Member

locally owned

How to contact: Call (734) 668-6047 or e-mail to tantiquesh@aol.com

The Caravan Shop opened its doors in 1927 and has been a fixture in the Arcade ever since. The shop was the creation of Frank and Jean Karpp who owned the store for nearly 50 years. Upon their retirement, they sold the store to Mr. Jim Edwards, who also owned Maison Edwards and the Tobacco Shop in the Arcade. Mr. Edwards sold the shop to Charlotte Ouimet, who in turn, sold the store back to the Edwards family. In 1998, Rhonda Gilpin, who owns the Arcadian Antiques, purchased the store and has kept it ever since. The store occupied its familiar spot on the northwest corner of the Arcade for 75 years, but with the departure of the U.S. Post Office, Ms. Gilpin moved the store across the Arcade and has occupied that space since 1992.

“Gifts from around the world” has always been the theme of the Caravan, and while Rhonda has maintained that theme, she has expanded the store’s inventory to include the work of over 600 artisans. The unique and eclectic blend of merchandise continues to make the Caravan a shop where you can always find something new and interesting.

There are: Nutcrackers from Germany, Nesting Dolls and Lacquer Boxes from Russia, Painted Boxes from Poland, Haba Toys from Germany, Limoge Boxes from France, Tizo Picture Frames from Italy, Greeting Cards from the UK, the list goes on and on. We hope you enjoy your stop in the Caravan and likewise in the historic Nickels Arcade.

We have been located in the Nickels Arcade since 1927 and continue to be visited by regular customers for decades. Stop in and browse our wide array of gifts, most of which are handmade by domestic or international artisans. Jewelry, glass, ceramics, pens, stationary, toys & baby clothes.