What: Vintage Thrift Art & Antiques
Where: 1412 W Jackson St.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
The owner of a new Muncie store hopes to provide customers with the perfect antique for them — right from the comfort of his own home.
Vintage Thrift Art & Antiques opened early November. The new store will offer not only vintage clothes, but artwork and collectables from different time periods to the Muncie community, store owner Michael DuQuette said.
DuQuette and his wife, Kara Clark DuQuette, opened their store right in the living room of their home on West Jackson Street. With a location near The Village, DuQuette said they can market directly to Ball State students.
DuQuette said he sells his art and antiques not just to make a sale, but to help his customers find just the right antique for them.
"It's kinda nice to see their faces, when something goes to the right person," DuQuette said.
So far, they report having about 30 customers per day, many of them Ball State professors and students.
DuQuette used to sell his antiques at a booth at Off-Broadway Antique Mall, until realizing he could create his own business out of his home. He has been accumulating antiques and different collectables since he was a teenager.
"I like the different, the bizarre," DuQuette said. "I'm into all different religions."
These interests are shown in the items DuQuette has for sale, he said. Most items come from places he and his wife visit.
Vintage Thrift Art & Antiques also advertises selling vinyl records, comic books, many Beatles and Elvis items, windows, glassware and jewelry.
DuQuette doesn't just consider himself a collector, but an artist too. Different art pieces that he has created, as well as art from local artists, are for sale as well.
Lindsey Stamper, a sophomore vocal education major, frequently shops at Muncie thrift stores. Though she hasn't visited Vintage Thrift Art & Antiques yet, she said she plans to soon.
A love of fashion and Marilyn Monroe caused Stamper to become interested in vintage clothing several years ago. Her love doesn't stop at just clothing, however; she said she thinks anything vintage is "really cool."
Stamper said vintage things are becoming more popular again with the college-aged crowd.
"It's coming back," Stamper said.
Even with several existing vintage and thrift stores in Muncie, including Vintage Shoppe Thrift & Gift, Off-Broadway Antique Mall, Caldwell Antique Mall & Flea Market, Old Sixty-Seven Antique Mall, Frankie D's Flea Market, Crazy Eddie's Flea Market and two Goodwill stores, owner DuQuette doesn't view these as competition to his business.
"We need even more places like this," DuQuette said. "I'm excited when new ones come up."
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