Things that folks might collect is only limited by the imagination, and those imaginations certainly can run wild when entering into the large space just south of the village of Wellington called Always Wanted.
Outside of the village at 601 S. Main St., Unit 5, the collectibles shop not only has something for everyone, it has lots of somethings for everyone.
Owned by Laurie Jordan, Always Wanted is genuinely that place collectors go when asking themselves “gee, I always wanted that.”
Upon entering the large, well-organized store, shoppers immediately are greeted by rows and rows of virtually everything collectable under the sun.
The shop promotes itself as a collectibles, crafts, antiques and more store, and more than lives up to its own hype.
“There’s certainly something in here for everyone and so much to see,” Jordan smiled. “You never really know what someone is going to want to collect or what piece is going to complete their collection, or even if they want to start collecting something entirely new.
“But, chances are, we have it. I never cease to be amazed at what some folks want to collect or display. It’s really a fun job to have and watch folks come in eager for the hunt.”
Jordan has been in the collectibles and antiques game for several years, most recently operating a shop in Lodi and also having a booth locally in Wellington.
But, she felt she didn’t have enough space to simply operate a booth and found the space south of Wellington to better suit her expanding business and growing clientele.
About two years ago, Jordan opened Always Wanted.
Strolling through the aisles, collectors will find such items as Disney and a variety of super heroes in their various forms.
My Little Pony, Precious Moments and glass figurines fill the wide aisles.
Along the back sits books, many of which are rather old, along with a full compliment of VHS tapes and DVDs.
Jordan shared that she actually is selling more VHS tapes than DVDs these days, and that books also are a rather popular item.
And, what might come across as a novelty to some and an oddity to others to collect, Jordan readily shares that it’s one of her most popular offerings.
Rocks.
The shop boasts a large collection of various rocks, fossils, petrified wood, agates and more.
It even has rocks to discover, rocks to paint, rocks to display and rocks to heal.
Along with her husband, Dan, they operate the Always Wanted Mining Company as part of the collectables store offering and have the sluice to prove it.
For those unaware, a sluice is a water channel containing a gate, a type of lock to manage the water flow and water level.
It also can be an open channel which processes material, such as a river sluice used in gold prospecting or fossicking.
And apparently, it’s all the rage for parties for youngsters.
“The kids absolutely love it,” Laurie Jordan beamed. “We take it out for birthday parties, festivals and fairs, hands on learning for schools.
“We have different mining bags to choose from that include things like gemstones or fossils or seashells. It’s very popular and we really enjoy doing it.”
The sluice experience can be rented just like getting a bounce house or hiring entertainment, Jordan explained.
Always Wanted is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
For more information about Always Wanted, visit https://www.facebook.com/alwayswantedlodi or call 419-606-5619.
