March 28, 2024

Relics celebrates first anniversary

Relics Antiques, including collectibles celebrated its first anniversary in business with an open house Friday and Saturday in Newton. Owner Laurie Nelson welcomed customers, along with the shop pup Minnie, with cake and drinks to celebrate its first year.

“I’ve had pretty good results. Every day somebody new comes in and I have customers that come in on a regular basis. Some come in just to see the dog,” Nelson said.

Nelson, along with her husband Jerry decided to open up the shop after doing the swap meet and flea market circuit and having a booth at Pappy’s Antique Mall, which closed. Hauling the items in and out at different shows was a lot of work and the couple decided they did not want to do it any more.

“The breakable stuff can only be hauled in and out so many times before something goes,” Nelson said. “We actually were needing a place to sell our stuff and so after maybe a month of discussion we decided to jump in.”

The two-floor shop, located in a prime location on the west side of the square at 115 W. Second St. N., houses booths for vendors to rent and sell their merchandise and is full of anything a person might want. As the name suggests, it is filled with antiques and collectibles along with some furniture, knick-knacks and home items.

“A lot of times they say (the vendors) do better at Relics than other locations they have booths,” Nelson said.

Over a year’s time, Nelson has interacted with hundreds of people who walk through the shop, but one stood out in her mind when asked about memorable customers.

“A lady came in and was looking at a Thomas the Train ride downstairs and she was trying to convince her husband to buy it for their son. He was afraid that he would outgrow it, and her response was ‘we’re a short family; he’ll be able to ride it for a while,’” Nelson said.

Nelson has been an active participant in events held on the square including Ridiculous Day and Bike Nights. She is also excited to see the farmers market back downtown this year. She also has expanded her presence to a Facebook page, updating it frequently with new or exciting items.

“I think it (the farmers market) will be good for downtown,” Nelson said. “Usually, if there is any activities, I am going to be open.”

As for future plans, Nelson plans to stay put and continue growing her business. She currently has a few spots available for vendors, but as you can tell when you walk through the door, she has a popular location that stays full.

“I think we are going to hang out here for a while. People tell me I need a bigger store, but I’m not ready to take that leap yet,” Nelson said.