Variety is the key to mall's success

Business Today

Pictured from left are Jennifer Grissom, Nancy Bird, who has an antique shop in the Mall; and Keith Grissom.

EAST PRAIRIE -- Walking through the aisles at the Olde Town Traders Mall, you never know just what you might find. Around one corner are fragile pieces of china and Depression glass while the next room might be filled with antiques, LP records and toys. Another room offers a selection of guns and knives for today's hunters.

The variety is just what owners Keith and Jennifer Grissom had in mind for their Olde Town Traders Mall at 313 E. Main St.

Since it opened in November 2003, the mall has grown steadily and today houses 10 antiques and collectibles dealers not only from East Prairie but also nearby Charleston and Sikeston and as far as Memphis. Some of the local dealers are Bird's Nest Antiques, Design Classics, Estate Antiques, K&J Collectibles and Pastymes. Also, the mall is the home of Mr. G's Gun Shop, K&J Tool Rental and K&J Payday Loans.

Describing the mall's selection as a little bit of everything, Jennifer Grissom points out the decorative items and wicker furniture available. While one room has items to decorate the home there are other rooms with books, toys and jewelry, many antique but not all.

Nancy Bird of Bird's Nest Antiques says she has one of the largest inventories of glassware in Southeast Missouri with more than 5,000 pieces in stock. She is quick to note the displays from ceiling to floor of not only her antiques but those from many other dealers, giving shoppers lots to see.

"There is so much space and variety here," says Bird about the 10,000-square-foot facility. "That is why people gravitate to malls, because there is much more to choose from."