Business finds home in Paynesville

The original store was located in New London, but after three years in business Sue Gulden and her husband, Miles, closed the store because of a lack of winter business. Almost a year later, Gulden found found the perfect home for her business.

The store is located in Paynesville on River Street (Highway 23) in the old Paynesville Historical Museum (formerly an old Methodist church). It features antiques, other used items, and new handmade crafts.

Customers are greeted by a metal "man" sculpture that stands near a wooden bench and tables made of old oil cans. Inside the store, displays are built around themes. Customers shop in the glow of light pouring in from two huge stained glass windows.

Two former customers, who came from New London to shop in the new store the first week it was open, agreed that the store makes shopping an adventure. "You never know what you're going to find," said one of them while she sat on a bed covered with a fabric yo-yo quilt.

As well as selling her own wares, Gulden also leases space for others to sell their items: she currently has space leased to seven vendors.

Gulden spends her free time scouring auctions, yard sales, and thrift stores looking for stock. When she finds something she loves, she said, she keeps it for a while at her home near Sibley State Park before she brings it to the store to sell. She also buys secondhand items and antiques from customers.

Secondhand Sue and Friends is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.