By John Kubal
The Brookings Register
BROOKINGS Were still Threads of Memories: same business, same vendors, new location, explained owner Emily Braun, who bought the three-decades old antique store from the late Patty Kratochvil three years ago. However, with the passing of the torch came a new business philosophy.
I think I just bring a different perspective, a different generation and a different way of doing things, the new owner said. In the past, Patty was so well known for taking anything in, you know. So-and-sos moving and weve got a box of stuff, you want it, shes like, Yup, sure, no problem, heres some money. And Im way more picky nowadays.
I dont need 30 sets of plates, 15 different pieces of clear glassware. I really try and whittle down to what is really selling and what people are interested in, what Im interested in, whats in the magazines, whats on Instagram. Im trying to provide a unique place to find antiques and collectibles.
Braun is a Brookings native, 2004 BHS grad, and a 2014 South Dakota State University graduate, with a bachelors degree in journalism and mass communications. She is more than comfortable with social media: I would say thats my forte; thats the background I come from, marketing and social media. You really have to let them know whats in the store.
Thats easier to do now. Braun spent all of January moving Threads from downtown Brookings to 525 8th St. S. in Brookings. She downsized the business from about 7,500 square feet to about 2,400 square feet: Its significantly less. No more basement, no more cellar, no more extra space anywhere. Weve got a storage attic.
While Threads is smaller as far as space and inventory, its inventory has a focus more on quality than quantity.
Honoring memories
I just want people to know that there is still a space to honor grandma and grandpas memory, Braun noted, in philosophical fashion. Theres still a place to find unique gifts, one of a kind gifts, one of a kind home dcor. I think this is a place where maybe youre on a budget or maybe youre buying something for someone special. They have everything; what else can you get them?
Its a unique collection of memories, which is where I think a lot of the name comes from.
She noted that patrons come in and they find what they had growing up and it brings back happy memories. This is the place where you can still find those happy childhood memories.
Braun does point out that Threads is also a resale business. However, she does admit that prior to making the move to her new location she threw a bunch (of junk?) away. But were still trying to reduce, reuse, recycle. Rather than just pitching your old stuff, you think its nothing, donate it to us. Well find a way to repurpose it.
I think the repurposing, the recycling, the resale market is really trending right now. I think younger generations are more aware of what theyre putting on the planet. Thats where we come into play.
You think Ill buy the best new thing. Weve got the old stuff. Quality lasts. Theres good quality here.
Regarding her penchant for good quality, Braun notes: We like to see it all. Im looking for more one-of-a-kind items. But, please, no more Mason jars, plates or coffee cups. Please dont drop in off the street with a carload of stuff.
I would say its really easy to reach out to me on Facebook, send me a message, call the shop. Anyone can call in advance, maybe make an appointment. Or at least we can have a conversation: Weve got grandmas old dishes. Do you want those? Save the trip; I dont need them. We cant buy everything.
A couple of things she wants to get across to people: this is not American Pickers and its not PBS Antiques Roadshow, she added, laughing. Your items are not worth thousands. Im working on a very tight budget. And, more or less, I would rather take a donation than pay for merchandise. But thats just the business were in.
I think we need to be realistic about things people are trying to sell. It may not be the thing that I want or it might not be a high-value item. Ill pay for merchandise but only what I can afford.
Brauns patrons should also be aware she is a piece of a pretty big network. If you have something that I dont want, there are other vendors who might be interested. Some vendors have a very specific niche. They know their merchandise; they know what they are and they know what they can sell.
Braun is upfront in that she takes nothing on consignment, doesnt have the space to do that: Also, its too much to keep track of, too much work on my end.
Vintage, antique
Shes trying to put a new spin on things but still honor the past and honor the history of antiques and collectibles with a new pitch.
By way of definition, the dealer thinks in terms of two categories: vintage, anything 30, 40, or 50 years old and beyond. Antique is more like 100-plus years old.
However, Braun notes that Threads is also a place for thrifting. We dont carry just antiques and collectible.
She works with 16 vendors, who offer a variety of merchandise, such as Jackrabbit accoutrements for a Hobo Day gathering; vintage clothing; and enough stuff to furnish a living space or outfit a kitchen.
Theres several ways to find out what Threads of Memories is all about: Google the name and go where it leads you, to several sites that have a lot of good photos, some videos and inventory lists. You can get a good look at all the merchandise that the 16 vendors offer.
Give Braun a call at 605-697-7377. Or, best of all, drop in for a visit. Threads is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. And at 4 p.m. on March 14, the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Contact John Kubal at [email protected].
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