Coast Consignment, a family business that helps people buy and sell furniture, artwork and antiques while navigating major life changes, has been shortlisted for the North Vancouver Chamber’s 2026 Business Excellence Awards.
For owner Tina Hamlin, the recognition reflects 22 years of work building a business that serves both shoppers and people parting with their possessions.
“What’s unusual about our business is that we are both a retailer and a service business,” Hamlin said. “Being nominated for the award really motivates us to keep giving exceptional service to both our Consignors and Customers; we would not be here without them.”
Hamlin’s father, Richard “Dick” Beer, founded the business in 2004 after immigrating from England in 1969. One of his early businesses imported and distributed English antiques and reproductions across Canada.
A serial entrepreneur, Beer founded and sold several businesses before returning to antiques, artwork and furniture, establishing Coast and securing its current location. Hamlin joined the family company in 2008 after leaving a corporate tax career in telecommunications. Her father became ill the following year and died at the end of 2009. She has run the business ever since.
“The Beer Family has always loved design, furniture, artwork, rugs and antiques and being able to showcase beautiful pieces from our clients across British Columbia is a privilege,” she said.
Today, Coast’s showroom brings together furniture, art, rugs, jewelry and other pieces for homes, gardens, offices and cabins.
Behind the displays is the work of helping consignors through downsizing, moves, estates and other significant transitions. Hamlin said that requires both careful administration and an understanding of the emotions involved.
“We are grateful that our Consignors trust us to help them with one of life’s most challenging milestones.”
The business also connects clients with a network of professionals offering services such as staging, organizing, moving, cleaning and interior design. Sometimes, that help comes even when Coast cannot accept someone’s belongings. Hamlin recalled a recent interaction with a prospective consignor whose items were unsuitable for the store. Staff suggested other resources and companies that could help find homes for the goods. The person later left a five-star Google review thanking them.
“We know people are busy so someone taking the time to leave us a 5 star review even though we couldn’t take their items was incredibly satisfying,” she said.
Hamlin credits her staff with keeping the business running, handling tasks that range from shipping artwork worldwide and ensuring consignors are paid on time to keeping pet treats ready for visitors’ dogs.
“Each team member plays so many roles in the business and is ready to step in to take on whatever challenges we face.”
Looking ahead, Hamlin’s ideas include a possible standalone art gallery welcoming people of all budgets and levels of art knowledge, more educational talks and improvements to the existing space. She also hopes to encourage people to create more personal living and working spaces by mixing styles, textures, eras and colours.
“We hope to be a North Shore and British Columbian staple business for decades to come.”
