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L.O.D.I. spells hidden treasure in antiques

Driving down Lockeford Street in Lodi, you might notice an old wooden sign that says "L.O.D.I. — Lots of Deals Inside."

Inside the store is a somewhat hidden treasure in Lodi. The antiques and collectibles outlet itself is only four years old, but its facade appears much older. It looks small from the outside, but inside, it is a large space that even has a back room.

It is filled with a variety of items from 11 vendors, and items change all the time, said Joanne Bedward, who has owned the store for about a year.

"A lot of people, when they stop by, are surprised, but they're glad they came," she said.

People are surprised that the store is so large.

Common items in the store include rhinestone jewelry, furniture, glasses, dishes, collectors' knives and swords, linens and pottery. One vendor has a large collection of firefighter memorabilia including miniature fire trucks. Furniture includes chairs, bureaus, nightstands, desks and more.

"In the back — it's men's paradise," Bedward said. "There's lots of stuff for men to look through."

And she's right. The back room contains odds and ends of every variety including boxes full of records, toys, antique cans of food, old medicine bottles, tools, speedometers, wheels, cameras and lenses, motor oil cans, bottles of soda, street signs and old advertisement boards.

Here, people don't just browse — they can dig through items to find something unique or fun.

Bedward took ownership of the store because it's a challenge, and dealing with antiques is something she likes to do.

"I like the camaraderie of the people," she said. "There's never a dull moment."