Christine Graf photo
By Christine Graf
Davey Jones Locker has joined the growing list of businesses that have opened at the Wilton Mall. The store specializes is antiques, gifts, and collectibles.
Owner Michael Davey opened the store in May after a long career in the grocery and automobile businesses. He worked as a night manager for Grand Union for 16 years before becoming a car salesman, most recently at Goldstein Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. An entrepreneur at heart, he also operated several small businesses over the years.
“My first business when I was young was a limousine business that never really got off the ground,” said Davey. “I also had a gift shop in 1999 in downtown Ballston Spa. It was going pretty well, but the building was for sale, and someone bought the property. So, it didn’t last long.”
For a time, he also operated Your Way Café in the Momentive plant in Waterford. Finding it difficult to make a living from the business, his stint in food service proved to be short lived.
Davey said his idea for Davey Jones Locker evolved from his hobby of going to estate sales.
“Over the past few years, I have been accumulating things that I have purchased at estate sales,” he noted. “It just kept piling up and piling up, and it got to the point where everyone said I was a hoarder. At the same time, I had this idea that was growing in my head to do a gift shop again but in a bigger fashion.”
When scouting locations, it was the Wilton Mall that proved to be the most cost effective.
“I was able to get a lot of space compared to what I could get in Clifton Park or anywhere else in the area,” said Davey.
According to Davey, his 3,100-square-foot store offers “a little bit of everything.”
“I have antiques, collectibles, decorative accessories, furniture items, greeting cards, and every day gifts. I specialize in old-fashioned trunks, and I have a lot of unique gifts that you aren’t going to find anywhere else,” he said.
The store also features nautical-themed items, Disney collectibles, and Adirondack décor. Although much of the inventory comes from estate sales, brand-new merchandise is also available. Offerings include decorative pillows, hoodies, blankets, hats, and jewelry.
“One of my very popular sections is my Hollywood collectibles section. It includes cards and autographs and pictures and things like that,” Davey said. “People really love it.”
The store’s Around the World section is his personal favorite. The section features a variety of merchandise including carved items from South America and Africa.
“I also have framed artwork throughout the store. I have many unique framed artwork pieces that are inexpensive to buy,” he said.
Although foot traffic has been a bit slow, Davey said he has been getting a lot of positive feedback from customers.
“People really love the store. Our slogan is “Find Your Treasure,” and people can come in and find treasure for themselves.”
Davey Jones Locker is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.. The store offers 10 percent off purchases of $100-$199, 15 percent off purchases of $200-$299, and 30 percent off purchases of $300 or more.