Sue Todd Antiques and Collectables new store is on Hillside Rd
LONGTIME Dunedin antique dealer Sue Todd is enjoying her shop’s new home at 154 Hillside Rd in South Dunedin.
Having been in business for over three decades now, she has moved several times and says that it’s always been a progression for the better.
Unhappy with work in the inner city affecting carparking, Sue decided to leave the previous Lower Stuart St shop last year, finding the Hillside Rd premises in October. With earthquake proofing and painting still being done, it was half a year before the move could be completed.
‘‘It’s a beautiful building,’’ Sue says. ‘‘And it’s good being in this area where there are lots of people around. I’m happy.’’
Looking out the window on to the perpetually busy Hillside Rd, she reflects that even though the foot traffic may be different in South Dunedin, there is a captive audience of people waiting in their vehicles at the traffic lights.
And the new Sue Todd Antiques and Collectables store certainly presents an enticing spectacle for those passing by. There’s a fine selection of art glass, sterling silver, china, and much more on offer, all of it beautifully displayed.
‘‘I really love Murano glass, and art glass, period,’’ Sue says.
‘‘But then I also like Victorian glass. So I’ve got a very eclectic taste I’ve got to say. But I’ve only ever really bought quality.’’
When she began on George St in the late1980s, Sue meticulously created porcelain dolls — and offered dollmaking workshops and classes. Later, having moved to Princes St, she began introducing antiques to compliment the dolls, and eventually the antiques became the main attraction. But the dolls remain as display pieces, and occasionally one is sold.
Although Sue Todd Antiques and Collectables has a fine bricks and mortar shop, the business also sells online. Sue says most of what’s instore is also on the website. Photographer Trev Hill visits weekly to take brilliant images of stock so it can be displayed online effectively.
The move to Hillside Rd wasn’t an easy proposition, with some large display cabinets having to be moved, and box after box of fragile antiques transported. Sue praises movers Mobile Orange for the former, while she carefully did the latter herself.
Now the business happily occupies its new location, and she is enjoying the change of scene.
‘‘It’s a nice area,’’ Sue says. ‘‘And a nice group of people have all welcomed me to the area ... even some South Dunedin residents pop their head in the door and say, ‘it’s lovely to see you here’.’’