Collectibles on Cole Wants to be a 'Destination' for Visitors

Editor’s note: A number of new businesses have opened in Enumclaw the past two month, creating some new life downtown. Following is one that is part of a series on Patch.com that is running periodically during the next few week.

Marilyn Nelson was a Northwest Airline flight attendant for 32 years, and she wanted to do something in her hometown of Enumclaw with her Individual Retirement Account.

“I don’t have any kids,” she said with a smile.

She had lived here for 20 years, and she wanted to invest in her community.

So she opened Collectibles on Cole Street and Initial Avenue. She said she liked the old JC Penny and then the antique store that used to be there, and when it closed she missed it. She did quite an extensive remodel with the building, which is now 4,500 square feet.

“I encourage everyone to put their money into circulation” to help improve the economy, she said. “Now I have an exciting business. I hope people rediscover downtown.”

About 15 of the 20 spots in the business are full of mini entrepreneurs trying to sell various types of high-end antiques. People can buy a variety of items, everything from furniture to dolls, glassware, clothing and jewelry. There’s also a spot for a massage room, hair salon and tea room. An already-popular deli restaurant is part of the attraction.

“I hope to make this a destination,” she said. “Downtown is a cool place to be, and shop.”

The business is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Mondays.