Just in time for the holiday season, Superior Vintage opened its doors on Belknap Street.
The new business offers fine and costume jewelry, collectibles from the past, antique toys and furniture. The shop at 1719 Belknap St. opened Thursday.
“We just knew we would do this,” said owner Pov Phu.
Although this is her first business, Phu said she’s been mulling the idea of opening a shop for years.
“We knew it was going to be a tough time during construction, said Phu’s husband, Daniel. “So we waited until it was done.”
The closing of Vision Pro a few months ago opened up a spot right on the newly-constructed section of Belknap Street.
“It’s a good location,” Phu said. “There’s a lot of traffic.”
Lindsey Jacobson, executive director of the Superior Business Improvement District, welcomed Superior Vintage to the area.
“We’re just so excited that anyone wants to open a business, especially on a brand-new street,” she said.
The storefront is in the midst of what Jacobson termed a “neat, walkable” section of the city. Nearby stores like Earth Exchange, Globe News, Antiques on Belknap and the Salvation Army Thrift Store share the “reduce, reuse, recycle” theme of Superior Vintage.
Next door neighbor, Goodiel Beads, focuses on jewelry, local crafts and do-it-yourself projects.
Visitors can take advantage of free two-hour parking in the area and browse.
“If you have a business like that, you can take some time,” Jacobson said. “Head around the corner and see Rika (Weiberg with UpNorth Sundries), Blue Arrow Boutique, Art on the Planet.”
Superior Vintage plays to the strengths of its owner. Phu, a native of Cambodia and mother of four, has a keen eye for quality, her husband said. And she enjoys working with these pieces of the past.
“I like jewelry and vintage items,” Phu said. “I like collectibles.”
The new shop is right across the street from the library, said Daniel Phu, a civil engineer with the Department of Transportation. That should appeal to their children.
In addition to selling vintage items, Phu said she will be purchasing quality pieces for resale in her shop. For more information, or to send a photo of items to be considered, email superiorvintage88@gmail.com or call (218) 606-2471.
Superior Vintage is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Belknap reconstruction
Drivers have been pleased with the reconstructed sections of Belknap Street, Jacobson said. They’re smoother and more user-friendly than before.
“I have a great feeling that after the next section is done it will be like Tower Avenue,” she said, with businesses filling in the empty spaces.
First, the second phase of construction needs to take place in the summer of 2018. Meetings about the project, which will impact traffic along both Hammond and Grand avenues, begin in January. Public meetings are expected in late February or early March, to gauge how people will prepare for the work.
“Even if you’re not in the construction zone, that doesn’t mean you won’t be affected,” Jacobson said.
Upcoming meetings and updates will be available at www.superiorbid.com and the Belknap/US2 Construction Facebook page.