Coastal Chic
One of the brightest stars in the galaxy of retail businesses in Historic Downtown Brunswick is a collection of shops in a gigantic space on Newcastle Street. Appropriately named Antiques Etc., this business is exactly that: a wide range of European and American antiques and et cetera, which, according to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary definition, is “unspecified additional items.” The Etc. in the name is most fitting.
Louise Bledsoe, owner, with Bill Nutgrass,
manager, of Antiques Etc.
The sparkle emanating from this vibrant business is equally matched by the sparkle in the eyes of Louise Bledsoe, a stunning woman who knows her business well. Although Antiques Etc. is less than two years old, it is not Louise’s first venture in the antique business, and her expertise is evident. As she guided me through the 23,000 square feet of space, she identified specific vendors and unique merchandise, suggesting uses and placements of items. “I think these shells are just wonderful. Wouldn’t they make great little gifts?” she said. “And look at that chest with the mirror on top. Wouldn’t that be great in a little girl’s room?” I had a hard time keeping up as we roamed throughout the area, and Louise pointed out special things: delicate trim on baby items, detail on an old Georgia map, and decorative accessories which topped many of the interesting tables and chests.
Wandering through the open aisles, Louise expressed pride in the way the merchandise is organized. “We are child-friendly, dog-friendly, and wheel-chair friendly.” Then she added with a smile, “There’s nothing that you can’t sit on.” And there are plenty of things to sit on: beautiful new items from North Carolina manufacturers (at bargain prices), lovely old pieces for special settings, and a few gently used sofas looking for new surroundings. Although individual vendors and interior designers occupy most of the space displaying their own items, Louise does accept a few items on consignment – large, such as the sofas, and small, such as silver pieces.
Silver and an antique tole tray atop a painted chest.
The building is mostly open space, yet each vendor’s individual area is easily identified, sometimes because the merchandise is distinctly different. Groupings identify the diversity: collectible coins, nautical items, antique maps and old prints, coral and polished shells, porcelain and glassware, lamps and shades, costume jewelry, old and new furnishings, decorative accessories, and many shelves of books–vintage, rare, autographed, and children’s. There are also a few doors, windows, and gates, awaiting new possibilities.
Antiques Etc. is a young business that had a modest beginning. You see, there was this empty building on Newcastle Street. It just happened to be owned by Louise’s husband Bob, and Louise just happened to have expertise in the area of antiques, so she was easily convinced by her husband to start the business. At first, there were only 15 to 18 vendors. “Now we are close to 50,” Louise says proudly, “and our newest offering is in-house framing.”
Delicately embroidered baby bibs and antique linens adorn a sofa in
the store.
I discovered that some of the spaces are occupied by island businesses that just wanted a presence downtown. Others are interior designers who needed a space to display special items. I suspect some vendors started out as personal collectors who discovered they had more than they should keep. There’s much variety, and much to explore. You’ll find Louise in the shop most afternoons, but you can count on finding Bill Nutgrass there five days a week. “And on call on weekends,” Louise is quick to add. “He’s the life force of this business,” a statement Bill modestly refutes. There are several part timers who also work to keep the business open seven days a week, for the convenience of locals and tourists who love meandering through this space.
Some of the shop’s “etc.”
