Bowerbird Mongo

I came across this little shop a few weeks ago while visiting friends in Michigan. I came home with a stack of old pictures, multiple glass bottles and other oddities. The owner (Ward) was very knowledgable and helpful. Prices are reasonable and the place is full of little treasures.

This place is awesome. A little bit of everything, reasonably priced. Very unique and eclectic. You must go here. The owners are very knowledgeable and friendly.

We enjoyed the interesting variety of items and were amazed by the beyond reasonable prices. We enjoy going to this type of vintage store but usually don’t buy anything because we are too cheap. So the fact that we bought several things on our first visit tells you something. The owners are super friendly and took time to take down my husband’s info when he asked about a certain item he collects. They said they would be happy to keep an eye out for it and would email him if they find it. They were setting out new items as we shopped and said their inventory is constantly changing. Only open Friday evenings and Saturdays but we will be back!

Like most people, I just happened to stumble upon this place when I was walking along Michigan Ave on a warm summers eve. Boy, am I ever glad I did! From unique artwork to quirky home décor, there is definitely a lot to explore here. There is a constant turnaround of inventory so there is always something new to check out.
They are only open on Friday evenings and on Saturdays, but it almost seems better that way; foot traffic is always flowing and it seems like a nice little treat when they are open to visit and see what’s new while catching up with the people in your community.
The owners are absolutely wonderful, going above and beyond to help you find something you may be looking for. They have a lot of items that aren’t on display, due to space constraints, but available for sale, so if you have an item in mind just ask and they may very well have it for you! And, if they don’t happen to have it, they are definitely willing to go hunting for you. They have been more than helpful in the past in helping me and my family find something «just right» that we had been looking for high and low but had no luck finding on our own.
Not only is there a lot of amazing merchandise, and incredibly helpful owners, but the pricing is absolutely reasonable. You can find totally unique pieces at a more decent price than you would be able to find something similar brand new.
I’d say Bowerbird Mongo is reason enough to visit downtown Ypsilanti! Then you can explore the other awesome shops and restaurants in the area!

Not sure whether to call this an antique or vintage shop… because it is, but it’s not like any of the others I’ve frequented. This is no old lady’s tzotchke shop.
What’s there one week is likely gone the next, and always odd or interesting. The shop is open very few hours in a week, and always full of interesting people, often passionate collectors.
The owners Ward and Joyce keep track of nearly everyone’s interests, and will often pick something up on the chance you might like it.
The main offerings are pottery, art, lamps, and jewelry, but I’ve seen items as diverse as giraffe’s heads and cowboy hats.

There are antiques shops and then there is Bowerbird. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it – it’s open only six hours a week, from 5 to 8 PM Fridays and Saturdays. Stumbled on it on my way to Bona Sera for dinner with friends, and what a lucky stumble that was!
The stock is as good as any I’ve found anywhere, and I’m not only a collector – I’m a dealer, so «anywhere» means I’ve shopped in a lot of antiques stores and malls. Everywhere I looked there was another beautiful object. The owners, Ward and Joyce, really have an eye. Pottery, jewelry, linens, tableware, lamps, paintings, old photos – it’s a mixed bag. There were even jazz LPs – I picked up two Bill Evans albums for a buck apiece. Which brings me to the pricing: very reasonable. If you were looking for gifts, I’d bet you could find something just right and leave the store with a few bills left in your wallet. I grabbed four matching cut glass champagne flutes for $ 1.50 apiece.
I also appreciate the owners’ honesty. There was a nice little Weller planter from the 1900 – 1910 period in the desirable matte green with a ridiculously low price on it. Ward explained that there was a very tight hairline. I couldn’t find it until the next day, when I went to a sunny window and aimed a flashlight on it, and even then it was hard to see. It’s the kind of damage a lot of dealers would just «overlook» and charge you top price for.
If you’re downtown on a weekend evening, be sure to stop in. There’s not only the huge collection of vintage treasures, but contemporary art as well.
Just a great, great place to shop and another reason to visit downtown Hipsilanti!

This is a great little vintage/​antique store run as a side business by a couple. I agree with Elizabeth S. — see her 2010 review. Check the drawerful of scarves — I buy one or two whenever I’m there; pure silk vintage scarves for $ 6.00. You can’t go wrong. There are many beautiful, decently priced things you could not afford in Ann Arbor; it’s a cool place for funky gifts, and a little indulgence if you’re up for it. Joyce and Ward (Cleaver, anybody?) know everything about what they have. They also have beautiful tiles from local kilns; above my price range but absolutely gorgeous.

One of the many hidden gems of Ypsilanti.
Although it’s only open Friday & Saturday nights from 5−8pm, it is well worth your time to fit this into your weekend plans.
It’s a small store of ever changing & carefully selected antiques, with something for everyone. The best part are the prices! Everything is so reasonable — it’s like buying antiques at thrift store prices.
The owners, Joyce and Ward, are incredibly welcoming & helpful.
Hands down Bowerbird Mongo is my favorite place to shop in Ypsilanti!