TOMS RIVER – After a nearly two-year hiatus, an antique store has reopened its doors under new ownership, offering a treasure trove of vintage finds for collectors and curious newcomers alike. A Main Antiques, located at 249-251 Main Street, is now open for business.
The store’s return to the antique business marks a new chapter in its five-decade legacy in downtown Toms River. Warren Richard “Dick” Clayton, who owned the original Main Street Antique Center, had been a mainstay behind the counter since 1969. His passing in January 2023 left a void, with new management committed to offering a wide variety of antiques and collectibles that represent a journey through time.
Amy Gao, the store’s manager, said her family purchased the business after years of operating in the online antique market. While their experience has primarily been in international online sales, the family has always had a deep passion for antiques. When a friend suggested they consider opening a physical store, they couldn’t resist the opportunity to share their love of vintage treasures with the local community.
“We heard that both dealers and customers wanted the store to come back,” said Gao. “We agreed it’s a nice space for people to come and see things in person.”
A Main Antiques currently operates with around 10-15 dealers, each bringing their unique touch to eclectic collections that span several eras. From vintage jewelry to old manual typewriters, from furniture to tea sets, depression glass, and artwork – there’s something for every taste. The store offers a space rental model, allowing dealers to showcase their items without the burden of consignment fees.
Those searching for unique and affordable treasures will also find lamps and figurines to give their homes a taste of nostalgia.
Among the dealers is Shelly Galinkin, whose business card says she is known for her quirky collection of kitsch. For those unfamiliar with the term, the Cambridge Dictionary defines “kitsch” as “art, decorative objects, or design considered by many people to be ugly, without style, or false but enjoyed by other people, often because they are funny.”
Galinkin’s expansive booth at the back of the store is a colorful explosion of mid-century nostalgia. A garish floral armchair and a vintage stand-up ashtray invite customers to step back in time. A classic manual typewriter, one of fifty in Galinkin’s extensive collection, sits prominently on display. This dealer’s curated selection also includes a variety of other mid-century treasures, such as tablecloths, barware, and other items from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.
Vicki Weiss, a local innkeeper renowned for her charming Mathis House and the newly opened Huddy House Bed & Breakfast, adds a touch of elegance to Main Street Antiques with her curated selection of vintage treasures. Her booth features exquisite parasols, delicate tea sets, and sparkling depression glass, among other delightful finds.
“People who visit the Mathis House bring me things, and I’m using all the proceeds from the antiques to rehab the carriage house behind us,” Vicki shared.
Weiss’s interest in antiques runs deep. Her father owned an antique store in Lake Champlain, and when he retired, she brought his collection to her booth at A Main Antiques.
Although there is still room for more dealers, the decision to reopen Main Street Antiques has already positively impacted the local community. This unique shop, the only one of its kind in downtown Toms River, offers a delightful experience for seasoned collectors and those who simply enjoy browsing through vintage items. The revitalization of Main Street Antiques has breathed new life into a historic landmark and is sure to become a beloved destination for years to come.
