Bill and Karen McFarland know that starting a new business in a small town isn’t easy, but they believe they are up for the challenge.

That’s why they are opening the Almost New Gifts & Consignment Shop in Auburn.

The new shop, located on the corner of Main and Perkins streets, will feature a wide variety of items and offer shoppers good prices and sellers a chance to make some money.

Bill said they are excited about being part of the Auburn business community.

“Our objective is simple,” Bill said. “Number one, we want to be a blessing to the community. Number two, we want to take in consignments that people don’t need or have outgrown are just don’t want anymore.”

Unlike many consignment stores which focus mainly on clothes, Almost New Gifts & Consignment will feature many housewares, gifts and collectibles. Some specialty items they will carry include jewelry, knives, china, historical items, and UK and John Deere and other licensed products.

“We’ve got a little bit of everything,” Karen said.

They will also have coins and stamps.

Bill said he began collecting coins about ten years ago and has several to sell. Karen, who works at the Auburn Post Office, said she began collecting stamps when she began working there a few years ago.

Bill spent 33 years as a pastor and is now retired and returned home to Auburn. He and Karen said they decided opening a consignment store was right for them and for Auburn.

“We love people,” Bill said. “We like to meet people.”

Though they first thought of opening a coin and stamp store, they decided to broaden their focus.

“The consignors will make money and the shoppers will get bargains,” Bill said.

They have a good selection of items already available for sale, but they are looking for people interested in selling their items in the store.

“We take almost anything,” Karen said. “We just want to make sure it’s almost new.”

The McFarlands will price the merchandise and consignors receive 75 percent of what an item sells for.

Karen said that in this economy, many people are looking for ways to make a little extra money. While many sell on ebay, this is easier because you don’t have to ship your items, you simply drop them off.

“This is an avenue they can go to and they’re still going to make money,” Karen said.

To learn more about consigning or to schedule an appointment, call the store at 847-1908.

The McFarlands are planning a grand opening on Wednesday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will have free coffee, punch and refreshments and the first 25 visitors will receive a free vial of gold flakes.

Regular store hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with the potential for expanding or changing as they get up and running.

Bill said they hope people will visit the store, both to sell and to shop.

“We’ve got something for everyone here,” Bill said, “from children to grandpas.”