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Longtime Ann Arbor antique business for sale

Posted at 7:38 PM, Jan 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-28 19:38:54-05

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) — A beloved consignment shop in Ann Arbor is looking for a new owner. The current owners want to sell the store to someone who will continue its nearly 60-year legacy.

"We specialize in stuff that people have," said Carl Johns.

From the bottom to the top, everything in Treasure Mart is antique.

“It’s become quite an institution, I would say," Carl said.

After almost 60 years, the owners Carl and Elaine Johns say its time to wrap things up. Elaine's mother opened the consignment shop in the Kerrytown neighborhood of Ann Arbor in 1960. Carl joined the family business nearly 30 years ago. However, after Elaine was recently diagnosed with ALS, they decided to sell the store.

“Still coming into work but there is going to be a time where she is not going to be able to do that she is going to be home and I’m going to be there with her,” Carl said.

It was an emotional decision.

“Twenty-eight years ago I would never have believed that,” Carl said.

Carl says the tears are for the community that has supported them for so long.

“We sell a lot of stuff, that’s important, but it’s just a connection with Ann Arbor and the people who shop here,” he added.

Greg Chase us a longtime shopper of the antique store.

“(I was) hit in the stomach, like, no way that place can’t close,” Chase said.

Chase has been shopping there for years. He went to the shop Tuesday to buy his wife Terry a Valentine's Day gift. He is just one of many customers who are worried Treasure Mart will permanently shut down.

Carl assured customers they're not closing. He's being patient in finding the perfect new owner, he says, and will not entertain offers from anyone who plans to close the shop.

“I know that person is out there that loves the thought of it and Treasure Mart as much as I do or my wife does and we are going to find that person,” Carl said.