By Megan Alley
Sun staff
River Village Shoppe in New Richmond has had a lot of success since it moved from Front Street to an old converted church on Walnut Street near state Route 52 this past spring.
Christina Reissig owns the store, which specializes in an eclectic mix of antiques, collectibles, vintage items, handcrafted pieces and boutique-style gifts, including jewelry.
“Things are going wonderfully,” Reissig, of New Richmond, said. “We’ve had so much more foot traffic, and people are enthralled with the church.”
Reissig, who has been in the antiques business since 2012, started the store because she has a passion for items that “carry history.”
“I’ve always had an ‘old soul,’ and I enjoyed antiques when I was little,” she said. “For me, it’s about history; I enjoy learning about the history of things and then passing that information along.”
She added, “There’s a lot of nostalgia here because a lot of what we sell is vintage; people are buying what they remember from being kids, because it represents a happy moment for them.”
Hundreds of items from 200 consigners and 20 vendors are featured in the building, which was built as a German Protestant Church in 1876; the last church services were held in 1976, according to Reissig. Sometime later, a local woman purchased the building and opened an antique mall, which she closed three years later.
Local artists David Johnson and Mary Mark have owned the building, which they renovated into an artists’ studio, for the past 30 years; they’re leasing it, with an option to buy, to Reissig.
“When people walk into the church, there’s this ‘wow’ moment; they’re taken aback by how beautiful the church is,” Reissig said.
In conjunction with her move to the church, Reissig started the New Richmond Farmers’ Market, which is open every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. in the empty lot next to her store. The market runs until Oct. 16.
The market features live music, handmade items, vintage and antique pieces, plants, produce, upcycled furniture and make-and-take crafts.
“Christina is the nicest person, and she has a good business sense,” said Chuck Murphy, who makes and sells jewelry in the store and at the market. “It’s an honor working for her.”
He added, “Sales have been going quite well; I have no complaints.”
Reissig, who has worked in customer service her entire life, got her start in the business selling consignments exclusively online as American Country Auction, which she still operates. She credits her success to good customer service.
“Serving customers is my favorite part,” she said. “Things are going really well; I’m really exited.”
River Village Shoppe, located at 411 Walnut St., is open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the store’s website at www.rivervillageshoppe.com.