“The time to buy an antique is when you see it,” advises Mary Nelson. As the owner and manager of the Moorhead Antique Mall and the enjoining An Old Friends Cottage, Nelson knows from experience the value of an antique. She shared customers’ disappointments who had waited to purchase a particular item, and upon return to the store, the item was gone. Her advice with antiques: don’t wait to buy an item you’re hesitating about… it’ll be gone the next day.

Nelson grew up on a farm south of Baker, MN. She graduated from high school in Barnesville and graduated from MSUM with a B.S. degree in elementary education. However, as often happens in life, a different path was taken. Nelson entered the retail world acquiring sales and merchandising experience, including experience as an apparel buyer. She worked as a bookkeeper at Town & Country Realty, which also prepared her for eventually owning her own business.

Nelson originally entered the antique business as a collector with her husband Mark, who works alongside her. They have always enjoyed going to auctions together and finding many, many treasures, and eventually space became an issue, which led them to rent a spot at the Fargo Antique Mall to help sell some of their surplus. As the success of moving their overflow continued, the decision to open the Moorhead Antique Mall in the old Holiday Mall was the obvious next step. After a few successful years at that location, rumors were circulating that the Holiday Mall would soon close, so a new location was in their future. Land was purchased and construction began with a relocation date of February 1, 2001. Nelson fondly remembers the date because the move was completed in 50 below wind chill. However, success also moved with them. They have grown to working with an average of 80 vendors.

Vendors lease a booth and set up their own shop within a shop. Many vendors are from our local area, but many travel from South Dakota and all parts of Minnesota and North Dakota to display their special wares. The vendors are from all age groups, ranging from retired to just starting a family. They display antiques, collectables, furniture, toys, and vintage clothing. “Our customers spend hours, lost in their memories and listening to our “oldies but goodies” music,” Nelson notes.

Because of their success, Nelson added an addition to accommodate their growing list of vendors with the construction of “An Old Friend’s Cottage” in 2005. In addition to her personal booths, vendors display handmade products, repurposed, and recycled items. Not only can one find antiques, one can find farm toys, Star Wars paraphernalia, and Hot Wheels cars. It is also the home of their private label pickles and bread mixes.

Nelson said that she also enjoys being able to create something that is not anywhere in the marketplace. “We have seen changes in our business through the years, but where are you going to find 70 to 80 unique little shops all under one roof.” That is indeed what makes for a unique shopping experience.

2811 SE Main Ave

Moorhead, Minnesota 56560

http://www.moorheadantiquemall.com

218-287-1313