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Arvada businesses hope economy gets boost

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Contributed by: Karen Groves/YourHub.com on 8/20/2008

Joe DeBono, owner of The Art Peddler in Olde Town Arvada, said he has had good days and bad days since a fire destroyed his antique furniture, and collectible store in the historic Gold Coin building last year in July. It resulted in a $400,000 loss.

"You finally say, 'The glass has to be half full,' and you go on," he said.

The former Standley Lake High School English teacher who shares ownership of the store with his daugher Chemenn, said at the time of the fire, the store was filled with multiple storage units of antiques, furniture and collectibles.

His retail neighbor, Debbie Hoffman owner of Yours Truly, at 5757 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., said, "We were anticipating him opening and looking forward to his presence during the holiday season. He had customers from down the street, so they were distressed. Since he has reopened, he has brought more traffic this way."

DeBono said after the fire nothing was salvaged and afterward, hazardous materials like asbestos had to be removed.

The space he occupied at 5740 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. originally was 1,100 square feet. The new space is a 6,100 square-foot store that reopened April 1. Although DeBono tried to remain optimistic, he reflected on today's economy realistically.

After being in the antique and collectible business for 30 years, he said "This is probably the toughest I have ever seen it. This business is based on disposable income. People who might have come in five years ago and spent $300 will come in now and spend $150. They are very careful about what they buy and how much they spend."

He said that kind of caution is balanced with purchases like the one made recently by a customer who saw a bookcase he wanted because it matched another he already owned.

DeBono said the $1,000 price tag didn't deter the young man.

"He bought it!," DeBono said.

DeBono said, "You just never know in this business. But in general, sales are down."

With a clientele base that is primarily 40- to 65-year-old women, DeBono said the store also sees its share of the younger generation.

"There are young people who like these old things," he said.

With the Democratic National Convention in town, DeBono said he wasn't sure if people would make it to Arvada.

Hoffman, who sells cards, gifts and jewelry at Yours Truly, said, "I hope the DNC will make it to the little historic areas of the city. It would give us a boost."

De Bono said, "I don't know if the delegates will have the time to come to Arvada, but long term it's going to be a total benefit to places in Colorado."

DeBono said he always had an affinity for eclectic furnishings and antiques. "Right now I am really into oil paintings."

"The whole passion in this business is the hunt."

He admitted finding pieces he has kept for himself and others he sells on e-Bay, but abides by a rule at home that dictates if something new comes in, another piece of furniture or painting has to go.

"My home is eclectic," he said.

moreinfo
The Arvada Police Department announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information about anyone who may have started the fire. Call the Arson Tip Line at 303-892-7766. On Sept. 14 The Art Peddler, 5659 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., will have a pre holiday sale from noon to 6 p.m. Call 303-940-0700 for more information. Summer hours are Mondays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays.

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