Mantua – When Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC) member Mary Hannah saw the vacant storefront on Prospect Street in the Village, she came up with a plan to revitalize a little portion of the Village she loves so much. She also thought it could be a great venue to give locals a unique shop to find some unusual items. Thus, on the day before Thanksgiving, Mantua’s Secret Attic officially opened, offering handmade and collectible treasures for sale locally.
Her shop carries a mix of old and new items. If you’re looking for homemade jewelry, scarves, soaps and body scrubs, you’ll find them at the Attic. But that’s just a small portion of the items you’ll find there. The shop also features candles, AVON products, glassware and collectible items, books and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. Her small space is packed with a variety of furniture, as well, with plans to display even more pieces in the Livery, nearby, in the springtime.
At the back of the shop sits Mary’s desk, nestled behind a gorgeous vintage baby carriage (circa 1940’s?) and adjacent to a lovely carved wooden mantle piece. At this desk, Mary does double duty, manning her marketing business, Carma Promotions & Events, in the same space that contains her unique shop. As 15-year veteran of the marketing promotions industry, Mary has discovered that having a storefront provides many additional opportunities for that venture as well. The flow of customers has been steady to both businesses, bolstered by referrals from Jake’s restaurant a few doors down.
Business has been brisk, especially through the holidays, when Christmas decor were the most popular items sold. The store is open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday from 9 am until 3 pm, or by appointment. Mary is also looking for more consigners. If you’ve got treasures you no longer have the space for, give her a call at (330) 883-9297 or email marcarmapromo@aol.com.
