Empire Revival

Empire Revival is a Queensland-based collective retail business bringing together antique and contemporary goods, independent merchants, and heritage buildings. Founded from the Paddington Antique Centre, which opened in 1985, the business became Empire Revival in 2018 under owner and director Suzy Baines. Its stores offer a distinctive mix of jewellery, fashion, furniture, antiques, homewares, collectables, art, and other unique finds.

In Brisbane’s historic Plaza Theatre building, around 50 merchants offer pieces ranging from rings, dresses, and teasets to tables, chairs, lighting, and small collectibles. Empire Revival also operates in Murwillumbah, where local businesses, artisans, and antique merchants share space in a heritage-listed former picture theatre. In Kalbar, the Emporium provides a country-style shopping experience in the landmark Wiss Emporium building, alongside Wiss Cottage, a historic four-bedroom home available for overnight stays.

The business also hosts changing exhibitions and window displays, highlighting merchants’ work and varied styles. Across its locations, Empire Revival celebrates distinctive objects, creative enterprise, and the character of historic places