The ‘junk market’ is hot thanks to cable television shows that gear towards the ability to ‘pick’ from places such as salvage yards that are thought to hold rusted piles of unusable items. However, local picker Debbie Wallis has found a niche in North Texas and had made a business out of junk in Howe for two years. Her business named Salvage Junky has done well in the local Howe Market.
While Wallis has homed in downtown Howe for the two years of her operation, she has moved to the more spacious location at 200 S. Denny Street. The location, across from First Baptist Church gives her more options such as the idea of starting a farmers market on her site. She is currently seeking those that want to participate in a community farmers market.
“I like the amount of traffic on Hwy 5 and I like still being close to the four-way stop (at Haning and Denny Streets).” said Wallis.
It took two years for Denison to get their farmers market started, but Wallis thinks that Howe could possibly get that done much quicker.
The Wallis family has completely renovated the building, which used to house Advantage Business Machines before they moved into the historic Chisum building. They’ve painted inside and out and have installed a rustic tin ceiling.
Wallis says that they have a current special going on that will save customers 20 percent if they wear their ‘Gone Junkin’ shirts.
Wallis travels to trade shows frequently and will be in Granbury, Texas next Friday and Saturday and will be closed due to that. She does several road shows each year including ‘Junk Hippy’, ‘Old Glory’ in Colorado and ‘Loot.’
“I’m preparing for Roundtop and if that works out I’ll do that show twice a year in the spring and the fall.” said Wallis.
Salvage Junky’s hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10am – 6pm and Saturdays from 9am – noon.
