stores we love
The Ridge Shawnee They’l l know you by name at this Shawnee staple fil led to the brim with one-of-a-kind treasures (and a lovely cafe!) VKC: How long have you been into vintage? Al: 15 years VKC: What got you started? what we do better and set our own trends. VKC: What experience do you hope your customers have in your store?
machines, antique advertising signs and rare beer clocks, like Country Club and Muehlebach. VKC: How do you choose your store’s vendors? Al: Personality. Water seeks its own level. We want people who like to laugh and enjoy life. People who are a little off ... in a good way. Who appreciate antiques and collectibles but don’t take things so seriously that they fail to embrace this business with passion and humor. VKC: How would you describe the style of the items in your shop? Al: As varied as the letters of the alphabet. It’s not your mother’s antique store and we’re not a flea market. We are very different. VKC: What is the biggest item you’ve sold? The most expensive? Al: I’ve sold a $6,000 Cartier watch, a $2,000 oil painting and most recently an over 100 pound solid brass Buddhist bell. VKC: What is your business philosophy? Al: Right or wrong, do it strong and then live with the results. I also believe in doing what we do, not in getting swept up in the latest fads and trying to duplicate what the competi- tion may be doing. Our goal is to keep doing
Al: Exhilaration and joy. A visit to The Ridge is filled with quirky nostalgia and surprises everywhere one looks. We want them to know that they’re valued and no matter how their day is going, The Ridge made it more fun. VKC: Why do you continue to do what you do? Al: Because I’m crazy, unconventional, not con- cerned with fitting in. I wake up everymorning thinking “What can I do tomake our customers happier? How can we retain and grow?”What drives me are the friends youmake, bonding with the customer, and knowing that you’ve gone all out tomake them feel welcomed and comfortable. VKC: What else do you want people to know about you and your store? Al: We’re not just an antique store, we’re a des- tination. We have more than 200 vendors who continue to evolve as entrepreneurs. Our cafe and bakery draws raves for its “real food.” We continue to build our base in the estate sale mar- ket and will soon be opening a second nearby location devoted to consignment furniture.
Al: A 1920s Silvertone Victrola. It was beauti- ful, but broken. I took it home, piddled around with it and really enjoyed the process of bringing something old and wonderful back to life. VKC: How did you decide to open a business? Al: Quite by accident. I’d purchased a home that was filled with old, interesting stuff. I took it to The Ridge, sold a few items, then progressed to renting a large booth. Then I was asked to become a partner in the business. Now I’m sole owner and have expanded it over recent years from 4,000 to 15,000 square feet with additional lofts and a full-service cafe and bakery added in the back. The rest is history! VKC: What advice do you have for amateurs? Al: Have a lot of money! Seriously, unplanned costs always crop up and to continue to evolve usually involves great ideas and capital. VKC: What are your favorite pieces to buy? Al: I collect in about 10 different categories. Some of my most prolific are tins, like an antique Husman potato chip tin, vintage coin-operated
VintageKC / Winter 2012 44
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