Heritage USA celebrates 10 years

Heritage USA Antiques and Crafters Market is celebrating a milestone: 10 years in business in Sisters.

Mark and Diane Bremer opened the doors on March 30, 1996. At the time, the couple was moving and awaiting the birth of their third child as well as opening a new business.

That “third child” — Bailey, just turned 10 — along with her brother Ben, 13, and sister Becky, 17, have all been an integral part of the business, selling their own products and working behind the counter.

Heritage USA offers customers unique gifts and decorating items. Working with local antique dealer Patti Barclay has given the shop a nearly 50-50 mix of antiques and craft items, Mark reported.

The Bremers also note that they still work with four of their “original” vendors that date back to the store’s opening.

Mark and Diane craft furniture, birdhouses, potting tables, benches and one-of-a-kind gift items from treasures dug up at local sales. Mark also produces special orders and wholesales items to local shop owners.

The Bremers have seen some changes over 10 years of business. Diane notes that they have taken on two off-site shows in Redmond that have added to the store’s success and regional reputation.

She also notes an increase in local customers to the store as Sisters has grown.

Growth has helped the business in another way.

“The wintertime traffic has certainly increased,” Mark said.

While business is still seasonal, as it is for most Sisters retailers, Mark thinks that “more people are coming here in the winter to do things.”

The Bremers are inviting their customers — old ones and brand new ones — to help celebrate their 10-year anniversary May 22-28.

There will be an anniversary sale and door prizes to mark the occasion.

Heritage USA is located at 253 E. Hood Ave., across the street from the Sisters Post Office. For more information call 549-4660.