The dictionary defines “oddment” as a remnant or part of something, typically left over from a larger piece or set. This definition helps explain what you’ll find at Olive’s Oddments, a wondrous store on Locke Street in Hamilton. Inside, you’ll be awed by items such as Nightmare Before Christmas salt and pepper shakers, a Betty Boop mug, a Snow White cookie jar, a Toy Story snow globe, Hollywood decorative plates, Royal Albert China, Franz porcelain, Depression glass, Indonesian wood carvings, antique furniture and more.
Outside and at the front of the store, you’ll find popular umbrellas, purses and scarves. Downstairs, there’s an impressive array of refinished distressed wood furniture.
The variety of Olive’s offerings is limited only by what moves well. “Every day I’m selling scarves and purses and the new memorabilia, the collectible mugs and whatnot,” says owner Dana Thompson. “As for the old stuff, people are always adding to their China patterns. We sell them individually so if someone is looking for a plate or just a tea pot, we have those bits and pieces.”
It's the kind of store where people are invariably intrigued by what might be inside. “A lot of people come in with their coffee and browse,” Dana says. “I load my sidewalk every day because they see something and it grabs their eye. That brings them in and they go, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll have a look around.’”