The Past
The collection began 40 years ago by former owners Ann & Randy Collins. The Collins owned a Feed & Seed Store in Downtown Rochester, MN (Collins Feed & Seed), but their passion was always antiques and more specifically, antique “picking”. “We just loved ‘The Hunt’ ” was what Ann would say. As their collection grew they needed more space to display it, and next thing you know they had assembled over 100,000 items that covered over 60% of the store's 15,000 square feet!
The Present
Jon & Stacie Zimmerman purchased the antique collection (Formerly known as Churn-Dash Antiques) when they purchased the Collins Feed & Seed, along with the real estate. They are in the process of remodeling the store, adding it’s only private entrance, staff, and online presence. The entire collection will remain for sale and new inventory has already been added.
The Zimmermans own several other small businesses in Rochester including Red Nose Lighting (a full service Christmas lighting company), Polytek Surface Coatings of Rochester which installs high-end garage floor and commercial coatings, and several others all part of their local home-improvement company called ZIMPROVEMENTS which currently employees over 30 people in the Rochester area.
The Future
The store remains open during the remodeling process. Future store hours will be extended to better serve the local community and the millions of Mayo Clinic visitors. Special events including “art nights”, auctions, and an increased presence in downtown Rochester are all in the works. Additionally, the company is dedicated to introducing the wonders of antiques and vintage treasures to a younger audience through social media & digital tools such as Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, podcasts and more.
