Audrey’s Attic Yields Treasures Galore

  • By Lisa Amstutz
  • January 3, 2011
  • 373
                        
Even after ten years in business, Audrey Merkle keeps pulling fresh treasures out of the attic. Her eclectic country store, Audrey’s Attic, continues to bring beauty to people’s homes and, with its seasonal window displays, to downtown Orrville as well. It’s a cozy place where people love to linger, soaking in the scent of candles and the ambiance of homespun fabrics, folk art, lamps, garlands and primitives—all artfully displayed. Sprinkled throughout the store are antique pieces, both furniture and smaller items like ladders and window frames that have been repurposed as home décor. Merkle found the perfect complement to her style in the locally made Rusty Nail furniture line. This primitive-style, solid poplar furniture is handcrafted by a husband and wife team, and is available in nine different colors. Custom pieces are available upon request. Soon, many of these Audrey’s Attic treasures will be available for purchase in their new online store. “We’re excited that it is finally happening,” said Merkle. Once the site goes live, nearly all her merchandise will be available online, with the exception of the furniture and antiques. This will be particularly helpful for the out-of-town visitors who make up over a quarter of the Audrey’s Attic clientele. One thing you can’t do online, unfortunately, is smell the candles—and there are hundreds of candles at Audrey’s Attic. “I spent a lot of time finding wonderful candles that will fill your whole downstairs with scent,” Merkle said. Many shoppers wonder how they can reproduce the unique fragrance of Audrey’s Attic at home. Merkle says it’s not any specific candle, but a combination. “We always have a candle-of-the-month burning in the store. You can get that “Attic” smell at home—don’t be afraid to have things sitting around the house that smell good and don’t be afraid to mix and combine good smells.” There is an ever-changing mix of new and antique home and garden décor items in this 5,000-square-foot shop. “We carry things that make people say, ‘that’s just like the one Grandma had!’” said Merkle. While Audrey’s Attic has a country flair, many items can fit with other styles of décor, from Victorian to contemporary, depending how they are displayed. “Bring in any piece you want to work with, like that special basket or vase from Grandma, and we’ll help you fill it and make it fit your style,” Merkle said. “So many people have good stuff just sitting in their attics. We’ll give you ideas on how to display it.” It’s this type of customer service that sets Audrey’s Attic apart. Merkle and her staff clearly enjoy interacting with their customers, many of whom they know by name. They take time to add the little touches, like pretty packaging, that make a purchase feel special. Merkle says she was a bit naïve when she opened the store, assuming she’d be able to go home and make supper for her family at the end of the day. Things haven’t worked out that way, but her family has been supportive and one daughter now works with her at the store. The staff have become like family as well, she says, and the store’s three cats, Daisy, Bella and Blaze, are beloved by staff and customers alike. Audrey’s Attic has weathered the recession well, and Merkle is optimistic about the future. “Stores are closing around us, but we’ve been here ten years and we’re not going anywhere,” she said. The store’s staying power is partially attributable to its affordability—it’s easy to find something to spruce up your home and lift your spirits for under $20 at Audrey’s Attic. To make those prices even more enticing, the store runs monthly promotions such as a January ‘Winter Blues’sale, March ‘Spring Eggstravaganza’, and October ‘Pick your Pumpkin’ sale. Their website, Facebook page and postcard mailing list keep customers apprised of upcoming sales and customers on the mailing list receive a special coupon during their birthday month. A layaway option allows shoppers to stock up during sales with just 10% down and three months to pay. Merkle clearly loves what sh e does, and looks forward to doing it for many more years. “I’m truly blessed,” she said. “I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing, making people happy, and finding things I love.” Audrey’s Attic is located at 147 N. Main Street, Orrville. Store hours are 10-5 Monday - Saturday, and Thursdays until 7 p.m. Visit their website at www.shopaudreysattic.com or call (330)683-3384 for more information.


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