Enjoy a trip down memory lane at the Old Strathcona Antique Mall where hundreds of items from yesterday and today are waiting to be discovered.

A little piece of yesteryear exists in Edmonton which citizens of the capital region are enjoying. Nestled into one of most treasured sections of the city, the Old Strathcona Antique Mall brings together many examples of our early days, while providing a venue for today’s artisans to show off their wares.

Betty Reitan and Bobbi Weibel are the proud owners of the Mall. “The Mall has actually been in the city, in various locations, for the past 14 years or so under other ownership, and my daughter and I were already a part of it as antique dealers and vendors. When it threatened to close last year, we offered to purchase it and today, here we are,” says Reitan. At the time Bobbi was a student finishing her business degree so she was well prepared and anxious to manage the operation and Betty was passionate about pursuing the antique business, so they felt ready to continue the venture. The Mall is now located at 10323-78th Avenue, in the former United Cycle building. Long-time customers are grateful that the business is continuing, open on Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with closing on Thursdays extended to 8:00 pm, and Sundays 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. “And we’re loving it, too,” adds Reitan.

The operation is the largest antique mall of its kind in Western Canada, and the potential to be even greater is there. “Our goal is to be the best in the country,” she says. “The vendors bring in an eclectic offering of private collections, with fresh merchandise always coming in for sale. We selected them carefully and recruited new ones to make sure there are always quality products.” China, glassware, jewellery, retro toys, sports memorabilia, furniture and tools, as well as pop culture items such as vinyl records, vintage clothing, and toys are just a few of the items available at the Mall. “We get a lot of older people who come in and enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a form of entertainment,” she laughs. The relaxed atmosphere includes a sitting area with books and a coffee machine and cookies that are enjoyed by visitors, with future plans to expand into muffins and the much-coveted MacKay’s Ice Cream from Cochrane in the next few weeks. “We have people who come and spend four or five hours with us.”

Either she or Bobbi is in attendance all the time, and are pleased to have three former staff members from the previous location who are very knowledgeable and helpful to customers. “My daughter looks after the day-to-day operations and I search out the antiques, handling the purchasing and financial details. It’s great, because it allows us both to work at our preferred profession.” As a certified accountant herself, coupled with Bobbi’s business education, they make a good team, combining Betty’s experience with Bobbi’s innovative and youthful ideas. Another daughter, Jen Weibel, is a journeyman carpenter who was a big part of the renovations and building of cabinetry when the store was being readied for opening, so it’s truly a family affair.

One of the advantages to starting fresh, as compared to taking over an existing structure, was the ability to design the mall so little relaxed areas could be included and to be able to group similar items together as well. “ As well, all of the showcases with jewellery etc. are up front, close to the counter where staff can open them easily and promptly for the customer to examine more closely,” she says. The main floor of the Mall focuses on china, glass and jewellery, while the upstairs features toys, vinyl records, sports items, and so on. “And we have our Wild West area, with rope railings, cattle horns and barn board, so there are primitive old tools, crockery and farm-related small implements.”

There is room for a nice selection of furniture as well, antique and retro included, some of it purchased in Europe before the store opened when the two owners went on a buying trip, giving a nice cosmopolitan flair to the collection. Because of the presence of 165 vendors with 300 booths, it’s like having stores within a store, so it’s truly got a Mall atmosphere. “Each brings in his or her merchandise, and decorates their own booths, but they don’t have to staff it as we sell the items on their behalf, giving them a great outlet for their unique work. Our business works when our vendors are successful, so we’re almost like a co-operative,” she explains. “We rely on them for their feedback and advice.” Prospective vendors are selected carefully to ensure their goals are similar to that of the Mall and its current dealers.

More information is available at www.oldstrathconamall.com/ or better yet, visitors are invited to drop in to see for themselves the many interesting items in the 27,500 square feet of packed-full space. A newsletter is available which is delivered into computer inboxes and orders can also be placed online where current selections include a Beswick figurine featuring Beatrix Potter’s ever-popular Peter Rabbit and a seashell-shaped vase gracefully coloured in graduating shades of pink. Or a vintage Carltonware lobster salad bowl, which is unique and sure to be a conversation piece when serving family and guests. Those considering becoming vendors can also apply online.

Numerous scientific studies have noted that nostalgia brings a pleasing emotional response and reflective feelings to people which are good for the soul. And with two complete floors of antique goods, there is plenty of nostalgia for any age of customer! The Old Strathcona Antique Mall is certain to be a popular destination for citizens of the capital region for a long time to come!

Know of a worthy organization or individual who we can salute? Comments and suggestions for this column are welcome. Please e-mail me at hcmiller@shaw.ca.