When I first began blogging, I posted about a field trip to Treasure Mart and Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I forgot my camera, and that kind of tells you what an amateur I was at the time. Let's see if I can do a better job this time around!
Yesterday I went on my usual run to the Antiques Market of Williamston and The Livingston Antique Outlet, two of the three antique malls where I rent space. Both are off I-96, and once I made it to Howell I just kept going to Ann Arbor, which is only about a thirty minute drive further down the road. I had been wanting to visit Treasure Mart for quite some time, and I just happened to have my camera, so off I went!
Treasure Mart is an all-consignment shop, and they have been a thriving business for over 50 years. Every time I visit, their loading/unloading area is buzzing with activity, and on this day there were numerous pieces of furniture being unloaded from a large truck.
I didn't have a chance to meet the owner, who wasn't in the shop when I was there. The store manager was nice as can be and allowed me to take pictures inside the store.
There are three floors that house a wide assortment of goods at Treasure Mart. The main floor has the choice items, like the dresser below which was part of a bedroom set. I just love these hand-painted "cottage" style bedroom sets. I sold one very similar to this a few years back:
Items brought in for consignment are marked with the date they were consigned and the price. If the item doesn't sell after 30 days, the price is reduced by 10%. This continues each 30-day period while the item remains in the shop.
Upstairs there are lots of "smalls", kitchen items, clocks, and glassware:
I spotted someone's vintage collage artwork on one wall:
If I had room in one of my booths, I would have bought this French provincial settee. If I wait until space opens up, the price of this settee will go down, unless someone else buys it first.
There are many little drawers to look through in Treasure Mart's basement:
Numerous quilts in the basement in all price ranges:
I was attracted to these wing chairs. Upholstered pieces like these can easily be cleaned if you like the fabric. You can save so much money by buying furniture at consignment shops!
The porch area of Treasure Mart has lots of books and other small items:
I didn't buy a lot, but my trip was definitely worthwhile. The basket was only $6, and the dresden plate quilt was $59 (it needs some cleaning and repair):
My favorite find was this child's alphabet plate. Even though it has a hairline crack, I still love it. Notice the American Sign Language alphabet encircling the cats? And the alphabet on the outer rim is raised, possibly so a visually impaired child could feel it. That's my theory, anyway.
A closer view:
There was a note indicating a previous owner on the back, it appears:
I always look for hats for my "mantiques" booth in Howell. I found a couple good ones at Treasure Mart. Someone will have fun with the Navy captain's hat, I'm sure:
I should mention that Treasure Mart is dangerously close to Zingerman's Deli, and you really should consider visiting both places to make it a perfect day! Here are Treasure Mart's hours:
Store Hours
for shopping
Monday-Saturday 9:00am-5:30pm
(734.662.1363)
Because they are so busy, you must call and make an appointment to bring in items for consignment. And If you beat me to that French provincial settee, I won't be upset. I'm sure Treasure Mart will replace it with something great!
Mitzi
