New antique market open for business

The ever-growing community of local artisans now has a new space to show off their creations to residents and visitors of Dowagiac.

The city’s newest business has recently opened its doors to customers, allowing them to find an assortment of locally crafted products all in one convenient location. The appropriately named Hidden Treasures offers everything from photographs, unique furniture creations, scented candles, and various other antiques and crafts to customers.

The new marketplace is a new business venture launched by longtime Dowagiac residents and business owners Ernestine and Doug Matthews, alongside their daughter Linda Gardner and son-in-law, Barry Gardner. Last fall, the senior couple purchased the former Sandy Acres building located next to Imperial Furniture on M-51, with Linda and her husband spending the next several months transforming the building into a rustic marketplace for others in the community to sell or advertise their products and services.

“We came up with the idea shortly after we got the building,” Linda said. “We threw around a few other things as well, but this was the one that stuck.”

Linda and her family are no strangers to the world of small business. Ernestine Matthews is the owner and lead agent of Matthews Real Estate, and also owned a popular antique store downtown during the 70s. Linda and Barry have owned several local businesses as well, including a barbershop, tanning salon and catering business.

The storefront is divided into a couple dozen different booths, divided between wooden lattices, giving the store a country feel, Linda said. Among the businesses already working with Hidden Treasures is Memories Photography, furniture makers Don’s Country Creations and custom wood sign crafters Carpenter’s Creations.

“We like things that are unique,” Linda said. “We want to see local artists bring their works to put on display.”

In addition to the half dozen businesses already on board, the store plans on bringing another five onboard in the near future.

The owners have considered selling items on consignment as well. They would also like to one day transform the kitchen space near the back of the shop into a small café, serving soups, salads and deserts.

Hidden Treasures is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, though they may expand their hours during the summer. Businesses or individuals interested in renting space can contract the store at (269) 462-9247.