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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-state area. In addition to this development from Cuba City, Wis., we will share other news in Tuesday’s edition.
CUBA CITY, Wis. — A new store is set to join Cuba City’s popular antiquing scene this week.
The store 3rd Generation Antiques & Gifts will hold its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at 203 S. Main St. The store sells a variety of antiques, primitives and unique collectibles.
“I’m looking forward to interacting with customers and meeting new faces,” said owner Trelane Hoeper. “You can really find a community in the antiquing world just by talking to people.”
The store marks Hoeper’s first foray into sole ownership. The longtime collector and vendor also rents booths at several area antique malls, including Junque Stops Here in Cuba City and Crazy Frank’s Flea Market in Mineral Point.
He learned the art of collecting from his grandmother Frida and mother, Barb, by tagging along to area auctions and antique stores as a young boy. He said he named the store to honor that family history.
“When I was younger, we went to auctions all the time and we always had to wait for the tins at the end because that’s what my mom collected,” he said. “I hung one up in my shop because I thought it was kind of symbolic.”
The shelves of 3rd Generation are full of myriad items including glassware, vintage signs, tools and more.
Behind the register sits a toy cannon from the 1850s, shelved just below an old blow mold of a cherry Easter Bunny.
The items are sourced from local auctions and sales, Hoeper said, as well as internet auctions to ensure a wide variety of merchandise. Old furniture is his expertise, he said, and vintage chairs and shelves fill the shop.
“I like the thrill of the hunt,” he said of his purchasing strategy. “I enjoy going to auctions and looking for that one rare item that will really stand out.”
Hoeper’s new shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. It can be contacted by phone at 608-642-3244 or found online at bit.ly/3GZs1T9.