So, why not?
Published 12:00 am Saturday, August 13, 2011
What started out as love of antiquing between a mother and a daughter has turned into one of Andalusia’s newest businesses – Picket Fence Antiques and Flea Market.
Located on River Falls Street next to Blue Goose Garden Center, the store uses space in two buildings and the surrounding grounds. It isn’t filled with the usual things found in a typical flea market. There are no cheap toys or jewelry. Instead, one can find original artwork, giftware and those one-of-a-kind pieces that are sure to be the talking point for the home or outdoor living space.
Owner Faye O’Halloran said she and daughter, Candy Duke (owner of the Blue Goose), have a long-standing tradition of antiquing. Their favorite spot – the Melting Pot in Milton, Fla.
“We always said it would be fun to open an antique store,” O’Halloran said. “When the spots came open next to Candy, we thought ‘Why not?’
“When we were looking at the property, friends stopped by and said they’d love to rent a booth when we were up and running,” she said. “I didn’t want to do booths, but I got to thinking, we’re too small for a regular flea market, but it’s a great way to showcase unique things we wouldn’t get any other way.”
So, again, the women said, “Why not?”
Family and friends armed with paintbrushes and brooms quickly helped bring the space up to par.
“It has been amazing,” O’Halloran said. Since the store’s March opening, the waiting list for vendor spots has grown to the point that more booths are being constructed for outside vendors. When local high school student Catherine Wofford introduced the store’s merchandise with a Facebook page, business took off.
“Now, people from all over are wanting to bring their items to Andalusia,” O’Halloran said.
Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.