Klager teacher to retire & follow her dream …by opening downtown antique shop
From River Raisin Antiques & Mercantile website.
One topic of frequent discussion among residents who spend time downtown, is what to do about the vacant store fronts. While some of the recent additions like March Hare didn’t make it, others like Dandy Lion and Over the Edge are thriving and Unforgettable Photos just moved back to street level, there is more news on this front. Elementary school teacher, Sue LaRocque made an exciting announcement this week, at the end of this school year she will be retiring, and with the help of her her husband, Jacques, will be opening River Raisin Antiques & Mercantile at 138 E. Main Street.
Sue LaRocque has years of experience selling antiques in booths in antique malls around the area.
While teaching will always be her first passion, Sue LaRocque truly has a passion for finding and selling unique treasures. River Raisin Antiques and Mercantile will be a one stop location for these treasures and more, including antiques, the vintage, farmhouse finds, local art, candles, soaps, and gifts. LaRocque hopes to be open by mid-May or June for evenings and weekends only. The grand opening will be in mid-June, and afterwards she plans to run the shop full time with regular operating hours.
This new shop, which will be located in the storefront Ollie’s vacated, is also an opportunity for other antique dealers, as the LaRocques are looking for 5-6 dealers who are interested in renting an 8×8 space in the shop. They will also have shelf space available for local art and will sell antiques on consignment. If you are an antique dealer or make pottery, jewelry, paintings, drawings, sell photographs, do wood work, work with glass, etc. and would like to place it for sale, contact riverraisinantiques@gmail.com or 734-649-2993.
Retiring from teaching to start this new endeavor was not a decision LaRcoque made lightly. She stated, “It was a tough decision because I love teaching, but I want to work on making my second passion come true.” Both Sue and Jacques LaRocque have the goal of helping Manchester remain a “quaint” 19th century era downtown, and turning it again into a place people love to gather and shop. She stated, “I really hope this new retail store helps bring people into town. I have such a love for Manchester. I want it to thrive again like it used to in years past.”
For more information, visit their website at riverraisinantiques.com
Sue and Jacques LaRocque. Photo from River Raisin Antiques & Mercantile website.
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