Let’s Go Antiquing in Ally’s Attic

The merchandise in is as varied as the shoppers’ needs and taste. Ally’s has collectible glassware, home décor and furnishings and hand-crafted jewelry.  Shoppers can find Beatles and Elvis memorabilia. They can also find items that allow them to remember times that have gone by.  

“We carry good quality merchandise, not just antiques,” said Paula Evans, co-owner and dealer. “Frankly there are just not enough antiques available to fill the store. So we have merchandise that is as different as the customer looking for it.”

Ally’s on Scenic Highway is located in the Goodwill Plaza. Its 5,600 square foot showroom is home to 42 independent dealers. These dealers rent booth space and are also assigned work slots to assist with customer service duties for the entire store.

“Currently we do not have any available booth space. In addition to high quality merchandise, we are in a great location.  We get customers that shop in the Goodwill store and the other antique shop that are also in this plaza,” said Evans.

Many of the dealers at Ally’s have full time jobs and use merchandise sales as a second source of income. That is how Evans got her start. In 1995 she gave up her full time position as a payroll administrator to become a full time dealer.  From dealer, she became a partner and the rest is history.

“I enjoy what I do because it allows for flexibility and variety. I can get work wherever and whenever I choose. For instance as I am watching television I can put price tags on items that will go into my booth. If I can’t sleep, I just get up and go to work on merchandise or on plans to get more merchandise,” said Evans.

Each of the booths in Ally’s has unique items that most often reflect the owners’ personality and tastes. This attributes to customers finding a variety of items not found elsewhere and ensures that they will return. Reasonable prices and customers’ ability to negotiate pricing, also contributes to reoccurring patronage.

“There isn’t one dealer that doesn’t have additional merchandise in their garages, attics, basements and other rooms of their homes,” said Kathy Campbell, an Ally’s eight year dealer.  “Dealers must be able to restock merchandise after they have sold pieces.”

Dealers use a number of shopping venues to acquire their merchandise. Such venues range from estate sales, to yard sales. Or they sale personal items that they have purchased or been given. To set up shop in Ally’s, 80% of the merchandise must be old or used and the other 20% can be wholesale items.

Nicole Denton became a first time dealer after getting laid off in October of 2008 from a sales position at an office supply company.  While shopping in a retail store, she was advised to go to Ally’s to inquire about booth rental.

“It was like receiving a second sign that this is what I was meant to do. The first thing to happen was after moving in with my boyfriend, we doubled the size of our household. I quickly realized I had stuff that others might want to buy. I started off in a 5x5 booth and now after a year and a half, I have expanded to a 7x15 size booth,” said Denton.  

Denton is a single mother of a 12 year old daughter. Being a dealer is her sole source of income; therefore her selection of merchandise carries added responsibilities.

“I love the shopping for treasures and offering finds at reasonable price. Home décor and accessories make up a large volume of my sales. Everyone has a couch and tables, but it is the little items that make a room pop. Items like lamps, mirrors, wall art and candle stands, allow buyers to express their uniqueness and personal styles,” said Denton.

Ally’s customers come from the Atlanta metro areas, throughout the state, Tennessee and South Carolina. They come to not only peruse items displayed, but to relive history.

“Some of the merchandise, especially the toys, reminds me of my childhood. And I will see some plates or glassware that takes me back to visits with my grandparents,” said Sandy Whaples as she browses.

Accompanying his mother, 18 year old Michael Whaples shops at Ally’s to expand his old pocket knives and smoking pipes collections.  He said the store is great and the people working in it are really nice and helpful.

“I started collecting pocket knives after my great grandfather who was in the 550 First Airborne Division, gave me his pocket knife that he used to cut his parachute cords. So every time I find one, I think of him,” said Whaples.

As Evans said, there is no rhyme or reason in what a customer will purchase, it is as unpredictable as why they purchase. But as long as they find what they are looking for at Ally’s, the search for treasures is worth it for both customer and dealer.