Antique outlets offer alternative shopping

By: KATIE MCWANE

Posted: 5/1/07

You are finally out of the dorms and into your very first apartment.
Hallelujah!

Now what? How are you, the average college student, supposed to pay rent, buy food and books and afford furniture for said apartment? Your answer lies right here in Athens.

Several secrets are tucked away in this little college town.

Among them is the quaint antique haven, Needful Things. Located just off Atlanta Highway, this warehouse-turned-treasure chest is 7,500 square feet of anything you could ever imagine. From trinkets to large focal point pieces, this store has everything to offer.

Gale Fitzpatrick, owner of Needful Things, says that most of the items in her store come out of homes around town. People contact her with various pieces of furniture that they would like to sell.

In her "huge white van," Fitzpatrick makes trips to the persons residence to view the furniture for sale. She then makes an offer on the item. If the offer is acceptable she hauls the piece back to the store where someone else's junk becomes another's treasure.

The store has been in business for almost 12 years. Ten, soon to be 11, vendors rent out about 1,700 square feet. The remaining 5,800 square feet in the building is filled with Fitzpatrick's finds. One of the vendors is local artist, Cecel Allee, who offers unique folk art to the shoppers of Needful Things.

Jewelry, dating from 1880 to 1960, fills many display cases in the main room of the store. Fitzpatrick says that a lot of the collection is "funky and fun," but they also sell "nice, old jewelry."

"I like Needful Things because they always have something fun and different. I was able to get a corner piece for my apartment that I never would have found anywhere else," said Stefanie Robertson, a junior broadcast news major from Birmingham, Ala.

Fitzpatrick says that buying old, unique pieces from stores like hers is "inexpensive and a whole lot more fun and interesting" than buying mass-produced furniture that you will most likely only use in college.

Just down Atlanta Highway from Needful Things, shoppers can find Athens Antique Mall.

Carrying an abundance of larger items, this decently priced emporium stocks more formal furniture than its neighbor.

With smaller items as well, Athens Antique Mall has a decent collection of mixing bowls, sconces and chairs that could be made cute with a little upholstery help. Customers can also find well-priced tin stars that sell for outrageous amounts at other local stores.

Jill Wright, best friend of owner Andrea Carter, said the store fills its 10,000 square feet with about 23 vendors.

Another nook for low priced furniture is downtown shop Agora. Carrying vintage and antique items, the store's inventory sells quickly and affordably.

Owner Airee Hong said that she likes to keep inventory turnover high by setting low prices on quality items. Never paying full price herself, Hong understands the thrill of bargain hunting.

Agora is a community-based store, where customers can buy not only excellent furnishings, but consign items as well.

Furnishing a new apartment does not have to be stressful or leave your wallet empty. Stores such as Needful Things, Athens Antique Mall and Agora can be found throughout Athens and can make your life easy and fun come move-in day.