Editor, the VOICE:
A business located on the Maple Valley Hwy, behind the Shell gas station appears to have closed, taking with it most, if not all, of the merchandise, much of which was on consignment. The business closed its doors after less than 2 years.
The Cedar River Mercantile took away a large truckload of inventory the last week of October, according to workers at a neighboring business. The small sign on the window, without any contact information, says they had the right to dispose of it. These items included 4 antiques that had been in our family many years, which were placed there on consignment in August. At that time, I was assured both in writing and verbally that the items belonged to us and I would be called if they sold, and if they did not sell and should be removed. We gave no permission to give away these items, most of which have no modern use: such as an antique cherry pitter and 1925 sewing machine.
Downsizing to a smaller home made it necessary to try to sell these items. No calls were made to inform us that the items should be picked up. Other unhappy former customers have also come by to contact the business owner. While there is an address, there is no postal box to deliver a letter to the owner.
The business displays a Chamber of Commerce sign in the window. Surely the Chamber would not approve of the way Cedar River Mercantile has treated its customers and their belongings. Perhaps the Chamber has contact info?
If the owner of Cedar River Mercantile or their acquaintance reads this, please reply to the Voice of the Valley. Hopefully, our antiques can still be recovered, as well as the personal property of others.
Thank you,
Barbara and Joe Nagel
