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DOWAGIAC — A new business is bringing unique finds and bargain items to the Dowagiac community.

Thursday, the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-tying ceremony for  The Treasure Hut at 54813 M-51 North, Dowagiac. 

Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days per week, the store – owned by Niles residents Mike and Sherry Antisdel – offers items like antiques, housewares, seasonal items, toys, cleaning supplies, décor, basic apparel, health and beauty products and more at discounted prices. The business is currently offering a grand opening sale through Sunday, Dec. 15.

“We’re excited,” Michael said. “I just want it to do good. It’s something I’ve wanted to do something like this for a long time and we just decided that it was time to try it.”

The couple opened Treasure Hut in July as a way to offer discounted items to community members trying to make ends meet.

“Our daughter, grandkids and son-in-law just moved here, so we figured we’d bring it to their community,” Sherry said.

The Antisedels travel across the region purchasing items from estate sales, storage units and pallets of merchandise from liquidation warehouses and auctions and sell the items at discounted prices. The store features items from nine vendors renting space to sell items and Michael said there is space for more vendors. Michael frequently posts Facebook live updates on new items and sales through the “The Treasure Hut” page on Facebook.

“Say we look up something and it values at 50 bucks. We always put it at about 40 percent for what it values at, that way it gives somebody a deal and then we make a little bit and they get a good product for a cheaper price,” Michael said.

While the work is often challenging, The Antisdels enjoy being able to help those in need.

“My passion is to help people,” Sherry said.