"Trading Spaces on the Square in Covington is no flea market. Owner Heather Lewis, with a penchant for interior design, brings a warm, decorative style to the antiques sold at the store.
"My wife loves to decorate," said Atron Lewis. "She loves old stuff and loves to refinish antiques."
After searching tirelessly for the ideal location in McDonough and Conyers, Heather Lewis drove through the Square and found her spot. The location was previously occupied by The Perfect Fit, a lingerie shop which was seeking a bigger space. When the store moved, Lewis jumped at the opportunity to attain the space.
She then began purchasing numerous antiques pieces. Her mother and grandmother gave her a hand by donating their collections to the business.
Trading Spaces opened on Nov. 9, 2010.
"I worked at Home Depot for 15 years," explained Lewis. "I got the opportunity to meet the crew of (TV show) "Trading Spaces." And I'll always get ideas from anything around me, so when we were discussing names for the business, "Trading Spaces" seemed perfect. Everybody knows the TV show, and your stuff is trading spaces with somebody else's. We checked the copyrights and were cleared to use it."
The business specializes in purchasing antiques and refinishes certain pieces. Customers are also encouraged to bring in items to sell. Some of the more unique items for sale are select pieces of furniture, like dressers and fireplaces dating back to the early 1900s.
Consignors bringing in items set their own prices.
If the item is not sold after 30 days, the price drops 15 percent. The price will continue to drop each subsequent month, but stops at 90 days. After the 90-day period, consignors will have the option to pick up the item within 30 days to resign or allow the business to donate the item. Donations are typically made to Hands of Hope, a non-profit charity.
Trading Spaces holds a Monday Madness sale each week.
Every item in the store will be available at its lowest cost, allowing customers to save up to 30 percent off the featured items.
Each section of the store is decorated with a distinct style. One section is flourished with Asian design and another is just for kids. Atron Lewis noted that his wife wanted each part of the store to have a unique flavor; she would change styles each week to keep the store looking fresh.
"I know that anything (Heather) does, it's going to be great, but it's going better than we ever expected," said Atron Lewis, marveling at the success Trading Spaces has enjoyed since its inception.