Antique mall finds renewal in forced move

Much like the merchandise its dealers sell, the Charleston Antique Mall has found new life in a new location.

The mall, now at 560 S. Decatur Blvd., a space previously occupied by Peter Piper Pizza, has gained 2,000 square feet - from around 16,000 square feet - and improved the quality of its merchandise, according to owner Michelle Tully.

The Nevada Department of Transportation reclaimed the mall's original building near Charleston Boulevard and Interstate 15 in April, forcing the relocation.

The old building falls in the area marked for construction of the department's Project NEON, a $486 million endeavor that, according to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, will include a high-occupancy vehicle connector between I-15 and U.S. Highway 95, new access to Alta Drive, a new interchange at Charleston Boulevard, widening of the freeway and additional access points leading to downtown.

"(The move) wasn't by choice," Tully said. "But the new space is an improvement. It's brighter and cheerier."

She also said the new location makes the antique mall more visible to customers.

The old location at 307 W. Charleston Blvd. was not easily accessible, and customers had to double back along Western Avenue in order to reach the parking lot, she added.

"We looked at many buildings, but this one felt right," she said of the new location. "We're on the west side of town and close to the Strip, which is important to us."

With the additional space, the mall is now able to hold more dealers - nearly 50. With a securer location and more dealers working the floor, Tully said they are more comfortable showcasing higher-end merchandise.

Individual antique dealers set up their own booths and are responsible for their own merchandise. Each dealer is required to work in the mall one day a week.

Jody Black is a dealer at the mall who sells primarily vintage handbags. She has been dealing antiques all over the country since 1979. She and her husband joined the Charleston Antique Mall in July when the store reopened.

"It's a family here with the dealers; everyone helps everyone else," she said. "I've never seen that before."

Black also said the fact that the dealers are working the floor instead of hired salesmen is a benefit.

"Having people who know about the antiques on the floor is a tremendous advantage for the customers," she said. "It helps the dealer, too, having the merchandise presented properly."

Despite the three-month closure, business at the mall has more than doubled, according to Tully, who credits the dealers with the mall's rebound.

"We are one of the friendliest malls in town," she said. "We have the best dealers, but I'm prejudiced."

Tully said she wants her business to continue its active role in the community.

The Charleston Antique Mall's official grand opening is scheduled for Aug. 31 and, according to Tully, Mayor Carolyn Goodman plans to make an appearance at 5 p.m.

The mall is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 228-4783 or visit charlestonantiquemall.com.

Contact Southwest/Spring Valley View reporter Nolan Lister at nlister@viewnews.com or 383-0492.