Vacant Storefront Coming Soon to West Road in Trenton

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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