Meet Tim Harris of Relics Consignment & Antiques

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Harris.

Tim, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started Relics in 2002 with my husband, Todd Zillweger. We met in 1984, and after several incarnations in our careers, we came to a crossroads. In the early 2000s, we realized we wanted to have more control over our careers and the opportunity to travel more and to have a creative outlet.

We were interested in European antiques and researched businesses both locally and on the west coast and took an exploratory trip to Europe in to meet with potential vendors and establish how we would handle the logistics of gathering, packing and transporting goods by shipping container to Arizona.

When we came home, we went back to our day jobs, and I set to work writing a business plan on evenings and weekends. Within a few months, our plan was finished, and the next step was to obtain financing, which we accomplished in short order.

While our freshly leased space was undergoing tenant improvements, we headed out on our first buying trip and opened that September. The first year I continued to work full time at my corporate job while Todd ran the store. I handled the store’s accounting in the evenings and worked in the shop weekends.

After that first year in business, I left my corporate job to work full time at the shop. Our focus originally was on the garden and architectural antiques, and we thought people would come in and know what do the things we imported.

We found we sold much better when we did the legwork for people – restoring and repurposing pieces into unique accessories and furnishings to be used around the home. We imported antique ironwork, antique stone as well as furnishings and accessories and we became known for our unique repurposed iron pieces by working with a local blacksmith.

Buying trips were always inspiring to us. While abroad, I always took a lot of photos of things that gave me inspiration for our displays and merchandising when we returned home. I think the rare things we imported, in addition to our focus on merchandising, was very important to our success.

Over the years, clients approached us about taking pieces on consignment. We already had many consigned pieces on the sales floor, so promoting consignment seemed like a natural evolution. I investigated the consignment element, and in early spring 2018, we decided to transition our business to a consignment platform.

We also made the decision to hire Rainmaker Marketing & PR to assist us in the transition of rebranding our company and promoting the fact that we now were offering high-end furniture and home accessories at an average of 35% off of retail.

We’re now into the spring season and have a store filled with interesting consignment pieces from variety of designers and brands. We hope to become a partner with our consignors to curate interesting objects and assist them in finding new homes for their treasured pieces.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with any business, the road has a lot of unexpected twists and turns along the way. We’ve learned to navigate whatever was thrown at us and have tried to plan to be ahead of the curve, anticipating issues along the way. Health and the economy have been the two most significant obstacles on this journey.

At the country’s economic peak in 2007, we were traveling to Europe five to six times per year and travel was grueling, but business was good, and we were energetic. A few short months later, when the bottom fell out everywhere, we weathered the difficult times because we never operated on credit. When credit was no longer available, or severely restricted, to businesses, we were able to continue because we didn’t rely on credit for operations.

In 2016, my husband Todd was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a bone marrow disorder. All focus suddenly shifted on treating his illness and getting him cured. He needed a bone marrow transplant and was fortunate to have a sibling that was a perfect match.

In March 2017, Todd was admitted for a month to Mayo Clinic for the transplant. Sadly, the illness came back within a couple of months, and by June, Todd passed away at only 52 years old. After 15 years, 50 plus buying trips and importing 85 shipping containers, I found myself at another crossroads and knew I would have to pivot if I wanted to keep Relics a success.

Now on my own, I realized that countless trips to Europe were no longer an option. I also realized that an interesting shift was taking place in the world of upscale antiques – consignment. We had built a solid business reputation, had an amazing staff and an established location. With all the elements in place, I developed a plan to move the business forward by shifting our business model. In 2018, we dove straight into the world of upscale consignment.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Established in 2002, Relics Consignment & Antiques has evolved into one of Arizona’s most treasured home goods retailers. The 10,000-square-foot store in the heart of the Camelback Corridor and we sell high-end consigned items at 35% below retail, as well as unique international antiques, and outdoor décor and accessories.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Perseverance! Despite the challenges you face – regardless of how insurmountable they may seem – the key is to rise above. Take charge of the factors you can control. Always look one step ahead and never give up on living your dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.relicsaz.com
• Phone: 602-265-7354
• Email: info@relicsaz.com

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