Mansfield curiosity shop reopens under new management

Two budding entrepreneurs from Mansfield have reopened their antiques and collectables shop after lockdown scuppered their grand relaunch plans.
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Rowena Bratescu and Lois Thomas originally sold their handmade jewellery and gemstones from a stall on Mansfield market, but they decided to look for retail premises last year to enable them to expand their ranges and open their very own curiosity shop.

Taking over The Arcade Treasure Chest in Handley Arcade on Toothill Lane in September 2020, the shop was only open for a few weeks before restrictions forced them to close – much to their frustration.

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Now after reopening their doors on Monday, April 12, the new owners finally hope to make a success of their treasure trove of antiques, collectables, steam punk and militaria.

Rowena Bratescu and Lois Thomas at The Arcade Treasure Chest.Rowena Bratescu and Lois Thomas at The Arcade Treasure Chest.
Rowena Bratescu and Lois Thomas at The Arcade Treasure Chest.

Thirty-five-year-old Rowena said: “We really wanted a shop to sell our jewellery, so when this came up, and the previous owner was also called Rowena, it felt like fate to take it on.

"We opened in September, but then had to close again just a few weeks later.

“We are hoping now that we can remain open and start to build up our business – we have so much to show everyone!”

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The shop stocks a huge variety of collectables and also rents out cabinets and bays for other small businesses to sell their wares.

The shop in Mansfield's Handley Arcade stocks everything from antiques to modern collectables.The shop in Mansfield's Handley Arcade stocks everything from antiques to modern collectables.
The shop in Mansfield's Handley Arcade stocks everything from antiques to modern collectables.

"We really have a bit of everything,” said Rowena.

"We are always looking for new and exciting things to stock so every time you visit, you will hopefully find something new.”

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