Best Antiquing in Lake County
Readers of Lake Magazine have selected Village Antique Mall as the best place to go for antiques in all of Lake County. In the "Antique Shop" (under-one-roof) category, we placed first, followed by Main Street Antiques in Leesburg. We were particularly pleased to win this category because we strive to offer you the kind of intimate, personal shopping experience you would find in a small shop as well as the wide selection of a large antiques mall. Thanks to all of our fans and clients who appreciate our uniqueness and voted for us in the magazine’s balloting. You can read more of Lake’s Best of the Best in the January, 2011 issue.
Manager Spotlight: Joshua Foster
You may have heard a lot lately about the value of “recycling” and “repurposing” previously owned goods. For Joshua Foster the concept has been a code to live by since he was a youngster – one that led him to his role as manager of Village Antique Mall.
“When I was a teenager we couldn’t afford to get new all the time,” he recalls. “But I learned from my mom and dad that we could always find something we liked or could use or adapt at garage sales and antique malls – nice things that were affordable. Whether it was a Pyrex bowl or a desk chair, I realized that the best prices and often the best quality were for previously owned goods.”
Joshua has a philosophy in assisting customers. “You’ve got to be a good listener. A good salesperson can look at a person, listen and know what the person wants.”
In a mall as large as VAM, guiding customers in the right direction is a key component of the job. “When people ask if we have something, I try to get specific. If they say they’re looking for a mirror, I ask if they prefer wood or metal, what size they’d like and where they want to use it.”
There is a design component to Joshua’s job, as well. He often arranges displays of furniture and accessories for the mall’s booths. “I really like that part of my work. I try to keep a flow – make things look pretty but also functional.”
Joshua says he has a special affinity for the mall’s vendors. “They’re like family,” he says. “They put so much in our trust. They count on us to protect their merchandise and to work to sell it. I take that responsibility seriously.”
To those who know him, however, Joshua is often far from serious. He has an admittedly “dry” sense of humor, and he frequently can be heard matching wits with mall visitors. “I like to talk, and I actually know how to do it,” he says with a grin. " I never get bored. I’m excited by the fact that I never know who is going to walk in the door next.
“I enjoy engaging people. And one of my core beliefs is that you should always try to engage your fellow man. If you don’t try to engage a person, nothing will happen.”
The Riccis
Please meet the Ricci family, Eddie, Jo and Laura, whose attractive booth (above) is the culmination of many years of collecting. One of the first things you’ll notice is their eye-catching assortment of costume and silver jewelry, but their inventory also includes a wide array of items from art deco lighting to Chantilly lace.
While this is the first venture into vintage merchandising for the mother and daughter team, they’re not unfamiliar with the business. Jo’s husband (and Laura’s dad), Eddie, has operated his own antiques booth locally for many years. Eddie also is proprietor of a popular local barber shop on Highland Street, not far from Village Antique Mall. Best haircuts in town, and at "days of yore" prices!
Much of the Riccis’ initial stock comes from what Jo describes as a “lifetime of collecting.” The former New Yorkers have been in the Mount Dora area for 12 years, after having lived in South Florida for some time. Their jewelry cases are brimming with unusual and hard-to-find accessories and personal items, including pieces by Italian designer Giorgio Armani and others found in Egypt. Their antique lace selection includes a blouse, a shawl and a dramatically dressed doll.
Although the women’s booth projects a sense of femininity, Jo is quick to point out that there are fun items for men, too, including jewelry and classic automotive collectibles. But this booth is mostly about what Jo and Laura love to collect and find.
“I’ve had to put up with his antiques business for a long time,” Jo says of her husband with a laugh. “Now he’ll have to put up with mine.” (Visit the Riccis at the JAR booth at Village Antique Mall.)
Spring Open House was a Sensation
You Take the Cake! Thanks to everyone who visited us during Village Antique Mall’s Spring Open House on Saturday April 2. Fabulous flowers and plants were in abundance, and the food was sensational – as were all of you party people. It was a fine celebration of spring! Some of you lucky partiers will find your smiling faces on our Facebook page. Just click the link in the right hand column of this web page to go there (and don’t forget to hit the page’s "Like" button). Hope to see you all again soon!
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