We were lucky to catch up with Michael Robertson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

After being closed for Covid by governor Ducey then reopening the streets were still a ghost town Went to work each day as normal but no customers yet, wait a car drive up, yea a customer
A woman appeared at the entry of my vintage furniture store in mask and gloves
A cheery hello I said
Is my order ready? the woman sniped!
Order?, I said
Yes is my order ready they said on the phone it would take 30 mins!
I’m the only one here no one has called
Omg! Why did I even bother to call ahead to have it ready?
May I ask what it was?
Yes, my Thai food order??????
I said this is a vintage furniture shop
She took off gloves threw them at me got in her car and sped away? The Thai food t restaurant is next door

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Michael Todd’s Treasures has been on 7th Avenue for 30 years under various names as stores have sold then unfortunately closed Pomegranates, Qcumberz, Michael Todd’s Furniture, mixture, garden party, zinnias at Melrose, Hollywood Regency and nap currently Michael Todd’s Treasures at 4701 n 7th Ave Phoenix
An eclectic mix of new, used, repurposed, garden, industrial,retro, shabby chic accessories and much more
Prices from 50 cents to $400, first time home buyer to dorm furnishings to the collectors and the weekend treasure hunter
Even neighborhood kids down their allowance here. The prices are very afordable we want you to take it home the first time you see it, it’s not a museum it’s supposed to leave.
Inventory changes daily
Lots of color stories throughout and several booths to puruse

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth Honesty, integrity in business
Melrose business association is a huge supporter and neighboring historic neighborhood newspapers but honestly it’s being kind, fair pricing, having your forte open when your supposed to and sincere appreciation for the customers
We do
A monthly customer appreciation sale to
Say thank you to the loyal customer base and neighborhood
We love our customers

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Store closed by the governor for Covid Then reopened trying to stay afloat as a fire next door to us destroyed our business. Even though I had insurance I wasn’t sure I wanted to find another spot and reopen as 29 years was probably a good run and an elderly parent lived with me on hospice. The outpouring of the support from the customers ,neighborhood and friends and family was unbelievable. They say you should always pay it forward but when you do you aren’t aware you are doing it you just do the right thing, well it came back 10 fold, customers started a go fund me page, they showed up at new property to clean. Sweep, paint and build again
Food came and eager helpers it was amazing
So I reopened months after the fire and my mom was able to
See the new place before she passed.
Amazing journey and a huge thank you to the community friends and family

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Michaeltoddstreasures
• Facebook: Michaeltoddstreasures

Image Credits
All photos taken by Michael Robertson