The Avid Antiquer

Some antiques stores that are short on square footage make up for it in the quality of what they sell, following the "it's the quality, not the quantity" adage. Other antiques stores are so big they are called antiques malls and they carry anything and everything you could want. For a store somewhere in between-quality merchandise in a large building that does not fit in the mall category, you have Antiques at Northport on Fort Salonga Road.

"We have roughly 8,500 square feet of space and 28 dealers on two levels, but a lot of people still do not even know we are here. This building was once the Moellenhoff Moving and Storage company. Maybe people still think that is who is in this building," said co-owner Leslie Clark.

Clark and her two partners, Bill Grotheer and Dave Nelz, opened the store in the fall of 2006.

"It was an antiques store before us, too, but it had been closed for several years before we took over. The antiques business is a very unique business. It's like a family. Everyone knows everyone. We decided it was a good idea to get some of the dealers we knew together and open up our own place," Clark said.

She and her partners are still active sellers.

"We each have our own thing in our booths so it's a nice mix. I like wrought iron. Bill likes early American pewter, Staffordshire figurines and Prattware pottery. Dave likes country primitives," Clark said.

There basically isn't anything this store does not carry, especially when it comes to furniture. Some of that inventory includes nineteenth- and twentieth-century traditional and French style furniture, country French furniture, nineteenth-century oak and Mission oak. You can also find vintage clothing, jewelery—real and costume— advertising signs, wrought iron, history and archaeological items, art work including original signed oil paintings, crystal, porcelain, ironstone, an array of chandeliers and other lighting fixtures, and so much more.

Last weekend the store held its last outdoor sale of the season.

"From April to October we have a flea market on the first Sunday of every month. But the the vintage garden courtyard is outside all year round," Clark said.

One room is dedicated strictly to items on consignment, which is mostly furniture.

"We split the sale 50-50 with the customers. We also offer layaway which we are very flexible with. Things were made so much better before than anything made today," Clark said. "Most people, especially young couples who aren't into antiques, are thrilled when they do buy them because they realize that and they keep coming back for more. The best thing about antiques is the thrill of the find."

Clark also said the holiday season is a busy time for antiques stores also.

"More and more Christmas items and decorations will be available soon. People should check back for holiday sales or special hours. If customers mention they read about us on Northport Patch, the owners will give them a Patch discount," Clark said.

Antiques at Northport is located at 404 Fort Salonga Road (25A) across the street from the King Kullen shopping center. They are Monday through Saturday except Tuesday from 11am-6pm and on Sunday from 11am-5pm. For more information, please call 631-651-8454.