Dayton store Deja U offers rebirth to familiar items

Deja U in downtown Dayton, Tenn.

Kimberly McMillian

• Name: Deja U

• Location: 1366 Market St. in downtown Dayton

• Products: Jewelry, antique China cabinets, home furnishings, sports and coin collectibles, fine China and glassware, tools, women's hats, a selection of clothing and bridal gowns in varied sizes, and Boyd's bears and children's toys

• Owners: Terry Wilkey and Rip Osborne

• Inspiration behind the name: Osborne's wife, Joanna, had helped with the store's namesake, he said. Most of the items had a "yesteryear" appeal to offer customers a moment to reminisce with their children and grandchildren, or to purchase for themselves or a loved one.

• Price range of products: $2 up to $25 for jewelry, children's items and glassware; up to $1,295 for antique buffet and fine China dining room suite

• Prices of vendor booths: $1 per square foot of booth space or rent shelves for $25 to $30

• Target market: "Tourists and collectors who appreciate a good find," Osborne said.

• Biggest hurdle: "Getting organized...and treating everybody (the vendors) equal," Joanna Osborne said. She added that having the vendors coordinate and maintain their allotted spaces, along with agreeing to work at the store twice a month, has offered challenges.

• Lesson learned: Whether you are a vendor or a store owner, keep it fair and have fun.

• Five-year goal: To be the premier antique store in Rhea County.