For hidden treasures, go right to The Source

NORTH CANAAN — “High end” is how the store is described by the woman behind the sales desk. Maybe so, but unique, interesting, a bounty of treasures are other descriptions that come to mind during a visit to The Source Collection. Tucked away in what was at one time a video store on Railroad Street, the shop offers something you don’t always get:an “in person” look at many of the decorating and gift items found online at www.sourcecollection.com, and in the company’s catalog. Shelley Brooks was filling in at The Source Collection last Saturday, the only day of the week it is open. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is one of five businesses her ambitious son, Joshua Brooks, owns. Her daughter, Noelle Brooks, is the manager.The business was once part of the Nestlé Company. Joshua Brooks bought it, was required to change the name from Source Perrier, and set it up as an online business. The North Canaan store, like a similar one in Winsted, is an outlet for retired products, customer returns and items with minor damage from shipping. The discounts are big, usually 30 to 70 percent.One of the first things one sees coming in the door is a Montespan settee. The bench is solid poplar, finished in red Chinese satin lacquer, and appears to be in perfect condition. It is reduced from $1,700 to $1,200.Shelley Brooks said it won’t be there long. “Decorators and a lot of second-home owners are our main customers,” she said. “This bench will be just the thing someone has to have.”The shop is packed with statement furniture and conversation starters, such as a Tic Tac Toe set with game pieces of Murano glass, stemware etched with woodland scenes, fine linens, wall sconces made from gemsbok horns and art for the walls. There are plenty of gift ideas, even if one is spending $20 or less.In the year or so since the shop opened, locals have been slowly discovering it.“One family found a beautiful iron bedframe for only $200. They were thrilled. People come back on a regular basis to see what’s new, because the inventory is always changing.”Brooks’ husband, Tim, is the nephew of the owner of the former Bradford Auction House in Sheffield. His grandparents owned an antique shop.“He has a barn full of antiques, and about four times a year, he has a big tag sale next door,” Brooks said, referring to the vacant space that was most recently home to a Mexican restaurant.Customers are notified of sales by email. Anyone can sign up for the email list by stopping in at The Source Collection.