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Vacant Storefront Coming Soon to West Road in Trenton

While new business in Trenton are getting ready to open the doors for the first time, one local business is closing the doors forever.

 

After being open for less than a year, Michigan Authentic Treasures is going out of business.

The resale store open its doors on April 20, 2012, but light foot-traffic and few sales have forced owners Ted and Barbara Smith to close the shop.

Passers-by can see the words "Going Out of Business" written on the dark-tinted windows that Barbara said might have contributed to the light foot-traffic.

"People don't know that we're open," Barbara said.

Barbara added business has picked up considerably since she decided to sell everything in the store for 50 percent off.

"Stuff has been flying off the shelves," Barbara said.

Barbara's husband, Ted, who spent countless hours in the store placing items for sale on websites like Ebay and Craigslist, eventually had to take a full-time job to support her and their children.

"I just don't have the time to be here anymore," Barbara said.

Everything in the store is now for sale: from the shelving units to the brand new varsity jackets, and prices has been marked down and marked down again.

Barbara said she hopes to sell everything before her lease is up and the doors close forever at the end of the month.

"We're barely making enough to pay for utilities," Barbara said.

Michigan Authentic Treasures is located next to a business that also opened and closed in a short time, InkSpot Tattoos and Body Piercing. A new mystery business is currently renovating the former tattoo parlor and a nearby space. The new property owner said he plans to announce a grand opening later this year.

There were several items still available Thursday afternoon including books, jewelry, tables and display cases to name a few.

For questions about items email Ted Smith or call the store 734-671-0522.

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Related Topics: Closing, Michigan Authentic Treasures, going out of business, and trenton

michelle

10:44 am on Friday, March 8, 2013

Oh what a bummer! I wish the place had time to establish itself. I love those kinds of places but have to admit I have not ventured in yet. I only go when I need that one of a kind thing. I hate going when they are closing. It is like the vultures decending.

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cscharlt

12:49 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013

I'm sorry to see a small business go, but maybe if we attracted more stable businesses that would attract a variety of people for the foreseeable future. This seems like a knic-knack shop that just won't do well in an area like that. The fact that the owner resorted to selling things on auction websites should tell you their merchandise wasn't sought out by local residents. It also hurts that there seems to be a high churn rate for certain buildings and strips on West and West Jefferson - so long time residents often overlook these shops since it seems in another year or so it'll just be gone.

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gibby68

2:38 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013

I wasn't sure what type of business it was when I saw the Lighthouse on the sign, I guess I assumed it was nautical themed, which seems to be more of a Gibraltar attachment than a Trenton one. I do agree with cscharlt that West Rd. cannot sustain a long term business in certain areas, and I think they do get overlooked, but I would definately prefer to buy local, but it has to be something that would draw me in. I would like to see something other than another Pizza joint on West Rd.

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