A recent ribbon cutting in downtown Galva introduced its newest retail establishment, Hoarder’s Paradise. City officials were on hand to welcome it to the city.
The space where the new store occupies once housed several veterinary practices but has been empty for several years. Now the rooms are filled with a plethora of collections from floor to ceiling.
Vinyl records, books, new and gently used clothing and shoes, including sports team jackets, are displayed throughout the entire four rooms. Dolls, dishes, paintings and a huge variety of ball caps line shelves, all calling for shoppers to find their favorite items.
Outside, a large collection of bicycles and patio furniture fills much of the lawn to the East.
Owner Billy Helms spent most of his youth in Montana, where he enjoyed collecting items at flea markets, auctions and secondhand stores. As a teen, he learned to build gazebos and worked as a landscaper. But he admits that collecting has always been his passion. He now resides in Abington, Ill., and said that the Galva store is just one of several businesses.
“I have a lot of stuff,” said the energetic entrepreneur, who also sells items online, through such platforms as eBay.
Amassing the collection from his junk removal business, auctions and occasional dumpster diving, he admits that he has something for everyone. Many of his items are sought after antiques, while others, such as Versace jackets and shoes, are a great find for those looking for high fashion accessories.
“The items in my stores are each worth something to someone,” he said.
Shoppers will enjoy looking through his large displays, he said, and those displays often evoke pleasant memories. In fact, nostalgia is the leading cause of collecting. According to the Journal of Consumer Marketing, upwards of 40% of the U.S. population are collectors, with recent industry estimates indicating that there are over 25,000 secondhand, thrift and resale shops in the country.
Located at 309 Market St., the shop is managed by Rio, Ill. native Jeff Campbell. For now, it will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items can also be seen by appointment, and interested people are encouraged to check the store’s Facebook page for information. Helm’s is also available by phone at 309-351-4947.
Helms and Campbell encourage visitors to stop and look at what the store offers.
“You just might find an item or two that puts a big smile on your face,” said Campbell.
