CoziNest Antiques is Out of Business
Updating all my peeps. About a year ago I decided to close my antique business. 007 and I decided to both retire and enjoy travel, lake life and our free time.
CoziNest Antiques and Decor started as a hobby, but grew into something more like an obsession. The timeless allure of antiques has captivated collectors and enthusiasts for generations, and I was no different. The closure of CoziNest Antiques & Decor evoked a sense of nostalgia and reflection. It wasn’t a decision made lightly, although a sunset or two may have factored in.
The Legacy of this Antique Business
I started this business in 2014 and loved every minute. For years, my little antique business was a way for me to touch a bit of history, while offering a curated selection of vintage treasures and heirlooms to a few discerning customers. It fostered a community of collectors and enthusiasts who shared a passion for preserving the past and cherishing the craftsmanship of yesteryears. One of my very first purchases as a young newlywed was a small writing desk that I still own today. It still evokes visions of a proper lady sitting to write her morning letters way back before there was email or texting.
CoziNest Antiques became more than just a little booth inside an antique mall; it became a cultural institution, a place where stories and memories were passed down through each artifact and trinket. And it was a creative outlet for me as I updated those items that needed a little tender-loving-care.
Thrifting, estate sales, and yard sales, were all fun, but Super Second Saturday and Ladies Nights at Southern Antiques & Accents were the best. Meeting other Fairhopers, Baldwin County folks and people from other parts of the US visiting our fair city was always fun. Thank you all for your kindnesses! But, I have to add that most of all, I enjoyed meeting other dealers at SAA. I have made some lifetime friends inside that antique mall.
The Winds of Change
The rise of online marketplaces and the convenience of virtual shopping poses a formidable threat to brick-and-mortar establishments. Additionally, shifting consumer preferences and the rise of minimalistic lifestyles reduces the demand for ornate and intricately designed antiques. These winds of change make it increasingly difficult for some antique businesses to sustain themselves and adapt to the evolving market dynamics. Social media platforms have become virtual shop windows, showcasing the unique and rare items they continue to offer.
Navigating Modern Waters
All that said, let me quickly encourage you to support your local businesses. SAA makes shopping fun with food trucks, live music and special events that keep loyal customers coming back all the time. It has become a social gathering place in a beautiful small town, as much as it is an antique mall. And now they have Southern Furniture right next door where you can find both, new and vintage items.
The owner, Memorie Martinez, has organized special furniture painting workshops and collaborated with interior designers to bring antiques into contemporary living spaces, bridging the gap between traditional and modern styles. You’ll find it all at Southern Antiques & Accents.
An emotional farewell
Memorie made the business fun. So, my emotional farewell was met with mixed feelings. I will miss greeting loyal customers on Super Second Saturday. I’ve tried not to look at it as the end of an era, but instead, it’s a new chapter in my retirement journal. My little antique business left behind a rich legacy, with fond memories of finding hidden gems, engaging in passionate discussions with like-minded individuals, and the joy of owning a piece of history. My mission for all those years was to keep as many pieces as possible out of a landfill and repurpose them to be loved and used by the next generation. And I still have a passion for real wood pieces. I’ll always choose oak, mahogany, cherry, walnut or maple over pressed board or fabricate pieces.
If you happened to find this post while researching for information on the antique mall business, then put your name on the waiting list at SAA! The business is fun, and this mall is continuously voted best in Baldwin County for a reason.
To the staff of SAA, thank you for all the help, the promotion on Facebook, the booth straightening when I was out of town, and for helping move furniture when needed. You are all the very best! I wish you all continued success and many blessings in your families.
Moving On to New Adventures
Since 007 and I are doing a good bit of travel these days, please drop in here often to find travel tips and possible offers for your own travel. This blog is headed to fun places, looking forward to meeting beautiful faces and offering a web space for retirement life.
We have had the opportunity to cruise with Viking River and Ocean Cruises, Princess and Carnival. The United Kingdom was our most recent land trip, as of this writing, and you’ll find lots of articles about those adventures. There’s much more to come as we seek to navigate the waters of retirement and share our fun adventures with others entering this exciting time of life.
If you have questions or tips to share, please reach out. We would love to hear from you. Send us an email or reach out through WhatsApp.