STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 32
Antiques dealer and team leader Cindy Clark adjusts Shiny Brite ornaments on an aluminum tree .
A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS
The holiday season has already started for the Stillwater Antique and Collectible Mall . Antiques dealer and team leader Cindy Clark said this year , customers started asking for vintage Christmas items as early as August .
When customers enter the Stillwater Antique and Collectible Mall at 116 E . 9th Ave ., they often come because they want to remember the “ good old days .” Even at Christmas . The antique mall allows Stillwater residents to take a step back in time and relive their childhood . In the 14,000-square-foot building , more than 65 vendors ’ wares pack the two-story building , and a friendly cat named Frasier greets guests as they enter .
Owner Amy Pitchford has been serving customers at the store since 2007 , but she ’ s been in the antiquing business for more than 30 years .
The holiday season has already started for the Stillwater Antique and Collectible Mall . Antiques dealer and team leader Cindy Clark said this year , customers started asking for vintage Christmas items as early as August .
Clark knows a thing or two about vintage Christmas items . Her parents were farmers and ranchers , and they bought and sold antiques on the side to make extra money in the lean years .
“ Some of my first memories are ( of ) going to auctions ,”
Clark said .
Most antique store owners go to estate sales , auctions and garage sales for their wares , but Stillwater Antique and Collectible Mall has a waiting list of about 200 vendors and dealers hoping to sell their goods , so there ’ s no need to find dealers .
Customers stop at the store for any number of reasons , and Christmas items are no different .
“ We see people buying pieces like that for a variety of different reasons ,” Clark said . “ I think the first one would be nostalgia , remembering , ‘ I saw this in Grandma ’ s house ,’ or something like that .”
Other reasons customers cater to the vintage pieces is that they are typi-
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 32