Most people who go shopping make a list of items, clip coupons, scour the newspaper for sales or log onto the internet for online shipped-right-to-your-door merchandise. Using these guidelines antique shoppers are not 'most people'. And unique shoppers require equally unique venues.
Thank goodness for Carlsbad, an antique-lover’s dream. This is the place to pick up a bargain or negotiate that prized piece you’ve been waiting to find. There are plenty of old treasures to uncover along State Street’s many antique shops. Find a keepsake, something to wear, something to show or something to give as a gift.
And nestled in the heart of downtown Carlsbad is the huge 15,000 square feet Carlsbad Village art & Antique Mall – Carlsbad’s largest antique mall. Three large adjoining spaces make up the antique shopping store. This mall is the king of the Carlsbad antique scene. If you’ve only got time for one antique store in Carlsbad, this is it.
"People who are antiquing don't look for one item in particular," says Bill Ostrie, who owns the Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall with his wife Evo Ostrie. "Our customer base is more into a relaxed, recreational shopping experience as opposed to necessity shopping."
Ostrie adds that when people are antiquing there's a more whimsical quality to the shopping experience. The concept is along the lines of walk, browse and purchase, leaving behind the more rigid guidelines of traditional shopping.
"There's not that much structure to it. I've had people who mentioned they wanted to find an antique dining room set and they end up leaving with a doll house for their granddaughter," comments Ostrie.
How does the antique mall continue to attract browsers? Perhaps it's the fact that they have more than 105 shops; friendly staff; an eclectic mix of art, furniture, collectibles and countless other treasures. The store has been in business for over 15 years (under a different name and management for the last 6 years) but Ostrie says the biggest allure is the variety of merchandise the mall has to offer.
"I would define antique as items that are more than 50 years old that have an artistic or appreciating value. 50 year-old items that nobody wants are simply considered junk; antiques must have value," Ostrie says with a hearty laugh.
In fact, Ostrie's decision to take ownership of the antique mall came from his fascination with the beauty and attraction to the craftsmanship of the furniture and collectible pieces. He also likes the fact that in a unique way his business adds to the artistic nature of the Village. He's President of the Carlsbad Village Association and a member of the Village Enhancement Committee. He is also delighted with Chamber President, Ted Owen, for getting the Carlsbad Chamber more involved in focusing on the Village.
The future of the antique mall looks bright. The fact that Village Antique stores encourage visitors to tour the area, going from shop to shop and hopefully being drawn to another store, restaurant or attraction is a definite plus. Antiquing downtown also holds a nostalgic allure.
"There are a lot of people that come in here and reminisce," says Ostrie. "They see a certain table or picture from their grandma's house or maybe it's grandma herself who spots items similar to ones she used to own. These and other little things are what keep people coming back day after day."
As for the personal growth of Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall, Ostrie plans to grow by exponentially, enjoying the growth of the Village. The repeat business and word of mouth will be a contributing growth factor as well.
Ostrie's take on managing over 100 antique shops: "There are so many people committed to building the Village, I don't look at this as work, when you enjoy it it's not really work. I'm just doing my part."
Thank goodness for Carlsbad, an antique-lover’s dream. This is the place to pick up a bargain or negotiate that prized piece you’ve been waiting to find. There are plenty of old treasures to uncover along State Street’s many antique shops. Find a keepsake, something to wear, something to show or something to give as a gift.
And nestled in the heart of downtown Carlsbad is the huge 15,000 square feet Carlsbad Village art & Antique Mall – Carlsbad’s largest antique mall. Three large adjoining spaces make up the antique shopping store. This mall is the king of the Carlsbad antique scene. If you’ve only got time for one antique store in Carlsbad, this is it.
"People who are antiquing don't look for one item in particular," says Bill Ostrie, who owns the Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall with his wife Evo Ostrie. "Our customer base is more into a relaxed, recreational shopping experience as opposed to necessity shopping."
Ostrie adds that when people are antiquing there's a more whimsical quality to the shopping experience. The concept is along the lines of walk, browse and purchase, leaving behind the more rigid guidelines of traditional shopping.
"There's not that much structure to it. I've had people who mentioned they wanted to find an antique dining room set and they end up leaving with a doll house for their granddaughter," comments Ostrie.
How does the antique mall continue to attract browsers? Perhaps it's the fact that they have more than 105 shops; friendly staff; an eclectic mix of art, furniture, collectibles and countless other treasures. The store has been in business for over 15 years (under a different name and management for the last 6 years) but Ostrie says the biggest allure is the variety of merchandise the mall has to offer.
"I would define antique as items that are more than 50 years old that have an artistic or appreciating value. 50 year-old items that nobody wants are simply considered junk; antiques must have value," Ostrie says with a hearty laugh.
In fact, Ostrie's decision to take ownership of the antique mall came from his fascination with the beauty and attraction to the craftsmanship of the furniture and collectible pieces. He also likes the fact that in a unique way his business adds to the artistic nature of the Village. He's President of the Carlsbad Village Association and a member of the Village Enhancement Committee. He is also delighted with Chamber President, Ted Owen, for getting the Carlsbad Chamber more involved in focusing on the Village.
The future of the antique mall looks bright. The fact that Village Antique stores encourage visitors to tour the area, going from shop to shop and hopefully being drawn to another store, restaurant or attraction is a definite plus. Antiquing downtown also holds a nostalgic allure.
"There are a lot of people that come in here and reminisce," says Ostrie. "They see a certain table or picture from their grandma's house or maybe it's grandma herself who spots items similar to ones she used to own. These and other little things are what keep people coming back day after day."
As for the personal growth of Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall, Ostrie plans to grow by exponentially, enjoying the growth of the Village. The repeat business and word of mouth will be a contributing growth factor as well.
Ostrie's take on managing over 100 antique shops: "There are so many people committed to building the Village, I don't look at this as work, when you enjoy it it's not really work. I'm just doing my part."