Flint Township View

Resale shop finding its niche






Grandma's Closet is a cozy treaure trove on Hammerburg Road just off W. Bristol Road.

Grandma’s Closet is a cozy treaure trove on Hammerburg Road just off W. Bristol Road.

FLINT TWP. — A bust of Elvis and an animated figure of soul singer James Brown are among the eclectic mix of wares that catch the eye inside Grandma’s Closet resale shop, 3491 Hammerberg Road.

Since owner Diane Gazda opened her shop in mid-October, working to catch the public eye has been one of her biggest new business challenges.

The cozy 600-square foot shop sits about a half-block block off Bristol Road, tucked behind a daycare center in a small commercial cluster of businesses. Gazda has tried placing signs out along busy Bristol Road but someone keeps taking them down, she said.

She helps customers find the shop by referencing nearby Bristol Road landmarks – a large church directly across from her street and Latina’s restaurant about a block west of her shop. The sign outside her shop does not say Grandma’s Closet but she is working to get her landlord to change that.

Once more people know she’s there, she believes she can compete with other resale shops in the area because her prices are lower, she said.

King of Rock and Roll and Godfather of Soul collectibles are among the treasures currently for sale at Grandma's Closet resale shop.

King of Rock and Roll and Godfather of Soul collectibles are among the treasures currently for sale at Grandma’s Closet resale shop.

“I’ve always wanted to do this,’’ she said. “I quit one of my jobs to open this up.”

Glassware collectibles are one of her biggest selections but right now she also has a good supply of Christmas items for sale. Clothing for all ages, shoes, books and more are among the regular merchandise filling every nook and cranny of the small shop.

“We have a lot of inexpensive gift items,” Gazda said. “Most of our glassware items are under ten bucks. I’ve got collector plates and chine pieces.”

Gazda does not take consignment items so most of her wares come from her personal collection and items donated by family and friends. And yes, she is a grandma.


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