Check out these unusual and inventive stores around our area.
The Collector’s Kid
1489 E. State St., Geneva, (630) 402-9967, thecollectorskid.com
Liz Henderson and Carl Verive started collecting toys and other items for their son Gavin when he was 2 years old. When their construction company no longer brought them joy and a local collectibles store they frequented closed in 2020, they saw an opportunity to transform their hobby into a new venture on Geneva’s East State Street.
Now located in a larger space four doors down, their store showcases an eclectic mix of rare and vintage collectibles representing everything from signed, limited-edition Funko Pops figurines and Pokémon trading cards to sports cards and memorabilia, Hot Wheels, action figures, and vintage video games and consoles.
The store has a significant collection in-store, but it also maintains an online presence on platforms like Whatnot, where daily livestreaming auctions are a regular occurrence. Inside the store, find treasures like a 1995 World War II 50th anniversary G.I. Joe action figure in its original packaging sitting alongside a Nintendo 64 video game console.
Henderson revels in spending time with her family and running a store on her own rules.
“Getting to spend time together as a family is important,” says Henderson. “If we want to take a week off as a family, we can do that and trust the store will be well taken care of.”
Hours: Mon. & Wed. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Thu. to 7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. to 6 p.m., Sun. to 3 p.m.
Sandy’s Upscale Consignment
212 N. Main St., Walworth, Wis., (262) 275-8221, sandysupscaleconsignment.com
Sandy Lenz has spent more than two decades helping women in southern Wisconsin to dress their best.
After relocating from Chicago to Delavan, Lenz opened a storefront on Main Street in 1997 and started selling a tapestry of consigned women’s clothing and accessories. Today, her store emphasizes better brands while avoiding items from discount stores.
Merchandise comes from loyal consigners, some of whom have been shipping boxes of gently used items to Lenz since she started the business 26 years ago.
Offerings range from outerwear, jeans and handbags to eyewear, hats, shoes, costume and fine jewelry, and formal and evening wear. New merchandise goes on display daily while Lenz’s own fully curated outfits take centerstage.
Lenz adds a personal touch to helping women select new apparel while also connecting with consignors of top-quality merchandise. She values the relationships she builds in the store and promises to help every customer find the right piece.
“If someone wants help, they’re going to get quality customer service,” says Lenz. “That’s hard to find nowadays. If you come in and say you’re looking for something, I will help you find it.”
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jane’s on State
110 N. State St., Marengo, (815) 560-2150, janes-on-state.business.site
After more than two decades working as an illustrator for Nissan Forklift, Jill Quick decided it was time to put down her pen and pursue her passion.
“Once my boys were grown, I knew I wanted to do something other than work for a big corporation,” says Quick. “I wanted my own business.”
Quick’s artistic inclinations and desires for the future converged in October 2021 when she and her husband, Denny, opened a home goods store inside a building that has been in the family since the 1980s.
With a tasteful exterior that matches the cozy display space inside, Jane’s on State offers an inventory of upscale home decor for a range of tastes. From pillows, baskets and wall art to mirrors, vases and candles, Quick carefully considers every piece she puts on display.
Quick hopes to expand the shop’s outdoor space into a garden oasis, but plans are still in the works. Owning the store is more than a business venture to Quick; it’s a journey of self-expression and empowerment.
“I love that I get to make my hours and rules,” says Quick. “It’s satisfying to know that you’re doing a good job and you’re your own boss. I try to help local vendors do that, especially if they’re woman-owned.”
Hours: Thu.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. to 3 p.m.