Pair Opens Vintage Collectibles And Book Shop Up Hill From Hoboken In Jersey City Heights

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — When asked what surprised Marinell Montales about opening a used collectibles/books/furniture store in Jersey City Heights with her fiancee last fall, she said, "That people like the same stuff we like."

The store, located at 561 Palisades Ave., captures the vibe of Jersey City Heights, a tree-lined neighborhood up the light rail elevator from Hoboken that, unlike other parts of the city, isn't reached by a busy train line.

A trip into Sure Things is like a walk through the quaint neighborhood, transporting a visitor back in time. Patrons can peruse old postcards, matchbooks, and home furnishings for clues to New Jersey's past.

Although the store opened in late 2021, waves of word-of-mouth have sparked more customers in 2022. The store celebrated its one-year anniversary last month.

Montales and fiancee John T. Trigonis have lived in Jersey City Heights for 16 years combined, they said. They decided a year ago to create a space to sell tchotchkes they rescued and reclaimed, including some furnishings that are now used in the store.

"Regarding our one year, we can't believe we made it!" Montales said. "We're very happy to be in our own neighborhood and have our community's support. They definitely helped us reach that milestone."

They call the store "fintage," a combination of found objects and vintage.

The shop is currently open three days a week.

Current Hours Are:

• Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 11-6:30 p.m.
• Sunday: 10-5
• Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Friday

Find out more about Sure Things here.