After 16 years of being the to go-to spot for vintage enthusiasts, the Barrie Antiques Centre is closing its doors on June 30.
The 23,500-square-feet building, located at 272 Innisfil St., has been sold to developers for a still-unknown project, leaving hundreds of vendors looking for a place to take their wares.
Sales associate Craig Durham told BarrieToday the decision was made a week ago.
“We could have maybe extended our time a little bit, but ultimately it is going to be changed into something else, so the writing was on the wall,” said Durham. “With the decision only made a week ago, staff are still checking out their options. Personally, I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I’m optimistic something will turn up.”
The antique centre is three levels, but feels like a never-ending treasure hunt, with hallways leading to rooms full of some of the popular items people look for to add to a collection.
“Right now, advertising signs from the 1950s or earlier are very popular right now,” said Durham. “Records are always popular because they sell to all folks in society, and after that it is a little bit of everything such as mid-century furniture, Canadiana and anything, of course, that sparks a bit of nostalgia.”
Jim Connolly and his wife, Velma, are antique fans and were at the centre looking for a deal on Saturday.
The retired school teacher told BarrieToday he tries to make it out as often as he can for the classic items he loves.
“It is a real hidden gem and I was very sad to hear it was closing down. I kept thinking that we never take advantage of what’s close and we end up driving miles away instead of our own backyard,” said Connolly. “I like pop culture so things from the '50s and '60s pique my interest along with art deco, anything colourful.
"I’m 64, so anything really from my past from TV or movie and even some old classic sports and wrestling magazines.”
There are some deals already being advertised in the centre and likely more to come, but the items are owned by vendors who sell their wares in the building so prices are usually up to them.
Durham said that while he can’t predict the prices, he assumes there will be some lowered costs as the June 30 deadline looms.
“I’m not sure what the vendors will do. Some will more than likely move to another building or market, but I really don’t know,” he said. “I don’t control the prices, but as you walk around you can see some deals already popping up, so by the time the closing day comes, we should have some good deals happening."
