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Friday, June 18, 2021

Elvis is Here

My usual Friday Funnies is a photo(s) of something that has struck me as odd or funny because of placement, wording, etc. A recent FF post was expanded to include oddities seen at The Museum of Dumb Guy Stuff. This week's post is similar as we explored a very unusual furniture store, notable more for other things as you will soon see. 

As the post title says, Elvis is here in NH. Well, not exactly all of him, but at least there's a very large representation, and there's no mistaking the image likeness.

This nearly 10-foot high Elvis head resides in the corner of a Londonderry, NH, furniture outlet store. The larger-than-life piece really gives visitors a chance to get up close and personal to the King in a very BIG way. 

As you may have figured out, this furniture outlet is not the usual type. And, if not for a cancellation last weekend, we wouldn't have found and explored it. Sometimes, the unexpected works out well.

Overnight Saturday rains and the threat of more closed the outdoor flea market, our planned Sunday excursion. But, we didn't find out until we'd arrived there and saw the posted sign.

What to do in the area?

We remembered that Tim Stavrou, the new owner of a Nashua hotel liquidation firm near the mill apts told us about his flagship store, Deja Vu. He assured us that it was unlike any other furniture liquidation store, and as luck would have it, like the flea market, it was in Londonderry and open Sundays.

And he was right about it being unusual (quite).

Our nearly 2-hour visit was a nostalgic, retro, pop culture adventure. There's something to see down every aisle of this place and it was the most fun we've had without spending any money. Of course, everything here has a price for the right person and there's some very unique items. 
The term déjà vu derives from the French and means already seen. Whenever it occurs, it stirs up something that’s been seen before, a place, person, experience or thing.
First piece we saw at the entry
The story of Deja Vu Furniture (no accent marks) the store and its owners, Tim and Martha Stavrou of Keene, NH, has been featured on the Roadside America site and a local show, Chronicle New Hampshire. The business has been open 15 years. A family member came up with the name suggesting that everything there had been seen before, certainly not by us.

There's furnishings and so much more. Some of the decor considered novelty to the utmost degree. At times, it felt like we had found our way into the prop department of a film studio. Where else could you find full-size super heroes like Superman, Batman, Spiderman and then horror characters like Dracula and Frankenstein?
There wasn't a space in the store where something didn't catch our attention as we tried to explore so many nooks and crannies crammed into this
 34,000 square foot warehouse. There's also flat screen TVs, mini refrigerators, barstools, lamps of every variety, and furniture from Art Deco to modernSome pieces were available in more than one color matching any decor.
What to do with used wine bottles
Just look at some of what we found during our first (definitely not last) visit. Life size replicas of characters for popular foods or eateries, 
a life-sized version of the rock group KISS, the Blue Brothers (with new member Grenville) plus statues in various sizes and shapes. 
Grenville with life-size Blues Brothers figures
If you're looking for an unusual horse statue, this is the place to go. The selection included wooden rockers, several carousal horses to a disco horse. 
Looking for a new sign? There's plenty to choose from and vintage amusement park games too. 
There's nothing like having your own personal guard. Here, you can select from several.
Knick-knacks, paintings, movie props, sports memorabilia, antiques, lighting fixtures, are just a few of the countless items found in this offbeat emporium. How about a disco ball light?
Sports icons and mascots are here too
Guitar playing Santa, Louis Armstrong and Jack Daniel
Business is mainly word of mouth although there's a website, blog and social media like Facebook.  Its owner, Tim Stavrou, started in the hotel makeover business and he and staff would assemble and/or disassemble hotel rooms. He bought hotel-grade furniture and furnishings, acquiring a warehouse full of stuff, before opening a place to liquidate it all. Some are clearly recognizable from where they came like chairs, couches, ironing boards, microwaves, mirrors, vanities, desks, fixtures, all items found in a hotel. Some are time-warp pieces and stylized designs capture their era. 
Pizza anyone?
There was no ship to go with the masthead figure 
As far as why all the oddball items, Stavrou said that furniture didn't make him happy, these things did. He said his reputation for buying crazy items has sellers seeking him out now.
a
Fish for sale, some great catches
There wasn't a whole car here, just assorted parts of two
Fill 'er up at Esso Gas
Walking around Deja Vu Furniture, it's just as important to look up as to look around. Things like toy cars, planes even statues hang from the ceiling. Signs are posted to watch your head.
Signs are posted to watch your head. It's not a suggestion, but mandatory.
Vehicles and planes are hung throughout the store
Archangel Michael was hanging around
Not that we were buying anything on our visit, but we did inquire as to what was the most expensive item in the store. We were directed to this statue at the front desk.
We were told that this statue was one of four from the estate of financier JP Morgan. It's made entirely of marble and the price tag is quite hefty, but we were told that a discount would be possible, if you're at all interested. What a great entry piece it would make.

The floor inventory changes often as most items are one-of-a-kind. This display of life-sized clowns was not my favorite. Hopefully, these will find a new home by our next visit. 
Scary monsters were preferable to these demonic-looking clowns
We learned that a warehouse storage space located above the store doesn't have public access with old and new hotel furniture stacked almost to the rafters. 

