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8 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
JENNIFER FLEMING
Charisma 7Antiques owner celebrates40yearsofsellingsurprising assortments WRITTEN BY CINDYSCHWEICH HANDLER
If you ’ re walking down Wanaque Avenue in Pompton Lakes and you pass Charisma 7Antiques , Vintage Clothing and Jewelry without entering , here ’ swhat you might be missing : Civil War swords ; akey-wound pocket watch from 1727 ; Lionel train sets ; alantern from a local railroad ; colorful bakelite jewelry ; avintage Coca-Cola bathing suit , and a 2024 Pooping Pooches Dog Calendar . Beyond the tiny storefront is amighty — and mighty eclectic — collection of merchandise culled by owner Jennifer Fleming from estate and garage sales , and on consignment . Fleming has worked in the store insome fashion ever since her late mother opened itin 1983 . “ My mom wanted ittobeawarm , relaxed place where people can reflect on times gone by ,” she says .
The riot of goods stored in Fleming ’ s shop is only asubset of what she has accumulated for sale , says Fleming . “ If you don ’ t see it here , please ask ,” she says .“ It ’ seither in storage or my home , much to my family ’ schagrin .” The boxes in her store trip some people up , while others say “ What atreasure chest !”, she adds .
Running Charisma 7Antiques has made Fleming rich in at least one way : “ I ’ m awealth of useless knowledge ,” she says with alaugh . “ I could tell you four different factories that burned down in Dresden in WWII that made certain types of dishes you can ’ t find anymore .”
Here are 8things you should know about Jennifer Fleming .
COURTESY OF JENNIFER FLEMING
6 HOLIDAY 2023 WAYNE MAGAZINE