Ann Arbor’s Treasure Mart isn’t a traditional holiday gift-shopping destination, but co-owner Elaine Johns said the store still gets a spike in business this time of year.

“A lot of people come in looking for something unusual that you’re not going to find at the mall,” she said. “A lot of people come in looking for better, high-end things…

“They’re looking for nice things to decorate with for the holidays, they’re entertaining. And we sell lots of jewelry this time of year.”

Treasure Mart owner Elaine Johns in one of the many themed rooms inside the eclectic store on Detroit St. in downtown Ann Arbor.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

The consignment store recently announced it would open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays through Dec. 20. It’s also giving out coupons to customers who spend $50 or more that offer $10 off on their next purchase.

“Just based on what’s been happening in the last month I think we’re going to have a really good (holiday) season, because we’ve been doing really well,” Johns said. “A lot of people have been shopping.”

Johns said the business has done “OK” this year and “better than expected based on what the economy was doing.” She owns the store along with her husband, Karl, and sister, Jan Raber.

Johns says she’s seen an uptick in the numbers of people calling about bringing by truckloads of furniture, antiques or household items to sell on consignment. The store is booked until January now because of space limitations; Johns says she routinely is having to book deliveries further and further out.

Treasure Mart opened in 1960 at the same location on Detroit Street and turns 50 next year. “And we’re going to make it because we’re still doing well,” Johns said.

“I feel blessed, really. We’ve got so many good customers who come here… they get so tickled when they find something special, like ‘I had this when I was little,’ or ‘My grandma had this.’

“People have fun shopping here.”  

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