When I was in school (and I am probably dating myself in saying this!), in history class we would work through a chapter, and do the questions at the end of each section as well as the activities at the end each chapter. We would need to memorize names and dates of important figures. History, then, didn’t seem to have a personal connection.
That all changed with Ancestry.Com where people can trace their lineage and learn all about their ancestors, tracing them back through generations. Here history is personal, more meaningful.
Superior now has a place where history comes alive, and customers can slip back into time as they search through all the items that Sellers Antique Mall has to offer. Located in the Belknap Plaza at 110 Belknap Street, the antique mall offers a blend of old and new.
The store is a 40-year dream for Mickey Greene, one of the owners. As his wife, Christina, told me, Mickey had always wanted to have an antique store.
“When Family Dollar was moving out and a nine thousand square foot space was available, that was our sign.”
Also, being located next to their other business, Sellers Auction, it would be a perfect fit. Christina told me that many of their vendors find items to include in their mall space at the auction; they also will bring their items there to be sold that might not be selling in their space.
Greene explained that she looks for vendors who are welcoming. She wants to create a good, happy and friendly space where people will not only come to shop, but will be excited to return. Vendors pay a monthly fee to rent their space.
“We didn’t want to have people sign a year-long lease.”
Greene doesn’t want people who feel they have to go to work out of obligation, but would rather have vendors who enjoy the excitement of selling and are interested in their customers’ needs. If the fit doesn’t work for either the vendor or the owner, this allows for an easier transition. The antique mall presently has 50 vendors.
“There is also a waiting list of more than 25 who are interested in renting a space here.”
People interested in putting their name on the waiting list can contact Christina at 218.221.6212.
As Greene noted, “If you build it, they will come,” and that is exactly what happened. Vendors were excited to be part of the new space and quickly signed up; customers learned about the mall and eagerly took the opportunity to walk through the aisles and peruse the variety of offerings.
As one shopper recently wrote, “I shopped here today and LOVED it! I found so many treasures I couldn’t live without!”
Greene likes the mix of stuff they have available for sale in the mall. There are a variety of antiques, furniture, some shabby chic items, candles, teas, lotions, vintage toys and crystals. New items are always being added. Vendors seek to replenish their stock. They take out what isn’t selling and replace it with other treasures for people to buy.
Currently, the antique mall is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Store hours for Saturday are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. Greene said she wants to have the mall accessible to people, keeping it open so those who are working could have a chance to stop in after they are done.
Kelly Peterson, Superior Business Improvement District, Executive Director, was thrilled to award a $5,000 Stakeholder Grant for their exterior sign and lighting. “I knew the space was large but seeing it filled with all the vendors, I was floored! You could spend all day visiting each vendor, perusing their wares.”
Peterson appreciates the welcoming atmosphere the Greenes are creating. “They are building a community that encourages customers to want to come back again and again.”
So, take a moment and travel back in time at the Sellers Antique Mall, but also discover some new treasures! It’s the type of place you want to return to again and again. I know I will.
Gary Banker is a member of the Superior Business District Board of Directors.