Maybe our next visit will result in a great find for our apt home, just not this trip.
Grenville considered his & her throne for our LR
This coming weekend we may venture out to the flea market as the weather forecast is predicted to be dry and hot. We'll definitely return to Deja Vu Furniture another time since looking around was fun and free — two of our favorites, maybe yours as well.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone
Baseball game, fireworks and flea market for us

26 comments:

Edna B said...

Fun and free is my favorite too! I think those chairs would look great in your living room! Enjoy your day, hugs, Edna B.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Looks like a cross between a store and a museum. I wonder, if Elvis were still here, would he have worn a mask, had the vaccine and counselled his admirers to do the same, or would he have endorsed all the crazy conspiracy theories and sleazy politicians? We will never know, will we?

diane b said...

That is an amazing shop. We came across one similar in Tasmania on one of our trips. We were told by word of mouth to visit. Just like you.We spent ages in there looking at all the weird and wonderful things. You did a good job at documenting what you saw. We have had a busy week so I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend uh oh just remembered we have a farewell party and 25th birthday party on Sunday down the coast.

MadSnapper said...

I am thinking that this place just might be the eighth wonder of the world and I would absolutely love to visit it and which it was close enough that I could. I have never seen anything like it

Marcia said...

What a store! I'm surprised you didn't find even some little thing to add to your Christmas collection. I have heard of Londonderry but not sure where that is in relation to us here in Upper Valley. I'll look it up on the map. May have to make it a destination sometime.

Anvilcloud said...

I wasn't seeing much actual furniture and then I read your quote about the other things making him happy.

Anonymous said...

That is the coolest store/museum/art place to visit. Wow! I loved looking at these photos. Pretty wild place to walk around and be wowed!

David said...

Beatrice, I hate shopping...but I love really unusual, eclectic and weird stores. This one takes the cake, that's for sure! I really like Elvis, but that huge head is just spooky! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Emma Springfield said...

Deja Vu puts me in mind of Marvin's Marvelous Miraculous Museum in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It is a great outing for grandchildren. I had such a good time exploring Deja Vu with you.

Rob K said...

My goodness, I would go crazy in a store like this!

The place is like a kitsch museum. Who needs a time machine when you have a place like this?

Thank you so much for telling us about this wonderful place. Now I have yet another reason to visit New Hampshire.

William Kendall said...

Very eclectic!

Bijoux said...

I could spend hours there. I always enjoy finding items from my childhood in places like this. There’s one in Akron, Ohio called The Bomb Shelter that’s very similar.

Margaret D said...

Oh my, so many things to see - looks an amazing place.

Bindu said...

Patiently waiting for your second visit to the store. What a wonderful place!

Jeanie said...

I think I would go insane in there after the first five minutes but you have to admit it is unique and eclectic! I think I'd probably put it on my travel list!

Stevenson Q said...

Oh Beatrice! That looks so much fun to be in! If I were there, I would have so much fun even if I will not be buying anything! Just looking at those cool memorabilia! I really like the Wheel of Fortune and that Gladiator guy! Oh and those couches!!!

Bill said...

It does remind me of a museum with lots of interesting things to see and photograph. The clowns were rather scary looking. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.

DUTA said...

'If Elvis is here', I suppose the place is worth a visit.
I like Grenville's photo with the Blues Brothers figures. Also the figure of Louis Armstrong with his trumpet.
I'm now at the stage of trying to declutter, so no chance of going to a shop like this one, or any shop where I might be tempted to buy things.

Karen Lakis said...

What an unusual store! I'm not sure I'd call it a furniture store, but then what would you call it? It definitely looks like it would be fund to take a stroll through.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Oh my gosh what fun! Amazing nostalgic place! I’m kind of surprised there’s no entry fee )) as I’m sure most people are browsing not buying! (But I always expect garden and gift stores to charge me, since about all I ever do is look and take pictures) . We would both love visiting this place!

My name is Erika. said...

If I ever get back to Londonderry (I never get that way), I am going to hit Deja Vu. Wow. That is a cool place. I'm with you about the clowns though. But everything else looks like fun. I'm not sure anything would work in my house, but it looks fun to browse and see what they have. Thanks for sharing this Dorothy. You definitely had a fun trip out and a not so beautiful day. And you asked where I picked strawberries. We went to Butternut Farm in Farmington, NH. Hope all is well. Hugs-Erika

nick said...

So many extraordinary items! Plenty to choose from if you're thinking of buying a conversation piece for your living room. Some of them so scary your visitors would probably take one look and rush away again!

Laurel Wood said...

So many interesting and unique things to see. Thank you for sharing the wonderful pics.

DeniseinVA said...

What a great place! Our son would love to browse around all those interesting sights. A belated Happy Father's Day to your sweet hubby.

L. D. said...

I want the toy airplane. I can't believe how much stuff is in that place.

CrystalChick said...

WOW! What an interesting place! From the metal alien motorcycle display at the entrance and all throughout, there are so many neat pieces. I certainly wouldn't have been buying the 20k item, but would have probably had to find something smaller and much less expensive to bring home. ~M