Most of you who have read any number of my articles, know by now that I LOVE antique re-sale shops BUT I am a hard person to please when it comes to quality of merchandise and appearance of store. And to be brutally honest, I had no intention what-so-ever in checking out this store. Until I began re-decorating my young son's room and I was encouraged to check out the place for something unique.
Upon driving up this store, I was filled with misgivings....it's humble, actually shabby, outside appearance made me pause and debate whether I really wanted to enter or not....after all I was only half a block away from the mall and bargains galore....did I really want to spend time in a re-sale/antique store!?!
Boy am I glad my inner voice urged me to check this business out further. As I walked into the store I immediately struck with the neat, room like arrangements of furniture and accessories! This looked like a little furniture gallery, except the items were "gently used". When I use that term, I mean they were mostly items that were antiques and a every one of them was shined to a gleam, and clean as well. There wasn't a nick or chip out of the china, or a rip in the lace tablecloth. This was top notch stuff and stuff most of us remember from Grandmas's house, not the super store down the road!
I was lucky when I entered to be greeted by the owner herself and I must admit I stayed a lot longer than I had anticipated simply because she was so friendly and helpful. She explained how and when she began this business and how she prided herself in showing her wares in the best way possible! I totally agree....her settings were not only tasteful but arranged in a way that helped the shopper "see" them in their own home. A definite step up from some other stores in the area that toss their items on dusty shelves and let them lie.
And prices! All I can say is I was in shock.....but a good shock! the prices were not only reasonable but were easy to find and easy to work into the tightest of decorating budgets! This lady knows her stuff folks....she isn't over charging but rather putting a fair market value on her wares and waiting to see if they sell.
This store is basically a re-sale, consignment shop intermixed with antiques. Because of this, the merchadise may change daily due to demand so if you are thinking about an item, my advice would be to buy it, it may not be here tomorrow.
The bottom line is this folks...I was really impressed with this store...so much so that I am already planning my next trip there. And will I buy? Well let's just say, the "stow and go' package on my mini-van is going to get a workout! Happy shopping....see you at KIT AND KABOODLE!!!
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