TRAVERSE CITY — Carla Weaver, owner of EB2 Vintage, has relocated her vintage store to a new site. The business, which specializes in vintage items, began nearly 12 years ago.
Weaver’s passion for thrifting and antiquing began in her youth, accompanying her World War Two veteran grandfather. He used what he called “mad money from the VA” every month to find treasures, an activity Weaver has continued throughout her life. EB2 Vintage first opened on Woodmere, but outgrew that space within a year. The store then moved to Eighth Street, operating there for nearly 11 years before its most recent relocation.
The name “EB2” evolved from “Empire Blue,” a reference to her childhood memories. Weaver recalled that during frequent long drives to her grandparents’ house in Empire, her mother would tell her and her sister, “girls, look, we’re almost there. The sky is Empire blue.”
Weaver initially believed “Empire blue” was a color, even asking for an “Empire blue Easter dress’ or “Empire blue bedspread.” Today, the shop collaborates with approximately 40 vendors, with about 10 having been with her “the entire evolution’ of her business. Weaver stated she treasures “those friendships and business women that work with me.”
EB2 Vintage prioritizes solid wood furniture, with Weaver noting, “We do everything we can to not take anything that isn’t solid wood.” She expressed concern that “this is the last generation that’s going to have antiques,” due to the prevalence of modern furniture made from pressed wood or plastic that “doesn’t last.” She contrasts this with a “200 year old buffet that is solid wood” and remains functional.
When people seek to sell items, Weaver requests photos via text to assess the “vibe and the quality and what” they have. Her acceptance of items depends on the store’s current inventory and what is in demand, such as solid oak pieces from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. She noted that “selling clear glass’ is currently “not a thing’ at the store.
For refurbishing items, Weaver uses paint manufactured in Lansing, Williamston, Mich. This paint is made with German pigments and applies easily without a chemical smell, a quality Weaver appreciates given her extensive experience with such products.
Community support is also a priority for Weaver, who stated it is important “that we support, you know, Women’s Resource Center or Habitat.” She frequently encounters situations where individuals are about to discard items that have significant value. She advises people not to get rid of things like old Tupperware or Old Spice tins without seeking advice first, because “you never know some of the stuff that you think is not worth anything can be worth something.”
Weaver believes it is the store’s “job to help people understand how vintage and antiques can be used in new ways.” She offers examples such as repurposing a china cabinet as a bar or for bathroom storage, or using a crystal dish for keys or earrings. Tags on items sometimes include suggestions for alternative uses.
Further details about EB2 Vintage can be found here.