Couple opens new business in Marble Hill, sells 'good junk'

As the saying goes, one man's junk is another man's treasure. Mike and Cindi Morris of Marble Hill are prime examples of that saying. They both enjoy poking around flea markets and second-hand stores, looking for hidden treasure.

"We love junking, antiquing, thrifting," Cindi said. "I think [Mike] is a reincarnated Fred Sanford. He likes good junk."

The Morrises, who recently bought the former Unique Treasures store in the basement of Second Time Around on First Street in Marble Hill, are selling antiques and what they call "good junk." Cindi described their new business, Marble Hill Trade Co., as a retirement project.

"Mike has always done hard work," she said. "He can't be retired and just sit still."

Mike said he plans to sell his longtime landscaping business and do what's fun. Cindi said she will be glad for him to retire. He often would have to physically lift and carry 82-pound landscaping rock on a job when he couldn't maneuver them into place with his equipment.

Cindi once owned the boutique, The Mustard Seed, where she sold crafts, antiques, clothing and accessories. She and her husband both reached a point where they needed to retire and do something they both enjoyed. So, they turned to junk.

Cindi said they have been buying up good junk for years; now it's time to sell it.

"We have a three-car garage, and I am unable to put one car in it," she said.

When they bought Unique Treasures, it came fully loaded with good junk. They rent space next door to Marble Hill Trade Co., where they also store inventory. Unlike some second-hand stores, they don't rent booth space to other vendors, except for some impulse-shopping items such as nut brittle from Incredible Edibles LLC in Perryville, hot chocolate bombs, and meat snacks from Stonie's in Perryville.

"We're having a blast. It's been a real blessing, lots of fun," Cindi said.

"And we've got a lot of big plans," Mike added.

Among their plans are adding a mural on the side of the building. They said a Dexter artist will start painting it in May. Also, they plan to transform a side yard of assorted items into a local art garden where customers can sit and rest for a while and enjoy art from local artists. And the owners of the property they rent from have agreed to build a ramp from First Street to the alley where Marble Hill Trade Co.'s entrance is, so customers can walk directly from the street to the store and not worry about parking.

Second-hand stores like Marble Hill Trade Co. are popular and flourishing. Cindi said the farmhouse decorating style is popular now, and customers can find furniture and decor at a bargain price in any similar store. She said the numerous stores in the area often work together and refer customers to each other.

"It really does help everyone's business," Cindi said. "During the quilt show, we were really busy, and I saw a lot of people I found out were from Fredericktown and Jackson." Businesses throughout the area were busy, she said, and she praised Becky Wiginton with Mayfield Event Center for orchestrating such a popular event.

Marble Hill Trade Co. accepts all major credit cards, cash and checks. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Cindi said they might add Tuesday when spring arrives because people will come out more in the spring. On Saturdays, their 16-year-old grandson Wyatt, who plans to become a chef, cooks and sells grilled hamburgers.

Also coming in the spring will be signs and banners from SeRenity House Floral and More, which will lead customers to Marble Hill Trade Co. and some good junk.