Grants Pass antique shops face tough times
Saturday, October 4, 2008 11:21 PM PDT
GRANTS PASS (AP) — Grants pass antique dealers say the troubled economy has come to town, slowing business in their niche market and forcing some owners to close shop.
Two stores have recently closed while a number of others are merging or squeezing into smaller quarters to try to ride out the economic storm.
‘‘Antiques are something people don’t need to have,’’ said Michael Vincent, who closed his Sixth Street Antique Mall this summer.
Foot traffic at his shop slowed considerably from the 1,000-or-so people who would come through in a day in better times, he said.
Others have survived but have had to scale back.
Jeff and Karen McGowen owners of H Street Antiques are clearing out excess merchandise to make room for Home Economics owner DeWayne Lumpkin.
