WILTON — The Collector’s Delight shop on Routes 2 and 4 is closing due to health reasons.
For the past five years, Bob and Toni Bowering have run the shop offering antiques and collectibles.
“It’s a Mom and Pop shop now operating with the help of family,” Toni Bowering said Thursday.
Bob was diagnosed recently with cancer, keeping her busy operating the shop and driving to doctor visits and treatment sessions.
“The prognosis is good,” she said but they decided to sell off everything they’ve collected and close by Oct. 1.
Their collection was acquired over the past 50 years at auctions and yard sales here and in Florida. More items are in storage and will be added to the store as space is made, she said. Items are offered at 50 percent off.
The store items and fixtures will go, and her son, who bought the building, intends to sell it, she said. However, the couple will keep their hand in the business, offering smaller items over their website, she said.
Bob still keeps his eye on potential buys, his wife said. Someone brought a doll collection in Thursday morning. Someone’s always bringing something in especially after a death and the family has what they want, she said.
The number of people selling items has increased some over the last few years due to the economic climate, she said. But business has been good. The couple see a plentiful supply of locals and tourists stop.
“When we started we were the only shop around. Now there are others,” she said. “Now they make the rounds and we’re a destination stop.”
Bob focuses on hunting, trapping and military items while Toni has collects jewelry, nice glassware, sewing items and dolls.
Attending auctions and yard sales has been an adventure.
“It’s like a treasure hunt. You never know what you’re going to find,” she said previously.
Prior to opening the shop, the couple made a weekly drive to Fairfield where they operated a booth at the Fairfield Mall and worked antique shows from Florida to Maine.
After Bob retired from his work for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and she from being administrator of Edgewood Manor, the couple spent a few winters in Florida but missed the snow and have since stayed here although the store is closed winters.
The store hours will vary now according to times needed for doctor appointments and treatment, she said.
abryant@sunjournal.com
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- Toni Bowering, left, gets help Thursday from friend Faye Shaw during a closing sale at Collectors Delight on routes 2 and 4 in Wilton. All the antiques, collectibles and fixtures are being sold by Oct. 1.
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