BALTIMORE (WMAR) — Rust-N-Shine in Highlandtown has something for everyone. From vintage holiday decor, to hockey pucks, trophies, even a taxidermy alligator.
"You never really know what you're going to find here," said co-owner Kevin Bernhard. "We are purveyors of vintage wares."
Bernhard and co-owner Kinsley Ross search estate sales, antique stores and auctions to stock the shelves.
"Finding the things is half the fun and the other half of the fun is finding the person that absolutely loves what you're selling to them," said Berhard.
"Or has that certain memory that when they see something, they have to buy it because grandma had it or somebody else had it who was part of their life," said Ross.
"We get a lot of our stuff for really good deals and we're not looking to get rich. What we're looking to do is find a good home for them," said Bernhard.
They opened in 2015 but have been closed for a year. Thanks to a great from the state, they have been renovating the facade and interior, planning to re-open on Small Business Saturday, even with a pretty big setback.
"We're not going to let some dummy ruin it," said Bernhard.
"You can't give up just for something simple," said Ross.
Saturday night, someone broke in and stole all the power tools they were using for renovations.
"We ended up losing a compound miter saw, a table saw, circular saw and impact driver. So all in all, just shy of $1,000 worth of tools," said Bernhard.
They believe it was a targeted crime.
"We had been out front that night and that day building shelves and using the tools so it was all visible," said Bernard.
They also have to replace their front door just five days before it should be open for business. But instead of letting it get them down, they are forging ahead, proud to be Baltimore business owners.
"Crime is everywhere. It's not just Baltimore City," said Bernhard. "The outpouring of support we're gotten from something as simple as a broken window is absolutely amazing."
They are pretty confident police will find the person that is responsible, because of the finger prints that were found at the store and street surveillance video. They are also asking for people to keep an eye out for someone selling tools like a Dewalt table saw, Ryobi miter saw, Ryobi circular saw or a Ryobi impact driver. Call Baltimore Police if you have any information.
As for their grand re-opening, it's Saturday with a ribbon cutting at noon.
