In Salem, Oregon, Aunt Bee’s House is more than just a store—it’s a beloved gathering place for those who enjoy the thrill of treasure hunting, finding unique vintage pieces, and supporting local entrepreneurs. Recently, the team at Aunt Bee’s hosted the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Greeters networking event at the Northern Lights Theatre Pub, showcasing the atmosphere and culture that make their store so special.
Hosts and staff members Kira Hammond and Téa Cole began with a brief introduction, followed by a video presentation that featured the store’s owners, staff, and vendors, giving the audience a closer look at the people who make Aunt Bee’s House so special.
How Aunt Bee’s House Got Its Start
The story of Aunt Bee’s House begins nearly two decades ago, when Belinda Morse founded the store. The name, “Aunt Bee’s,” was inspired by her nieces and nephews, who couldn’t pronounce “Belinda” and affectionately called her “Auntie B.” That nickname became the store’s identity. The shop quickly became a staple in the Salem community, known for its unique mix of antiques, handcrafted items, and nostalgic treasures.
Ownership of Aunt Bee’s House changed in March 2019, when Sandy Anello and her son, James Anello, took over. They had always been dedicated customers and heard through a mutual friend that Belinda was ready to retire. “Since we shopped here so much, it was just a natural fit,” Sandy said. “We’ve had a good time ever since.”
The Worker Bees: A Talented Team Behind the Scenes
Running Aunt Bee’s House requires a passionate and dedicated team. Kira Hammond, a part-time manager and display designer at the store, is one of those individuals who contributes to the shop’s creative displays and inviting atmosphere. Kira not only works behind the scenes but also rents her own booth as a vendor, showcasing her love for curating beautiful spaces. “There are so many wonderful vendors here,” she said, “and it’s just a great community to be a part of.”
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs in Salem
Aunt Bee’s House is more than just a marketplace—it’s a launchpad for local entrepreneurs. By renting space at the store, small business owners have an opportunity to sell their products without the high overhead costs of a standalone storefront. “We offer the opportunity for entrepreneurs to have their own small business without having to open their own storefronts,” said Sandy Anello. “It can be expensive, and this gives them the perfect opportunity to try it out.”
The store itself is a sprawling 10,000-square-foot space filled with a variety of booths, each curated by individual vendors. The shop offers booths of different sizes to accommodate varying needs, with some starting as small as a few square feet. “It’s $6.75 per square foot,” explained Kira Hammond. “Booth rentals start as low as $25 per month, making it accessible for small business owners to get started.” Aunt Bee’s also takes a 15% commission on sales, making it a manageable entry point for entrepreneurs looking to test their products in a physical retail space.
One of the key staff members in the shop is Téa Cole, Aunt Bee’s event coordinator and a vendor herself. Téa creates crochet items, baked goods, and loose-leaf teas, all while managing store events. “It really allows me to have a space where I don’t have to worry about paying bills just to have a storefront,” Téa shared. “I can be both an in-person business and an online business, and really open up the amount of people I can reach that way.”
The Hive: A Diverse Group of Vendors
The variety of offerings at Aunt Bee’s is due to the diverse group of vendors who make up the heart of the store. Each vendor brings their unique flair and passion to their booth. Jana Albritton, who owns Yellow Prairie Interior Design, finds great joy in being a part of Aunt Bee’s. “It has been so much fun selling vintage and antiques,” Jana said. “I do a little bit of interior design and social media influencing, and it’s been a great way to connect with the community.”
The store’s community of vendors isn’t just about selling; it’s about learning from one another. “We get support from the other vendors, which is really awesome,” said Marcia Connerly, who also works at the store and rents a booth. “We seek to make each other better, and that’s a wonderful way to be.”
A Shopping Experience Filled with Nostalgia and Discovery
For many, Aunt Bee’s House is a favorite spot to explore. It’s a place where the old and the new mingle, where each booth tells its own story. “Aunt Bee’s House is my favorite treasure hunting place,” said Jana Albritton. “It always has been, even before I was a vendor. You just never know what you’re going to find here.” This sense of nostalgia is echoed by other vendors, who emphasize how special it is to find items that evoke memories of childhood and past decades.
Becca Riddle, another vendor, described Aunt Bee’s as “like walking into a treasure box… You get to experience a lot of different personalities through each vendor’s booth. It sparks a memory and creates a laugh.” This variety is what makes Aunt Bee’s so unique, with each corner offering a surprise waiting to be discovered.
Creating Connection Through Events and Gatherings
Aunt Bee’s House regularly hosts events to foster a sense of community and to bring people together. Upcoming events include the Holiday Open House on November 9, when the store will be transformed into a festive Christmas wonderland, and the first-ever Holiday Night Market on December 1, featuring carolers and a variety of vendors. “Bringing in your friends, your family, coming to our events—that’s the best way to help our vendors,” said Téa Cole. “We have between 75 and 80 vendors, depending on the time of year.”
The events are not just about shopping—they’re about connection. “We have an open house, and it’s like a family party,” said Marcia Connerly. “We get to party with our guests, our customers that come in. It’s really contagious.”
A Warm and Welcoming Environment
Aunt Bee’s House strives to create a welcoming atmosphere where customers feel at home. Marcia Connerly shared a memorable experience of two young women who visited the store. “They looked at each other and said, ‘We walked into a booth, and it was our grandmother. We did everything but smell the cookies,’” he recalled. For the entire team, it’s moments like these that make their work meaningful.
When asked what she loved most about Aunt Bee’s House, owner Sandy Anello didn’t hesitate: “It’s the people—the staff, my vendors, the customers,” she said, highlighting the store’s close-knit relationships.
Vendor Janet Galvez shared a similar sentiment: “We have a lot of camaraderie between the vendors. We all support each other, and we all hope the best for each other’s businesses.”
Thank You to the Community of Salem
As Aunt Bee’s House continues to grow, they remain grateful for the support they’ve received from the Salem community. Each vendor, customer, and staff member contributes to the store’s warm and unique atmosphere. “Just come in, have a good time, and tell your friends,” added Marcia Connerly, encouraging others to share in the joy of discovering new treasures.
For those looking for a shopping experience that’s about more than just buying—Aunt Bee’s House is a place where memories are made, stories are shared, and local dreams are supported.
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