Operating Philosophy

Hours of Operation: MON-SAT 10-5, SUN 12-5 and on Thursdays until 8:00pm. We are open almost every day, closing just four days a year; Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and Easter.

Customers First: they are the very reason we exist. We are committed to providing exceptional service to our customers by bringing them top quality, authentic 18th, 19th and early 20th century antiques.

The 50 Year Standard: after all shouldn't antiques be old? We use our staff and external appraisers to review merchandise. We actively remove items that are proven not to be at least 50 years old.

Reproductions & Fakes: the curse of the Antiques Business! We actively search for and remove items that could mislead an uninformed buyer. Our staff will freely offer advice and guidance. We are always learning and hope our customers and dealers will help the Antiques Industry develop a deeper level of knowledge and commitment to authenticity.

Quality Merchandise: the single most important factor in repeat buying. We use independent appraisers to monitor the merchandise offered. Our dealers are asked to remove items of questionable quality, authenticity or age.

Pleasing & Stimulating Environment: the setting should demonstrate creative uses for antiques.

Dealer Friendly Service: a commitment by our staff to "Dealer Delight". Our dealers provide exceptional quality merchandise, it's our job to help them in stocking, merchandising, and selling. We try to be there whenever needed and to help our dealers in any way possible.

Dealer Information

Space Availability: We filled all our rental spaces (over 200 total) 8 days after we
opened! We expect to have some turnover and are continually looking for top quality dealers.

Rental Rates: Our rent is a flat fee based on floor space and/or number of showcases. We do not charge our dealers commission on their sales nor do we require our dealers to work.

Market: Gurnee is in the heart of Lake County Illinois, just north of Chicago near the Wisconsin border. We draw from the affluent Chicago North Shore communities and are developing a Chicago-wide following. Our location along Interstate 94 has great highway visibility and provides easy access to a very large group of travelers bound for Wisconsin destinations like Door County and The Dells. We are adjacent to Six Flags\Great America  and across the freeway from Gurnee Mills Mall which now houses the new Bass Pro\Outdoor World. These two attractions drew more than 25 million visitors a year. In addition, there are active plans to add a major Water Park and Convention Center.

Building: Our 24,000 square foot building was custom designed and built to our specifications. It is fully heated and air conditioned. Access is controlled through a single main entrance and one dealer/store room entrance.

Floor Space: We offer 98 dealer spaces from 9'6" to 19' wide. All spaces are 10' deep and have walls on three sides. Very wide aisles of 11' provide excellent traffic flow accommodating large strollers, crowds and wheelchairs with ease.

Walls: All walls are construction quality hardboard, textured, painted and suitable for hanging. Most side walls are 7'. Rear walls are either 8' or full ceiling height of 10'.

Showcases: We offer 110 locked and lighted showcases. Our showcases are spread out along each aisle to avoid the "glass tunnel" effect. We also allow floor dealers to place showcases in their spaces. All showcases are centrally keyed and only working staff members are given keys.

Dealer Services: Our staff is committed to helping dealers any way we can. Several carts, flatbed dollies, ladders, and numerous tools are available for dealer use. We provide assistance in unloading, carrying large furniture, hanging items, decorating, and booth painting. Our modern computer system lets us check dealer sales easily and allows us to make dealer sales payouts twice a month.

Ship-and-Show: We offer a unique service for dealers who find it difficult to personally restock their spaces. Dealers can simply ship new stock to us and we'll redecorate for them using the new merchandise.