Unique Emporium makes way for Little Bitterroot Grocery Store
<p>Jonathan Borntregor points at perspective bidders during the Unique Emporium auction that cleared out the building Saturday afternoon.</p>
PLAINS – The Unique Emporium closed their doors on Saturday with one last hoorah of deals for anyone who was interested.
The owner of the second hand collectible shop, Raylene Katana, held an auction that lasted nearly five hours, selling the rest of her belongings in the store.
Katana said they pretty much cleared everything out of the building by Sunday.
Opening up shop almost five years ago, the Unique Emporium encompassed Katana’s love for antiques into a job.
As the items were raffled off by Chris Borntregor, eager members of the community held up their bid numbers, scoring many deals that were simply too good to pass up.
The Butcher’s Nook also catered the event, selling pork sandwiches, potato salad and donuts.
Katana planned to leave for San Diego to be closer to her daughter on Monday, April 29.
Her daughter just recently graduated from medical school and is starting a job at the naval hospital in San Diego.
Although, Raylene will miss Montana, her need to be closer to her kids is stronger.
“I want to thank the community for their support and for helping me to keep my business alive,” said Katana. “I couldn’t have done it without them. The local people have been really, really helpful to me.”
The building, which housed the Unique Emporium, will now be the new location of The Little Bitterroot Grocery Store.
According to Programs Director for Little Bitterroot Services, Shannon Benson, the building has more square footage than their current location.
Their warehouse is also located right behind the building where all of their stuff is housed, making it more convenient.
“I’m very excited,” said Benson.