The Brentwood store - stacked from floor to ceiling with thousands of items - is an ideal destination for people who love to hunt for hidden treasures. Glassware, china, silver, kitchenware, books, dolls, toys, movie memorabilia, crocheted linens, photos, paintings, folk art, clothing, costume and vintage jewelry, plus antique and shabby-chic furniture are a few of the myriad items for antique mavens to marvel at.
Men will also find a number of items of interest, including fishing gear, magazines, tools and nautical items.
Debbie Bosman of Brentwood says she collects just about everything and visits the Faire as many as two or three times a week with her boys Chase, 11, and Lucas, 7. "There are all sorts of little treasures here. You never know what you are going to find when you walk in the door," Bosman said. "When I get something here, it's unique and it's one of a kind. This store gives Brentwood personality."
Chase and Lucas collect baseball cards, coins, sports figurines and metal toy cars. They also enjoy the treasure hunt. "Every time you come in here, there's something different," Chase said. "It makes it exciting. You just don't know what you'll find."
Lesley Dinette of Brentwood says she visits the store once or twice a month to search for collectables, including pottery, antique jewelry, postcards and china. Finding a pair of vintage earrings and a bracelet in pristine condition during one trip got her really excited.
Antique Faire is always decorated to match the season. Each of the store's 13 staff members has put together one or more areas featuring an eclectic mix of items for sale. They pay rent and commission and work in the store four or more days a month, depending on how much space they've rented. They also help each other sell items, not just promote their own space.
"The girls in here are like family," said Barbara Councell, who helps run the store and has been there since the beginning.
Staff also will purchase items from customers, but they don't appraise them. However, staffer Naomi Paul has extensive knowledge of the industry and can help customers learn the age of their items, where they come from, and how to learn their worth. "Antiques" are more than 100 years old; "vintage" items are 50 to 100 years old; and "collectables" are usually newer. New things are brought in every day, and the store offers a layaway plan.
The late Edna Piche opened the store 15 years ago in a building that once served as a bowling alley and even a supermarket. Councell said the store was Piche's passion and that she was there every day to run it until she passed away a few years ago. Her son, Jeff, now owns and operates Antique Faire with the same passion for antiques that Edna demonstrated.
"She loved it so much, she begged her son never to sell it," Councell said. "I want to keep the store open and keep it going."
Antique Faire is located at 6675 Brentwood Blvd. (across from Big B Lumber) and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is 516-1563.
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