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New antiques store opens in Danville

October 30, 2006|TRACY HANEY

The building at 4080 S. Danville Bypass has seen a lot of change in the past 20 or so years. It was a furniture store, flea market, American Legion Post and entertainment complex. Now, the sign out front reads "Antiques in Danville," and co-owner Cliff Dunne hopes to keep it that way.

"I think we're here to stay," Dunne said.

Antiques in Danville is made up of booths rented by antique vendors. So far, nine vendors are on board selling everything from furniture to dishes. Dunne said there is room for as many as 30 vendors.

"We hope to have a pretty big selection of things," he said.

Although this is the first store he's managed, Dunne, who owns the store with his wife, Linda, and Steve and Mimi Becker, isn't new to the antique biz.

He's been selling antiques at other stores and venues across the state for awhile but wanted his own location. When the building on the bypass opened up and the Beckers agreed to sign on, Dunne, who also is director of the Family Resource Center for Danville Schools, decided to give entrepreneurship a try.

"I felt for a long time there weren't enough antique shops in Danville," Dunne said. "We think there is room for more than one."

Dunne got into selling antiques because he simply had too many of them.

"I like auctions," he said. "If you're an auction-goer and you like bargains, you eventually have to find something to do with those bargains."

Dunne said he usually buys and sells the antiques that he likes, adding that all antique dealers are different "because people collect (antiques) for different reasons." Some grow up with antiques, Dunne said, and some don't.

He didn't.

"My parents didn't like old stuff," Dunne said. "They couldn't understand why I bought old stuff."

"Old stuff" often made better

That "old stuff" oftentimes was made better than what's around today, Dunne said as a reason for why he likes antiques.

"A lot of times now you can't find solid wood furniture," he said. "Back then there was a lot more pride in craftsmanship."

Other than the quality, Dunne said once you start collecting antiques it's hard to kick the habit.

"Some people say antique buying is an addiction," he said. "Most antique dealers are always looking for a bargain."

In addition to more vendors, Dunne has other goals for the store. He hopes to eventually have eBay sales as well as consignment sales, appraisal fairs, teas and catered events, and outdoor sales in conjunction with area events like the Great American Brass Band Festival and the Raintree County Festival.

Dunne said owning and managing an antique shop is a lot of work, but he enjoys it and looks forward to making it "a retirement thing."

"It's a slow process, but we're pleased with the progress we've made," Dunne said. "We intend to do what it takes to make this a viable, profitable business for our dealers."

Open house in November

An open house will be Nov. 11 and 12. During those days, classes on antique appraising will be offered.

Antique owners can have one item appraised for $10 or two for $15. Half of the money will go toward a United Way donation. For more information on Antiques in Danville and its open house, call (859) 239-0086.

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