 Rick and Annette Bell of Lincoln just love auction sales, so it
seemed quite natural when friends and relatives began asking them to
keep their eyes out for good deals on specific items."Someone
needs a bed or a refrigerator," Annette said, "and we love to go to
auctions, so we started picking up things for them."
According to Rick, they also enjoy "fixing things up."
The next logical step for the Lincoln couple was to turn their
passion into their own business, so Timeless Treasures was born.
"We offer inexpensive, good-quality stuff that people can
afford," Rick said.
The pair looked at several rental spaces in Lincoln before
picking a location for their store.
"We liked the historical building and the stained glass and
brick," Annette said. "It just fit our style.
"This is our first venture into retail. We're just playing it by
ear."
Rick said the shop offers an eclectic collection of items,
including gently used furniture and household goods.
"If you have something you're looking for," he said, "we'll try
to find it for you."
"We have antiques and collectibles and a few crafty things like
dolls and carousel horses," Annette said. "We don't do appliances or
clothing unless it's vintage.
"We also have Money Penny's Soy Sensations candles and melts from
Clinton."
"This is not a thrift store," Rick said. "We have enough of those
in town."
Annette said the shop offers layaway for any purchase over $50.
The Bells will accept cash or checks as payment. They are in the
process of setting up for credit cards, but aren't sure how long the
process will take.
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The proprietors are also interested in giving other people a
chance to clean out their closets or storage facilities, as the shop
takes consignments.
"But it's got to fit," Rick said. "We have to have room for it."
According to Annette, consignment sales are going very well, with
a couple of people waiting until the well-stocked shop has space
before they can bring things in.
She said taking consignments allows the business to offer more
variety.
"Different people have different expertise," she said.
"We try not to duplicate," her husband added. "For instance, we
won't take any more candles. We have that."
People who consign to the shop sign a four-month contract, and
the contract is reviewed at the end of that time to see if the Bells
wish to renew it.
"We don't want the merchandise to get stale," Annette said. "We
want to have stuff coming in and going out."
Bell's Timeless Treasures Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturday. The telephone numbers are 217-828-2112 and
217-412-8567.
[By NANCY SAUL]
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