FOR COLLECTORS, this store is a haven filled with reminders from the American past. Photo by Ma. Esther Salcedo – Posadas, Contributor
SILANG, Cavite—The façade seems to come right out of an American 50s movie with an assortment of posters and signs that lead you back into the past. Believe it or not, this unique store idea has managed to survive 14 years starting at its original branch known as R&R Western Antiques and Decors along 120 Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City, and has since moved last June 2013 to its current location in Barangay Pasong Langka, Silang, Cavite.
“Our old clients followed us here. We observed that there are also new clients coming in. This is a better location,” explains proprietor Ma. Renee Cueto.
She recalls that the reason they moved was because of growing traffic congestion due to the influx of visitors to the city.
Mamoo Crafts and Home Décor Shop offers hard-to-find vintage machines that, according to Cueto, are still working such as an 1840s Edison Gramophone and a 1940s Coca-Cola vending machine. Other collectibles include a wall décor of a real deer’s head, World War II memorabilia, and other reminders from the past.
Cueto adds, “For all collectors, they are happy to see the rare items that we have. They know it’s really vintage. We tell them also if it is not vintage but a reproduction.”
ACCORDING to Cueto, this vintage Coca-Cola vending machine still works. Photo by Ma. Esther Salcedo – Posadas, Contributor
Aside from the old items, the store also sells brand new country style furniture and home decorations that often come in grouping collections that make it easy for buyers to put together. All year round, they also offer themed merchandise for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and other seasons.
“We go to the US every year to look for vintage items and bring the goods back through a forty footer container.” Cueto further explains that she and her husband merely started as collectors before putting up a store.
“Whenever we go to the US, we would collect vintage and country decors. When visitors come to our house, they ask me if they can buy the items and furniture. So we decided to start a business.” She continues, “We started at home doing furniture restoration. We would do stripping and varnishing to create the country finish.”
At some point, someone offered her a place to rent. “At the start, we were happy with what we were doing and weren’t too concerned about whether the business will make money or not … After a year through word of mouth, customers started to come in,” she says.
According to Cueto, some customers have asked for her advice in the interior decoration of their homes. She gives the service for free as long as the decors are purchased from her store. She also allows clients to bargain on the listed price of goods in the store.
Cueto also conveys succinct advice to young entrepreneurs. “At first, don’t expect to earn big. But if you’re happy with what you share with clients, you will see the fruits of your efforts.” For more details, contact 09189090079.