Vintage treasure hunters flock to Sanford, NC to browse our unique collection of antique stores, showrooms and malls. The Sanford Antique Trail features seven unique stops owned and operated by talented, creative, knowledgeable and welcoming local residents. Visit Sanford is shining a spotlight on each of them with a limited series of antique blogs. First up: Sanford Antique Mall and Vineland & Hickory.
Sanford Antique Mall
Love hunting for treasures from the near and distant past? Then swing by the Sanford Antique Mall where everything old is new again. Chances are good, you’ll probably run into John Bane and Jenks Youngblood. They’re the proud owners of this 18,000 square-foot trove of wonders in the heart of Historic Downtown Sanford.
For John and Jenks, the Antique Mall is the realization of a long-held business dream. The two had previously rented successful antique booths in Raleigh, Hillsborough and Cameron. In 1999, they opened the Mall in a space fondly remembered by locals as the former Sprott Brothers Furniture store. Today, 50 different sellers rent booth spaces to showcase all sorts of treasures. Some of them have even set up shop here since the very beginning.
So, what can visitors expect to find at the Sanford Antique Mall? Just about everything from North Carolina pottery, Depression-era glassware and classic jewelry to vintage clothing, antique furniture and vinyl records. What’s more, new inventory arrives daily making return trips to the Mall a unique experience every time.
Speaking of unique experiences, the Sanford Antique Mall has carried some pretty interesting things over the years. There once was even a portable, Victorian-era embalming table for sale. It’s proof that you can find just about anything if you’re looking in the right place. And, if you need help finding what you’re looking for at the Mall, you can always turn to the friendly and knowledgeable staff on hand.
The Sanford Antique Mall is also a proud supporter of Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption – a non-kill animal shelter dedicated to finding loving families for homeless dogs and cats.
Vineland & Hickory
Husband and wife team, Todd and Ivy Childers are the proud owners of antique showroom and design studio, Vineland & Hickory. Four years ago, the couple, who’ve been in the repurposed furniture business since 2011, made Sanford their new home. At the time, both were working corporate jobs. Ivy soon discovered, however, that she really missed her passion for painting and restoring furniture. She eventually left the corporate world behind in 2017 to open Vineland & Hickory. Shortly thereafter, Todd joined her full-time thanks to the overwhelming support of the local community and numerous visitors.
A trip to the the store today yields a bright and spacious showroom of refurbished and hand-painted furniture pieces as well as a wide range of home décor. You’ll also find a great selection of antiques, a side of the business that ultimately springs from Todd’s upbringing. His family runs several antique stores and antiquing is practically in his DNA.
While shoppers will certainly find all sorts of treasured items at Vineland & Hickory, the most unique piece currently on display is a Jack’s Cookie truck front which makes for the perfect addition to any home bar or man cave. In addition to furniture and home décor pieces, the store offers a selection of great services. Shoppers can take advantage of interior design and upholstery services from skilled professionals to help make their living spaces and life in general more beautiful. There’s also Vineland & Hickory’s custom furniture service where you can have a piece refurbished or built from scratch. For example, the store once converted an antique sewing machine into an end table for one happy customer.
More Antique Goodness to Come
Be sure to check back for the next installment of our antique blog series where we continue to spotlight the makers, sellers and owners that make the Sanford Antique Trail one of a kind. You can also discover more information about the trail and download a map to start planning your next shopping trip.
