Because of the nature of the business, stores
like Design Consign, Yesterdays and Not 2
Shabby see frequent turn over in merchandise.
“Every time you come into the store you will
see something new,” Foy said.
What also has helped is the change in clientele
for many of these types of shops. “If our
businesses are to survive we have to be current
with what people want,” Mortiz said. “And while
we do sell some of the traditional antique
pieces like copper pots, tea kettles and fine
china, it’s not our main focus.”
Mortiz said many of his customers coming into
the shop are between 20 and 40-years-old, a
huge shift in the past few years.
“It helps keep us relevant,” he said. “We
understand the trends, what people want and
what they are looking for.”
But the best part of the running the business,
according to these store owners, is helping
their clients find that special something no one
else has.
the right furniture to pick and fix up, oftentimes
storing the excess at home.
Schmidt said her focus is on painting a variety
of furniture pieces including dressers, tables
and chairs. Not 2 Shabby also works with about
35 different consigners who sell handmade
mittens, rugs, soaps, blankets, cutting boards
and barn wood items.
“It’s a cool place to find something other
people don’t have,” Mortiz said. “People have a
lot of fun coming in and seeing the products.
They are looking for that ‘wow factor.’ And it’s
fun and exciting for us (when they find it).”
ABOUT THE
BUSINESSES
DESIGN CONSIGN
Owner: Steve Foy
201 S Sixth St., Brainerd, MN 56401
218-824-0712
Hrs: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tu.-Fr., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sa.
Website: www.designconsignmn.com
YESTERDAYS
Manager: Ron Mortiz
517 Broadway St., Alexandria, MN 56308
320-762-8990
Hrs: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mo.-Fr., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sa.,
noon- 4 p.m. Su.
Yesterdays is on Facebook. http://bit.ly/2Fcc5fM.
NOT 2 SHABBY
Owner: Tiffany and Chris Schmidt.
109 Sixth Ave. W, Alexandria, MN 56308
320-759-1443
Hrs: Noon to 5 p.m. We. - Fr., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sa.
Facebook. http://bit.ly/2C3hoPX
“Everybody finds something here,” she said.
Over the years, both the Brainerd Lakes and
Alexandria areas have become destination
stops for many on the lookout for unique
furniture pieces.
“We’ve had people drive hours, sometimes
from out-of-state to buy something,” Schmidt
said. “People have traveled from as far away as
Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.”
Mortiz said Yesterdays gets regular phone calls
from potential clients asking about sizes and
measurements for certain pieces seen on social
media before they make the trek north.
“We also do have a lot of sports tournaments in
Alexandria, not to mention the resorts,” he said.
“So, we also get people who are just passing
through who have become regulars every time
they are in town.”
~SAUK CENTRE, MN~
Just a short drive from the Twin Cities on beautiful Sauk Lake.
Great fishing/recreational lake. 8 cabins that sleep from 2-8 people,
pet friendly, pets stay at no cost, pontoon rentals, full bar/restaurant.
John and Lisa Dockstader, Owners
320.352.5112
We rent celebrations
of a lifetime
218.828.2127
Sales & Rentals
At Design Consign, Foy said many people make
the journey from the Twin Cities area. Some
come from as far away as Chicago.
“We’re pretty lucky here in the (Brainerd) lakes
area,” Foy said. “It’s not uncommon for people
to travel to us. We deal with a large area and a
large customer base.”
15867 Edgewood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425
5
Toll Free 877-328-2127
www.PartyWorldBrainerd.com
[email protected]
destinationupnorth.com 11