GREEN COVE SPRINGS - The large building that lies at 115 N. Magnolia Ave. is hard to miss, and what lies deeper inside is even harder to forget.

Donald Hartman and Erica Simmons are co-owners of the Treasure Box, a thrift shop that aims to share the stories of dozens of locals in the community.  From antiques and collectibles, you can't get anywhere else, to delicate glassware, vintage furniture and historical goods, it's a thrifting experience like no other.

"I say we're like Walmart, we have really everything that you need," Simmons said. "And everything that you didn't know that you needed."

Unlike your average thrift shop, the store features 70 different vendors who showcase and sell their items daily. Each booth is customized to that seller's personal aesthetic. Hartman said vendors are constantly adding new things to their booths and shelves, or moving out completely to make room for the next occupant, which depends on their extensive waiting list.

"We have a lot of people interested in being in here. We'd love to have more space."

Whether they are gearing up for a big move, undertaking a massive house cleanout, or simply looking to sell homemade products, Hartman said the Treasure Box is home to a diverse group of individuals.

Hartman said his love for thrifting and selling antiques began as a result of his frequent trips to flea markets. After acquiring an assortment of items, Hartman said he would have large yard sales on the side of U.S. 17.  

After Hartman's brother purchased the original Badcock and More building, he began selling his items from the location on North Magnolia Avenue. And after about three weeks, he said he knew it was something big. 

The Treasure Box officially opened in 2014. 

Hartman said the store started off with one table in the corner, filled with items he had accumulated, and as they sold, people wondered if he was interested in renting out spaces.

"We gave that a shot. We decided to move to the back, where we had more room, so we set up a bunch of tables. A lot of tables. And we started renting the tables out to people.

"It just started getting bigger and bigger. Then we just decided to start making booths for vendors. From that point on, we grew from probably about 10 people, at that time, within the first six months."

And it hasn't slowed down since. The Treasure Box, he said, is known around the world through the help of social media and advertising. The majority of vendors are from Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

"Originally, it started with people from Green Cove, but most of the people now are from out of town."

Every day, Simmons said, they attract new customers of all ages who are drawn to the store.

"Kids come here on their birthdays because this is where they want to spend their birthday money.

"It's like everyone's favorite store."

At the Treasure Box, everything changes. Whether customers are spending hours at Babbett's Treasures and the SWAG shop or scoping out furniture at C N D's Odz n' Endz,  there's something for everyone. And a story to go with it.

"We love this. It's in our blood, as it is with everybody else that comes in here. Everybody's got a story. Our vendors, in particular, have a story."