A new gallery and online auction house opened in Cincinnati's Columbia Tusculum area recently.
The Velvet Cricket specializes in modern antiques, jewelry, and art, as well as vintage pieces.
The store's three owners, Rhonda Nassif, Laurie Howard, and James Horel ,met at Metro Online Auctions, an auction house in Sycamore Township. When Metro closed several months ago, the trio decided to open their own establishment.
The business partners hope to assist people who are downsizing, or who seek to find a new owner for a treasured item. Nassif said she feels honored to be trusted with someone's jewelry box, which may hold gifts from children, lovers, a spouse, or even the person's own parents. She mentions a recent client who brought in items she wanted to discard, since she had no one to leave them to.
The business operates a website that went live recently. The items on the auction site all carry a starting price of $1, while those in the gallery are already priced. Bidders are welcome to look at the items in the store before placing an online bid. Response to the operation thus far has been positive, and the three owners say they hope to become strong community members.
The trio could work with a flyer printing company on a direct mailer to make the community aware of the new store.
Location
8550 Beechmont Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45255
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Phone
Hours
Mon: 9:00 - 5:30
Tue: 9:00 - 5:30
Wed: 9:00 - 5:30
Thu: 9:00 - 5:30
Fri: 9:00 - 5:30
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed