ADRIAN — Rusty Roots, a new consignment store owned by Teresa and Rob Watts, opened on May 11 in downtown Adrian. 

The Wattses are experienced small business owners from Lambertville. Their decision to start a business in downtown Adrian was based on the good things they’ve heard about the business climate here, they said. 

They have owned previous businesses, including a lawn care company, a dollar store and a consignment shop similar to Rusty Roots. After taking some time off from being small business owners in 2020, they decided to take up ownership of a consignment business again. 

“We loved what we did before, and we’ve always wanted to do our own thing,” Teresa said. 

“We heard a lot of good things about Adrian,” she continued. “First Friday, what they do for the small businesses out here, including a lot of diverse businesses, a lot of diverse stuff, a lot of things to bring people into Adrian, like the Croswell.”

Rusty Roots offers a wide range of merchandise, such as home décor, jewelry, candles, signs, blankets, clothing and baby items. Prices range from 99 cents to a few hundred dollars. 

“If you take your time and walk through the store, there’s something here for everybody,” Teresa said. 

“We try to be different from other shops,” she continued. “We try not to mimic anybody.”

Most of the merchandise offered at Rusty Roots is locally handcrafted, and they are interested in taking consignments to add to their inventory. 

“The cool thing is that about 90% of the store is from consigners,” Rob said. “It’s local artisans and crafters.”

“If you want to come in, we’re willing to talk to you and see if you’re a good fit for the store,” Teresa said. 

In addition to handcrafted items, Rusty Roots can customize T-shirts, blankets, pillows, tumblers, mugs and other items in-house by using a sublimation printing technique. Customized fabric looks different depending on the content of the fabric. Cotton gives a more vintage look, while a polyester mix looks more vibrant. 

Rusty Roots is located at 109 N. Main St. in Adrian. Hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 517-439-8104.