Dishes, Knick-Knacks And Other Finds For Sale at Stuff Village Mercantile

Since opening last November, Stuff Village Mercantile has been serving the sundry needs of South Orange and Maplewood residents with its ever-changing stock of antiques, glassware, knick-knacks and other curiosities.

Patch checked in with Stuff owner Steve Rella Thursday afternoon to check out some of his recent acquisitions and most intriguing finds. His store is located at 50 South Orange Ave.

Rella obliged, showing off a collection of porcelain Marilyn Monroe figures, two beautiful antique dining room hutches, an old but complete Western Electric sewing machine, a whimsical art-deco fountain and a reproduction Thomas Edison light bulb, along with the usual nostalgic candies and handmade jewelry he always has in stock.

Business has been tougher lately, according to Rella, who attributes the dip to the village enforcing rules that prevent him from displaying merchandise outside of his store; he used to put certain items of furniture on the sidewalk to appeal to passersby.

Rella wonders if locals interpret the lack of outdoor accoutrements to mean he’s up and left town.

Far from the truth, however, Stuff is still easy to get lost in and a fine destination for anyone looking to stumble upon a great gift or conversation piece.