Days of Olde Not Feeling Economy's Pinch

There was no lack of patrons at the on Monday afternoon, Nov. 28. At a time when few people have the discretionary income to spend on antiques and collectibles, and other antique stores are suffering and had to close shop, Days of Olde had its share of customers, and it’s not unusual.

In addition to customers, there were a few entrepreneurs bringing their own keepsakes and jewelry into the center, looking for just the right appraisal that would help them begin their new life.

And while that new life they’re seeking may have remained out of reach, Days of Olde, located at 110 South New York Rd. in Galloway, south of Historic Smithville and the Village Greene, offered some pretty good deals for the one they’re living right now.

“You can’t just sell antiques,” said John Clark, 63, of Egg Harbor Township. “Antiques, collectibles, jewelry and decorative; those are the four categories that encompass everything we sell.”

Clark has “nine-and-a-third booths” at Days of Olde. He and his wife have expanded their presence at the center since they first showed up looking for two booths about 13 years ago. They are the largest dealers at the center, dealing in jewelry, glass, ceramics –including porcelain, pottery and china,-- toys and dolls.

“We’re well-diversified,” said Clark, who said it’s a benefit to both himself and his customers. “It’s a benefit to me because wherever I go, I never go home empty-handed.”

As part of that diversity, Clark learned a valuable lesson that has helped him and the center thrive since it opened on Oct. 13, 1998.

“From a collector’s standpoint, it’s moving forward,” Clark said. “The things that were selling 20 years ago, like Gene Autry, aren’t selling now. Now people are nostalgic for the 70s and 80s, for Star Wars and things like that. It’s a dynamic business and we’ve changed with the times. Often, it’s change or starve.”

The Star Wars trilogy on VHS was one of the products on sale Monday afternoon at the center, as were other forms of Star Wars merchandise. One booth sold commemorative TV Guides from the 1980s and 1990s, and one of Clark’s booth sold baseball cards from that same time period.

There were even PlayStation 2 games available, including EA Sports’ Madden and Triple Play games from 2003-2006.

“I used to deal with refinished Victorian Oak furniture, but now if you’re going to sell furniture, it has to be in a natural state,” Clark said. “I used to sell a wide range of furniture, but the middle of the market left. I can’t sell furniture between $500 and $2,500, but I’ve sold pieces for $15,000.”

He said he’s also been able to sell the less expensive furniture, but nothing in the middle of the price range.

“I think it’s the economy and people’s changing tastes. The economy has an effect on us.”

Of course, there are plenty of antiques available, including old tools, jewelry, a radio from the 1930s, a bronze statue from the early 1900s, comic books, books, magazines, autographed sports memorabilia, insulators, decoys, old cans, African Art, old-time clothes and even wedding gowns. Days of Olde even offers a Wish List, in which customers can submit an item they wish to purchase, and Days of Olde will contact them when they track it down and make it available at the center. 

"If you want a unique or different gift, you will find it here," Operations Manager Karl Gorman said.

Clark noted that the impulse buyers are still out there, and everyone still wants to negotiate.

It isn’t just Days of Olde’s ability to adapt with the changing times that allows it to stay in business. Clark and Gorman emphasized that the center was built by Jim Cox for his mother, Sadie Cox. Jim Cox then built the center on the recommendation of his mother and several other antique dealers that the area could support a large antique center.

Sadie Cox was among a group of dealers at the Smithville Antique Center before it was razed in 1996. Jim Cox then built the center on the recommendation of his mother and several other antique dealers that the area could support a large antique center.

“It was specifically designed to be an antique shop,” Clark said.

Days of Olde also advertises nationally in various trade magazines, and its annual Antique Car Show is advertised in car magazines.

Gorman said the basics also keep the regulars coming back.

"We have quality merchandise at an affordable price and great customer service," Gorman said. "It's also very neat and clean."

Clark began selling antiques part-time while he was still working in the corporate world. When he retired, he began selling antiques on a full-time basis.

“I’ve been in 15 stores and this is the most consistent,” Clark said.

Many of the stores Clark’s worked in have been centers such as Days of Olde, but some were stores run by other people. Clark enjoys the ability to interact with customers that is afforded him by the center.

Days of Olde houses 47 dealers in the 16,000 square foot building.

“It’s 100 percent filled and there's a waiting list for dealers,” Gorman, 60, of Washington, D.C., said. “Collectors come from out of state, and the locals shop here. … We have dealers who have been here since the beginning.”

Dealers operate on a month-to-month lease, Gorman said. All the dealers help each other, and one day a week, those who have a full or half booth are required to work the floor. Full booths are 15x12, half booths are 8x12. Mini booths and showcases are also available to dealers.

It also has a customer lounge, and is a hot spot for those looking for free wi-fi.

“It gives people a chance to buy history,” said Gorman, who added that Days of Olde appeals to those who are “going green.”

“You can come here and buy a beautiful piece of furniture,” Gorman said. “It’s natural, and it’s in beautiful condition.”

Days of Olde holds two events a year, including a Classic Car Show in July, in which over 65 antique cars are showcased and awarded prizes, and “Antiquing By Candlelight,” which is coming up on Saturday night, Dec. 10, from 6 to 11 p.m.  It’s the only day of the year the center is open at night. It normally operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

“Each of our dealers makes a dish and brings it in, and the rest is catered by Vincenzo’s,” Gorman said.

For more information on Days of Olde Antiques, visit daysofoldeantiques.com.