SHOP FEATURE: Mark's Antiques

An Anchor Shop for 14STW

Located at 600 14STW here in Huntington, Mark’s Antiques is an anchor shop for many local shoppers, dealers, and collectors that are central to the West Huntington neighborhood. Marked by the notorious sign, Mark’s Antiques is an antique shop on 14STW that caters to all as it offers a variety of items such as glass, small collectibles, knives, tokens, games, and more. Shop owner, Matt Bailey, is no stranger to the antique business. He sat down with me this week for an exclusive interview of this shop to talk about the shop and its long-standing legacy here on 14STW. 

A neon sign that says “Mark’s Antiques,” lights up every Thurs., Friday, and Saturday from 12PM-5PM, inviting the community inside a shop for all. Matt said customers often stop in the shop looking for new and “hot” items such as anything 80s style, random toys and games such as G.I. Joes, Nintendo games, Blenko glass, and small collectibles. 

Brief History of Mark's Antiques

Mark’s Antiques was opened by Mark Bailey, Matt’s father, in the late 1980s. Mark’s Antiques began as a small shop in the vacant building next to the current Sloane Square Gallery building. Matt said the building had two rooms, owned by Bob Bailey, and Mark’s Antiques started in one of the small rooms within that building.  

“My dad used to be a traveling salesman who sold tools. He always did antique kind of as a hobby. Eventually, he decided that he would make more money selling antiques, so he quit his job and that's when we bought the bigger building in probably ‘89 or early 90s.”

Matt said he’s always been around antiques, in fact, he said he probably started working in the store with his dad when he was eight or nine years old. Matt described his younger self as a calm, carefree child that loved reading and was always around antiques. 

Making Changes for a Better Future

Matt runs the store with the help of volunteers and family friends that he and his father made connections with over the years such as his family friend Jeff. “Going back to when I was eight years old at that shop, that's when I first met Jeff. He would come in as a customer and would look around at the antiques and be always hanging out with my dad and now he would rather sit here and hang out at the shop and help rather than be at his house.”

Matt said he hopes the shop will continue on a path of evolution, but he is pretty content with the many changes he’s made since his father’s passing. One significant difference is that the shop focuses on selling smaller items and doesn’t carry large items like furniture. Despite the changes, Matt said he couldn’t be more thankful and content with running the shop and getting a chance to interact with the community.

“But the one thing about it is, if you truly know what you're doing, it's virtually recession-proof. If you can change with the tides and update your products and keep your people who are buyers, you know, things can virtually go forever."

The Legacy Lives On

Matt said that although he loves antiques, he’s more of a dealer than a collector. He participates in wholesale antiquing and assures that he’s not hoarding too many items in his home. Matt proves that a legacy can carry on from generation to generation as he operates Mark’s Antiques here on 14STW. Don’t be shy to stop in and check out the small collectibles and many glass pieces during your next trip to 14STW. Read more about Mark’s Antiques in future shop features by subscribing to our Central City Newsletter and checking our Facebook page for exclusive blog interviews!