed Trevor's One Stop Shoppe, a new spot on Princess Street that is quickly winning the heart of the people.
But what truly sets this shop apart is the purpose driving it forward. In a world where it often feels like everyone is focused on what they can take, Trevor decided his next chapter would be defined by what he could give back.
We sat down with Trevor to discuss his deeply rooted belief in community care, the beautiful human connections that have already filled his space, and how Trevor's One Stop Shoppe is transforming the downtown Princess corridor one "new friend" at a time.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Trevor! For those who haven't stopped by yet, how would you describe the vibe and what we can find at Trevor's One Stop Shoppe?
I'm kind of like the local discount grocery and clothing shop. People can find those little knickknacks or things they are craving without having to pay corporate top dollar. I try to keep my prices lower than the big guys because I'm only 800 square feet. But beyond that, I don't call the people who come in "shoppers". I call them new friends, because everyone that crosses that door is a new friend.
Why Kingston? I know that before opening the doors to this space, you had a long career in a completely different job. What was the breaking point to decide to leave that job and start this business?
I moved to Kingston almost 20 years ago, and I love the community. I like the vibe, the music scene, and the spirit of camaraderie. I didn't even know I was going to open this business until I quit my other job; I just figured it was time for a change. I figured at 58 years old, the universe had to give me a new direction.
I’m a Cape Bretoner, and I feel that if everybody's taking and no one's giving, we're all in trouble. Most people take these risks when they're young. I'm doing it now because I have the means to be able to give people affordable groceries, snacks, and drinks in an economy that is just out of control.
"Don't look in the rearview mirror because that's behind you. Look ahead of you through the windshield, see what's coming, and embrace it."
Making the decision to quit to pursue what you are truly passionate about is an act of great courage. How has your definition of "success" changed since making that decision?
What has been the most rewarding surprise the shop has given you since you opened?
During the first week I opened, a husband and wife came in from Toronto. They walked through the shop and saw the way I was interacting with my new friends. They watched my interactions, came over to the cash register, and said: "We'd like to buy this. And we'd like to give you a cheque for $3,000 to help you in your endeavor" because they believed in what I'm doing. I know I'm just a small piece of the puzzle, but people are understanding that if we don't start giving back, we're not going to get it back in return.
Can you give us a real example—something that happened recently—where you felt the community show up in a way that reminded you why you're doing this?
It was a Tuesday morning, and a man from the street came in. It was cold outside, and he said: "I'd like to get a hoodie". I asked if he had the money for the hoodie, and he said no, but that he was going to panhandle that day to buy it. I close at 6:00 p.m. and he came back at about 5:45 p.m.. He handed me a bag full of coins and asked me if it was enough.
I knew it wasn't enough. But I told him: "Paid in full. You look really good in your new sweater". It just made my cup run over, I felt so warm... it was a beautiful moment.
Out of all the corners in your new shop, do you have any detail that holds a special or sentimental meaning for you?
I have a "Friendship Chair" right here next to my counter. I tell anybody that's having a down day that, if they need someone to talk to, they can stop in and we'll have a good chat. I make people realize that when they come in this store, they're not invisible. They are human, and we are all human. When someone who's homeless cuts their hand, they bleed red. The richest people, when they cut their hand, they bleed red as well. We are all equal; we've all just got different circumstances.
If you had to describe your new life as a local business owner in three words, what would they be?
-
Love, because people are loving this store.
-
Compassion, because people are respecting those who come in and can't afford to shop anywhere else.
-
Gratitude, for how it makes me feel to be a part of the Princess corridor downtown. It just feels really good.
If you could give a piece of advice to someone reading this right now, who feels stuck but is afraid to take the leap, what would you tell them?
People ask me: "What were you thinking?". And I tell them the same thing: Don't look in the rearview mirror because that's behind you. Look ahead of you through the windshield, see what's coming, and embrace it. What people need to realize is that a day is very long, but the years are short. Think about where you were 5 years ago; it wasn't that long ago. Don't worry. The days are long, but the years are short.
Anything else you would like to add?
A lot of my videos on Facebook, where I've mostly been posting them—have been blowing up. People love the comedy, and the comedy is there because there's such a sense of tragedy. You have to look at the lighter side. You have to look at what makes you happy, what makes you smile. I try to give that as much as I can in my videos because so many people just don't know what the next day is going to lead to, or the day after.
As we bring this great story to a close, it is vital to highlight the importance of helping others without expecting anything in return. We live in a difficult world that truly needs more empathetic people willing to lend a hand. So, if you ever have the chance to visit Trevor's shop, we highly recommend it, whether it's to grab a delicious sweet treat from across the world, or simply to pull up the Friendship Chair and talk about how your day is going.
Support local and say hello to Trevor's One Stop Shoppe, located at 338 Princess St.
Brandon M.Casimiro
Marketing and Events Coordinator
