If you are looking for quality home furnishings at affordable prices, antiques, collectables or unusual items with local history, then Tom’s Fine Furniture & Collectables in Tucson is where you want to go. Located at 5454 E. Pima Street, Tom’s is in a mid-century style building in the London Town shopping center.

Owner Tom Ward says, “The bulk of our inventory includes good quality pre-owned furnishings, antiques, china/crystal/silver—everything for the home. We sell new lampshades and a lot of antique and quality pre-owned lamps and chandeliers. Lamps have been my passion from childhood.”

The former art major at the University of Arizona adds, “I have a love/passion for design and furniture of all kinds. I appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity of things and strive to obtain unusual quality merchandise for my shop and customers.”

Be sure to allow plenty of time to see everything when you visit Tom’s superstore because you never know what you’ll find. There are clocks, china, crystal, lots of lamps, small collectables, true antiques, mid-century, primitives, old farm tools, radios, stereos, rugs, artwork, Native American items, dolls, Asian and Middle Eastern items and, of course, furniture. There are even two Herter Brothers pieces from the Mark Hopkins house pre-1906 earthquake. It’s an overwhelming collection—a trip down memory lane!

Many of Tom’s customers—who come from across the U.S. and abroad—have been shopping there for years and recognize that much of the older furniture is better quality than new. They appreciate the many vintage items in the store that were created by the best designers of their day—plus they know that recycling is better for our planet. Local customers even bring their out of town guests to see Tom’s because of the “wow” of it. Designers also come in seeking out the unusual for their clients.

Tom started his business in 1981 after having worked in his 20s for two of the oldest antique businesses in Tucson—Christine Olsen of Christine’s and Kay Mallek, a local artist and dealer. He was Kay’s buyer for several years before opening his own shop. He describes her as one of the most colorful people he ever met and someone who was unselfish with her knowledge and support. Tom is grateful to Dorothy Thomas, owner of Furniture Home, who was a great advisor with good insight.

The first location for the new store was at 1208 N. Alvernon Way, but the business soon outgrew the 2000 sq. ft. Tom then bought a building—the former Tia Elena restaurant site—at 3402 E. Grant Road, which he still uses as a warehouse. He says it’s rumored to be haunted, but he likes to think it’s “enchanted” instead. The large sculpture in front was a fountain and the largest piece created by Jesus Coral, a local artist. Tom plans to reopen this shop eventually to sell lampshades, mirrors and more specialty items. Tom’s has been in its current location for the past 15 years.

Are you downsizing or changing your decor? Tom’s buys quality used furniture and collectables in good condition. The store’s buyers are there every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and you can bring photos of the items you want to sell to the store and talk with them directly. Or you can send photos of the items along with a short description and your contact information to tomsfurniture@comcast.net, and put “For Sale” in the subject line, and the buyers will let you know if they are interested in purchasing your items.

Tom says about his business, “Since 1981, Tom’s has been the go-to place for great home furnishings at a savings. We invite you to come explore our store and bring a friend!”

Tom’s is located at the SW corner of Pima and Craycroft. For more information, call 520-795-5210, email: tomsfurniture@comcast.net or follow Tom’s Fine Furniture & Collectables on Facebook.