LUCERNE >> Hutton”s Antique Station and Junk Stop opened recently in Lucerne after Tyler and Alyssa Hutton saw the previous owner of the store had put the space up for sale. The shop stocks antiques and also thrift items for affordable prices to help benefit the Lucerne community. Adults can buy clothing for $3 and purchase children”s clothing for $2.
“We would like a lot of items to be low price to help the community because [the store] is for the community,” said Alyssa Hutton.
Though new to the antique industry, Hutton has been in the thrifting business for 25 years. Before becoming the owners of the shop, Hutton and her husband ran a thrift booth at the indoor market in Clearlake, and her father works regularly at flea markets. She”d always wanted to go into the business, and her and her husband generally enjoy the experience. They love looking through old things and hunting for those valuable items.
“It”s lot”s of fun,” she said. “We enjoy working.”
Quality is Hutton”s highest priority, and she claims never to sell moldy or broken things. She said if damaged goods do wind up at the store, she”ll give them away for free to someone in need.
“I don”t believe in selling garbage. It”s all quality stuff for the price,” she said. “We”re not in it to get rich.”
Diane Harris, an acquaintance of the couple, attests to their commitment to give back to the community. “They lower the prices so that people can actually afford things out here in Lucerne,” she said. “They”re just real great people.”
This winter, Hutton”s Antique Station and Junk Stop is conducting a warm clothing drive for the people of Lucerne. They hope that as a result, people who can”t afford to buy warm winter clothes will be able to get their hands on something.
They decided to put on the drive because they heard that there weren”t any programs like it in the Lucerne community.
To donate, take your unwanted coats, sweaters, scarves, socks and other warm items to their store, where they hope to give out the clothing to the community on Dec. 20. Both new and used clothes in all sizes are needed. Whatever they don”t give away at the store, they”ll take to the local shelter.
“We”d like everyone”s participation in helping us,” said Hutton.
Hutton”s Antique Station and Junk Shop is located at 6126 5th Avenue in Lucerne.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019
