Rising population numbers prove a boon to area antique dealers

NORTH CANAAN —Northwest Corner towns are enjoying a boost in population numbers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shops in the region are also reaping the rewards of increased numbers of shoppers seeking to furnish their new homes. In particular, a cluster of antique shops along the southern end of Railroad Street is reporting robust customer traffic and steady sales.

A recent visit to three Railroad Street shops proved the point. Antique shop owners like to say that they don’t see proximity of other stores as a problem; rather, it is believed that a cluster of shops brings more shoppers.

A case in point is Flea at 99 at 99 Railroad St., which has 65 vendors — and  a waiting list for retail spaces.

Vendor Susan Bradley was among the first to have one of the retail spots. Pausing for a recent interview, she said she opened her space when Flea at 99 began, on Sept. 15, 2019, to be precise.

A question about the increase in business brought an emphatic “yes,” without hesitation.  Bradley said she has seen a great increase in sales of home furnishings, lamps, table linens, just about everything needed to furnish a home. Mirrors are popular.

The past year has been busy, and it has been particularly picking up in the past month, she said.

“It’s really been good for North Canaan,” she added, speaking on behalf of other shops who have similar stories to tell.

On another afternoon at Flea at 99, Brenda Wilson was available for a chat. She describes herself as a “vendor volunteer.”

“I enjoy it. It’s fun,” Wilson said, noting the large numbers of first-time visitors who come through. She had started by displaying some of her items in a bookcase at the shop, one of the space options that go all the way up to having a display room.  She soon expanded out of the bookcase into a larger space. She agreed that furniture does really well these days.

Pointing out Susan Bradley’s room, Wilson said Bradley knows what to acquire.

“People come in just to see what she has,” she added.

Proceeding on to Clover Antiques at 32 Railroad St., the story was much the same. Owner Linda Erwin indicated that she has enjoyed a similar increase in business since opening about 18 months ago.

She has recently retired from a nursing career. Her interest in antiques had been a hobby until she went into business.

“The buyers are different,” she said of current customers. “There are more single women purchasing home furnishings.”

In addition to those moving from New York City, Erwin has noticed that a few are moving here from California. She supposes that they are distancing themselves from the fires and politics as well as COVID-19.

She recalls that there was a slowdown in business for a while, probably an effect of the pandemic, but now it is really good, particularly on weekends. Area rugs are a popular item.

A particular problem is finding help for the shop, “If you are a shopkeeper, you are working it yourself,” she said.

Erwin said she is often made aware of the effects of the pandemic lockdown on the mental health of the general public, a long-term issue that will need to be addressed.

Appended to the rear of Clover Antiques, a shopper can take a look into Stuart’s Treasures, also at 32 Railroad.

Owner Scott Price moved his shop to this location from Torrington in December 2020, building on his 30 years of experience in buying and selling antiques and oddities.

Customers are searching these days for outdoor furnishings, Price said. Mirrors are popular, too.

Younger customers are seriously shopping; older people tend to reminisce over objects, Price has observed.

He sells mostly his own items but does carry a few consignment articles. Also, he repairs lamps.

The hours of all three shops in the cluster are similar. They are open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., although Stuart’s Treasures lists a 4 p.m. closing time.