By Chelsea Pyne

What started as a hobby and a supplement income turned into preserving a staple of the Kernersville community.  Lisa Haas became a vendor at Unique Treasures after a battle with breast cancer three years ago.  “My sister is very creative.  Becoming a vendor was an outlet for her.  She wasn’t well enough to go back to work, but this got her out of the house when she was feeling good,” explained Carol Witherspoon.

Unique Treasures features over 40 vendors, selling an assortment of home décor, small furniture, jewelry, and other unusual finds.  Lisa and Carol set up a booth to make some side money by selling their tidbits.  That was the plan, at least.  Neither sister would have imagined that they’d become so involved in their new community.

After the original owner had to sell out or close, Carol stepped up to the plate.  “We were vendors for two years before I bought it,” explained Carol.  “I loved the whole concept so I jumped at the opportunity.  I did not want my sister or any of the vendors to lose this venue to sell their unique treasures!”

So, on December 1, 2015, Carol bought Unique Treasures with a few plans in mind.  First, in order to create a little excitement, Carol started “Vendor of the Month.”  The lobby now features one vendor’s treasures, and with over 40 vendors rotating in, it is sure to ‘make quite an entrance.’  She also created a wishlist so customers can write down what they’re looking for.  “If there’s something in particular, vendors will take a look and see if they can find it.  If we do, then we’ll call the individual and match up the two,” Carol explained.

It is a store filled with thousands of stories and questions.  Each item comes with a history and value that, in ways, speaks for itself.  Because the merchandise is constantly revolving, the store creates an energy of its own.  Each visit is new and there is always something to discover.  Carol added, “The store changes every day.  Vendors are always bringing in new stuff, seven days a week!  If you see something there today, and you do not purchase it, it is likely it will not still be around tomorrow.”

Carol went on to explain how “things just don’t collect dust here.”  Meaning, the price points are very reasonable. Vendors like to do a lot of business and keep a good variety coming in and out of the store.  Averaging around 50 visitors a day, many people enjoy stopping by just to see what’s new and catch up with the vendors.

Lisa is a testament to exactly that. “The thing I love most about the store has to be the customers,” she explained.  “You get to know what they like… whether it is a vintage canister set or an interesting piece of sterling silver jewelry.  You form bonds and friendships when they come in on a regular basis.”  

Preserving this domain and atmosphere is exactly why Carol placed her bid.  “I really enjoy the community here.  The other vendors became our good friends too.  We even do road trips together and go out to eat every Friday.  This has become an integral part of our lives.  The camaraderie of the vendors has made the experience so enjoyable.  We are a small neighborhood store who helps each other and has fun.  I am blessed with some fantastic ladies that help me.  I could not do it without Diane, Lisa, Rose, and Penny,” Carol added.

The most exciting event on their agenda happens this month, at the beloved Spring Folly.  From May 5-7, Unique Treasures will have a tent filled with vendors’ goods.  Carol and her team will also have Mother’s Day baskets and cards ready to go.  Carol invites husbands, daughters, and sons to stop by and stock up on gifts for mom (and support the local economy too)!

Another big event this month is the Yard Sale on Saturday, May 20 from 7 a.m. till noon.  Everyone is invited to come shop and sell.  The Yard Sale will be held in the grassy area in front of Alamfi’s Italian Restaurant ready for booths and blankets.  It costs $10 for vendors to take a space.

Unique Treasures is located at 505 Nelson Street, Kernersville in the Piney Grove Shopping Center.  The store is open seven days a week.  Monday to Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.  For more information check out the Unique Treasures Facebook page or call Carol at 336.992.3328.

Carol ended with, “It is hard to put in words.  People just have to come in and see how cute Unique Treasures really is.”