Main Street Antiques (Franklin: sales, shops, business)

[Brunswick A2]

As time passes changes occur to our business districts that reflect current trends. Just as online sales have impacted the anchor stores at the nation’s malls, big box stores affected Main Street department stores back in the day. We’ve found that over the years antique shops have moved into those vacant Main Street store fronts across Wisconsin, and a pleasant discovery it has been.

Gone are the days of browsing through F.W. Woolworth’s, Schultz Bros., Kresge’s, or my favorite, Ben Franklin. That time browsing can now be spent discovering the past in the many antique stores that have replaced them throughout the state.

We’ve also noticed that the cost, organization, cleanliness, and quality of these shops can fluctuate greatly. Some are beautiful old department stores with impressive staircases, and others may be a shed behind the barn which adds to the enjoyment of discovery. That’s where I’m asking for your input to notify me, and those interested, where are your favorite antique shops? Looking forward to exploring them as time passes.