BEACON PHOTOS/JOE CREWS
Business for sale — A passer-by looks in the window of Funky Trunk Treasures at 222 N. Woodland Blvd. in Downtown DeLand. The business is for sale, but not the building.
Seeking a buyer — Kimberly Cline, owner of Funky Trunk Treasures in Downtown DeLand, wants to sell the seven-days-a-week business to someone who will support local artists and take it to the next level.
When Hurricane Matthew made its close pass off the Volusia County coast in early October, Kimberly Cline — like many business owners — closed Funky Trunk Treasures, fearing for the worst and hoping for the best.
The forced hiatus, while not good for business, did have an upside — it allowed her to slow down, rest and re-energize, she said in a recent interview.
“When Hurricane Matthew came through, it really forced me to unplug and rest, and reconnect with my husband [Michael],” she said. “I have never worked so hard but been so happy doing what I do, but I think I really need to unplug and be more involved in my life.”
So Cline made the decision to sell her business, which is open seven days a week at 222 N. Woodland Blvd. in Downtown DeLand. She put the word out that Funky Trunk was for sale, and within 48 hours had eight responses from potential buyers. At last word, she was still mulling over the proposals.
Funky Trunk Treasures opened the day after Thanksgiving in 2012 at 100 N. Woodland Blvd., then moved to its current location three years ago. Cline started out with a stable of 28 artists, which grew to 75 “in no time,” she said.
Over the years, an average of 60 artists and artisans have displayed their work or taught classes at Funky Trunk; that’s down to about 48 right now, Cline said.
The store sells on consignment works of art and jewelry by local artists, as well as gifts such as soaps and bath products. The shop also offers art classes and workshops on topics ranging from painting to mosaics to jewelry- and soap-making.
It also sells beer and wine that can be consumed on the premises.
“I’m going to be interested in seeing what the new owner does,” Cline said. “My main concern is to keep it so local artists can exhibit and sell their works and teach classes.”
Whoever buys the business gets all the assets and three revenue streams: merchandise sales, classes and workshops, and beer and wine sales. The assets include contacts with artists and suppliers, and the shop’s website (www.FunkyTrunkTreasures.com) and email lists. (The sale will not include the building, and a new lease would have to be signed with the landlord.)
Cline said she’s trying to make the sale of the business as “turnkey” as possible, and will do whatever she can to make the transition to new ownership as smooth as possible.
In its relatively young existence, Funky Trunk Treasures has developed a great brand and reputation. It has won several awards, including either “Best in the West art studio” or “Best in the West art studio and gift shop” every year. It also has won a MainStreet DeLand Association Business of the Year award, Cline said.
And while Cline is proud of all that, it’s time to move on.
“I feel like I’ve done everything that I can bring to it,” she said.
Funky Trunk’s phone number is 386-848-4748. For now, at least, hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Classes and workshops are held in the evenings; go to the store’s website for a schedule.
- Joe Crews, joe@beacononlinenews.com