Store offers something new ... or used
Jennifer Brookens — Staff WriterArticle Photos
SHERBURN - A couple who rekindled a high school romance also have rekindled a business on Sherburn's Main Street.
T&L, short for Troy and Lisa - Troy Risk and Lisa Stenzel - have moved into the former Hank's Hardware building and are operating a second-hand store, selling everything from appliances and furniture to knick-knacks.
"We had a lot of stuff and thought there would be a need in this area," Stenzel said.
Risk said trading things and striking deals is something he has done most of his life.
"I never had a store or anything, it was just something I liked," he said. "I like trading and working with people."
The items found at the store are not just dug out of someone's basement.
"We find things at auctions and sales, and even people who have asked us to buy from them," Risk said. "We've picked up some very nice pieces. We try to keep things low-priced, and still be able to make money."
Since acquiring the building in July and opening for business in August, T&L has done, "surprisingly well," according to Stenzel.
"We've received a very warm welcome from Sherburn and the surrounding towns," Risk said. "The word of mouth has been absolutely fantastic."
There already are some repeat customers who are into antiques, but many of T&L's customers are looking for practical pieces needed day to day.
"Refrigerators and freezers; we can't seem to keep those in stock," Stenzel said.
"We can't find them fast enough," Risk added.
Another hot item for T&L is entertainment centers, along with bookcases and TV stands.
"We've seen parents and college students come in, getting ready to furnish that first apartment," Stenzel said.
Because T&L tries to keep its merchandise top quality, it is not planning on issuing consignments.
"With consignments, you get into a lot of paperwork," Risk said.
Risk and Stenzel live in the upstairs portion of the building. Renting out the other apartments upstairs could be an option for them in the future, they said.
"We're just very thankful to the town of Sherburn," Risk said. "Things moved real quick and its even better than we expected."
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GloriaPetersen
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09-20-08 11:41 AM
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May you have many days of success...
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