Dilworth-Becky Norris said she retired 10 years ago.

The problem is that she never really stopped working.

This is easy to do when you live where you work, as Becky and husband Bill did. For thirty years, the Norris family has lived in a large apartment above their company Weivoda Carpet and Furniture Consignment.

But this time, they are serious. The couple announced on their Facebook page that they will retire and sell all inventory at a 33% discount. A national company-they declined to be named because the sale is still in progress-has offered to buy their borderless white building between Moorhead and Dilworth.

Collectors can find various items at Weivoda Carpet Sales in Dilworth. David Samson/Forum

Bill and Becky have bought land in Greenden to build their nursing home. But first, everything on the floor of Weivoda's 35,000-square-foot showroom must be moved.

These include antique pachinko machines, a huge 48-star American flag and a collection of 600 Santa Clauses. It also includes hundreds of vintage toys, a carefully carved walnut dressing table and 1890s seal skin "machete" gloves.

Not to mention the cheetah-printed bar stools, a few slot machines, a dwarf series, unused carpets or floors during the carpet sales, and very vintage sculptures from the 1990s, with a surprising book value of $1,200.

"This is an interesting business, but my parts have worn out," Bill said after showing off a 150-year-old iron-decorated suitcase, which may weigh 200 pounds. "I don't think the furniture is getting heavier. I'm just getting weaker and weaker."

Bill Norris showed a pair of bronze conqueror stirrups Weivoda Carpet Sales in Dilworth. David Samson/Forum

Although the Norris loves their work-from the unusual treasures that enter the door to their relationship with customers-the final push occurred after a real estate agent found them and said that he had a buyer to buy their property. Bill said that potential owners said they would not demolish the structure, but would update and remodel it.

Bill estimates that they have between 120 and 210 days to clean the crowded buildings, depending on the time required for the buyer to conduct "due diligence". This might even mean being separated from some of their favorite items, such as the "50-foot woman's attack" framed movie poster, even if he received multiple offers, Bill couldn't let himself sell.

"This is so interesting," Becky said. "What we got here—like Christmas."

Their inventory comes from many sources: real estate sales, auctions, or occasions where family members clean up their parents’ houses after the father’s death or the mother’s entry into managed care. Bill said that after the death of their parents, family members no longer seemed interested in inheriting the antique dining room or the hand-carved headboard.

Old-fashioned fishing lures are sold at Weivoda Carpet Sales in Dilworth. David Samson/Forum

Becky said that after their carpet and flooring sales began to decline, the Norris first set foot in the consignment business in 2011-thanks to large stores and cheap, low-quality Chinese flooring, such as Lumber Liquidators and other sites. At the same time, Heidi's Home Consignment Shoppe closed, creating a new niche market for them.

"I have never thought about used furniture in my life. But now almost everything in our house comes out of here," Becky said with a smile, "because some beautiful things came in."

Becky began selling floor coverings in 1969, when Weivoda began selling truck carpets. A few years later, when the current structure was built at 1101 Center Avenue, Dilworth, a permanent residence was found for the business.

A journey of memory is told in a series of buttons sold by Weivoda Carpet Sales in Dilworth. David Samson/Forum

Pei Kei married Bill Norris in 1991 and they have been business partners ever since. "He is great," Becky praised her soulmate.

Now, in just a few months, they will get rid of the shackles of their daily work, which means they can spend more time enjoying each other, with their families, and possibly selling antiques and collectibles through the flea market. "I may be too nervous to do anything," Bill said.

Becky shed a few tears when talking about their employees, including several beloved sales assistants who have been with them for many years. Even as a small employer, they will pay for their employees' insurance until they can't afford it. Then they paid half. "We are those who want to help others," she said. "We feel,'If you can help other people, then you have succeeded.' So, these people are still our friends."

Vintage DC-3 Art Deco lights from the pilot lounge are sold at Weivoda Carpet Sales in Dilworth. David Samson/Forum

Before the long-term business closure, customers were scrambling to find the treasure. "Say no!" A woman posted a comment on their Facebook website. "I love your shop! Don't you have relatives to take over? Please???"

Becky admitted that it would be bittersweet. "We had a great time here. Our home is here. It's hard to close the door."

Weivoda is located at 1101 Center Ave. W., Dilworth, and is open every Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.