Uniquities

Uniquities is a wonderful antique store, a treasure trove of beautiful items, featuring everything from elegant Victorian oak dressers to fine china tea sets to whimsical salt and pepper shakers in the shape of French poodles.

Uniquities is owned by Tim Chism, and his business is definitely a labor of love: “It makes me happy,” says Tim. “It’s fun. I’m constantly learning. I feel comfortable with things that have a past. I like finding caretakers for those things.”

Tim has been in business for three and a half years in Grand Junction, two years at his present location on Main Street. Before moving to Grand Junction, Tim owned an antiques store in Denver, also called Uniquities, for five years. He moved to the Grand Valley to get away from the big city but still remain in Colorado. He is an experienced interior designer, and offers full service interior design work in addition to his retail antique business.

Tim knew from a very young age that he wanted to work with antiques. “My grandmother took me to an estate sale when I was twelve. I bought two chairs and I’ve been hooked ever since.” Tim earned degrees in Business and Interior Design in preparation for his chosen career.

Uniquities is not a store you enter armed with a shopping cart and a list. An antiques store is not simply somewhere to purchase furniture and accessories; it is a place filled with stories and memories. “My grandmother had a set just like this,” I say as I spy a set of cranberry-colored depression era glassware, and the memories of my grandmother and her stories come flooding back. Tim Chism understands that it in addition to their physical beauty and quality workmanship, it is their history that makes antiques so desirable. Although Tim attends estate sales and auctions, the items for sale in Uniquities are mainly purchased from individuals, so Tim can pass along the history of the items to their new caretakers.

The customers at Uniquities cover all ages and income levels. They range from serious antique collectors to young adults just starting out on their own who want to purchase something functional that also has beauty and lasting quality. Uniquities offers an eclectic assortment of merchandise; there is something for almost everyone. Tim offers a layaway service so that people of all incomes can purchase treasures and stay within their budgets. Although antique collectors buy from Uniquities, many people who live in modern homes with new furniture also shop there to so they can own a piece of nostalgia.

There are many reasons to own antiques. There is a connection to the past, a tangible piece of history that lives on long after the original owners of the item have departed. A gentleman’s travel kit from the early twentieth century can transport us into an age of elegance we may know only from a Henry James novel or a series on Masterpiece Theater. An antique is also something that has been used and treasured and has endured the test of time. And of course many people also purchase antiques because they hold their value and even appreciate over time.

Uniquities is a store that invites you to enter and tempts you with its wares. It has a friendly atmosphere, not at all intimidating. Tim is rightfully proud of his business, and is happy to answer any questions about antiques and interior decorating. To those who have never visited Uniquities, Tim offers the following invitation: “If you’ve never been in, stop by, indulge yourself and enjoy the adventure.”

Uniquities is located at 413 Main Street, Grand Junction. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone: (970) 245-9800.

Copyright © 2002, Steve & Denise Hight