Brandon Twp.- Lynne Lane and Rick Zwiefel are dealing in old stuff in a new place.
The couple will re-open Antiques in the Village at 1552 S. Ortonville Road on Sept. 1.
They closed their location at 48 South St. in Ortonville in January, after building troubles. Zwiefel said they waited for their new location, which became vacant when the former occupants, Curves, moved to 250 N. Ortonville Road, Suite F, on Aug. 15.
‘We wanted this building because it’s a good location and has high visibility,? said Zwiefel on a recent Friday afternoon as he stood among various pieces of old furniture, racks of vintage clothes, and cases holding pottery, glassware, jewelry and coins.
With the exception of a few collectible pieces, Lane notes that everything has to be 40 years-old or older to be in the store, ‘except for the people.?
Items in the store include a 1930s drop-leaf table, a 1920s cabinet from a doctor’s office, chairs and kitchen cabinets from the 1950s, and the oldest piece, a couch from the late 1800s.
‘We have beautiful things at fair prices,? says Lane. ‘Everyone likes to negotiate in antiques. We have a lot of fun.?
Lane and Zwiefel have reserved space to sell their own stuff, which they usually obtain from estate sales. They will also purchase antiques from customers.
Lane, who became interested in antiques when she started an ‘I Love Lucy? collection, says tastes are always changing and because dealers like different things, they have a wide variety of antiques.
‘One minute, people like shabby chic, the next it’s Victorian,? she said. ‘People collect everything, it never fails to amaze me. And I learn so much from the customers, they’re so knowledgeable.?
The new location has 1900 square feet of space for antiques. They already have 12 dealers signed up and room for three more. Price for dealer space range from $60 for a case to $95-$195 for a booth.
Lane and Zwiefel are currently planning a grand opening for Sept. 10 and will also have an open-air market in the parking lot at that time, where people can also buy space to sell antiques and crafts. They plan to continue open-air markets as long as the weather permits.
Antiques in the Village is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Details: (248) 627-5550.