MASON CITY – An experienced retailer has opened up shop in downtown Mason City, offering a little of everything for the curious to browse through.
On May 1, Joyce Schneider of Mason City opened up the Used-a-Bit & Collectibles store located at 308 North Federal Avenue across from Dollar General. Her small store is packed with knickknacks, collectibles, antiques, and other slightly-used items.
“I feel like I’m offering really neat things for anyone looking to finish off a room, or add that little something to a shelf, cupboard or vanity,” Joyce said of her shop. “I’ve got furniture here, too, that folks might like.”
Joyce got her feet wet in retail years ago using eBay, she said. “That was years ago, and I enjoyed it then. I also ran a store when I lived in California, and I found that I really enjoy working with people face to face. I feel like this store is much more to my liking because I can meet folks, show them what I have for sale here, and help them pick the perfect item.”
Joyce was out of retail, however, for nearly 25 years before she plunged back in this year.
“My kids threatened me,” she explained with a chuckle, “that I better open a store and start selling all these cool stuff I was accumulating, instead of giving it all to them.”
After meeting her customers in person, Joyce says many times she can get a feel for what they are looking for, and if she doesn’t happen to have it available that day, she can locate it for them. In fact, she has a running list that she keeps, jotting down a kind of “wish-list” for her customers.
“Some of these things you wouldn’t expect to see on my list, like jet skis,” Joyce said.
Joyce personally sees to it that each item is prepped and ready to go into your home; she also does some light refurbishing of some of the furniture items she offers, such as tables, chairs, shelves, buffets and a lot more.
Browsing the store, you’ll find many ceramic and glass items, some of them for looks, others with a purpose, like ash trays and salt shakers.
The cool thing about Joyce’s store is, you never know what might be for sale today… or tomorrow.
“Things change fast in here,” Joyce said. “When something comes in, it goes, and then I bring in more to take its place, and it’s never the same.”
Cool!