Three of our advertising shops have relocated to Northeast Mesa on University Drive, in close proximity to each other, so I headed to the East Valley to check out their new stores.
East Valley Antiques
Owners Brian and Tara Luney moved their business, East Valley Antiques, to 2820 E. University Drive, Suite 106, so they could be more centrally located in the East Valley for their customers’ convenience. The move has also allowed them to expand their business into over 9,000 square feet,
Brian has had a passion for antiques since childhood and he and Tara have been in the antique world for many years. Their dream has been to have a family- owned business. They started out with a small booth at an antique mall, then opened a store in a small Gilbert warehouse. Next they expanded and moved to East Mesa, now have moved and expanded to North Mesa. Their new location on University Drive is not only larger but it has multiple rooms—each with its own theme.
This family business includes their older daughter Kayla who assists her parents in the store and also does all their marketing. Brian is the picker and Tara keeps the store organized and operating smoothly
Kayla, who has a very good eye for design, is responsible for this issue’s cover photo. She helped me with the staging plus took the photos. I fell in love with the antique watering cans shown on the cover, some of which are from Germany. I did bring the adorable child’s wicker chair home with me!
At East Valley Antiques, you’ll find antiques, collectibles, furniture, Disney, home and outdoor décor, Farmhouse, Mid-Century, artwork, Boho, kitchenware, tools, rustic, glassware, toys, records, figurines and much more. Having several rooms to explore, each with its own theme, makes shopping much easier. With every turn and in each room, incredible treasures caught my eye.
Brian said, “We have a wide variety of items for everyone and competitive prices and we are always looking at ways to grow our business and improve the merchandise.” They like to say their store is built from merchandise that “Grandma had, Mom got rid of it and WE BROUGHT IT BACK!”
Stop by soon and explore East Valley Antiques. Like me, you will find something to love and bring home with you! Learn more at: eastvalleyantiques.com/, on Facebook and Instagram, email eastvalleyantiques@gmail.com or call 480-217-3798.
Catalina Antiques & Home Decor
Just a few doors down from East Valley Antiques is Catalina Antiques and Home Decor at 2820 E. University Drive, Suite 102, in Mesa. The shops were neighbors at Power Square Mall and are happy to be working together at the new location. They always refer customers to each other when someone is looking for something specific.
Owner Phyllis Cook opened Catalina Antiques at the Power Square Mall in 2016 after being a dealer in one of the malls when the owners retired. For the last five years, Catalina was a large antique mall with a group of 30 vendors. When the Power Square property sold and Phyllis lost her lease, those vendors moved into other antique malls.
Having to downsize in this new location has allowed Phyllis to fill the space with much of her own merchandise and the shop looks complete and very inviting.
Catalina Antiques & Home Decor offers a wide range of merchandise featuring antique, vintage and Mid-Century Modern furniture, artwork, home décor, collectibles, vintage vinyls, primitives, kitchenware such as Pyrex, FireKing and Corningware—plus much more.
Phyllis said, “You never know what you will find as the merchandise is continually changing.”
As she settles into her new location, she looks forward to seeing existing customers and meeting new ones.
For more information, call 480-799-8858.
Michelle’s Antiques
I headed west on University Drive about 1-1/2 miles to Michelle’s Antiques, which is located in a 1940s vintage Mesa shopping center at 418 N. Hunt Drive on the corner of University and Hunt Drive.
Michelle and Richard Holz started in the antique business in 1998. Michelle’s love of shopping for great finds and merchandising, together with Richard’s (aka Mr. Fix-It) love of restoring Victrolas, lighting fixtures, antique fans, etc., made the couple a great team! Sadly, Richard passed away in August 2021 and Michelle is now contemplating retirement.
Michelle’s Antiques is filled with everything vintage and antique – an everyday Vintage Market. This eclectic shop including everything from Victorian to Mid-Century Modern, vintage jewelry, art glass, primitives, books, artwork, furniture—and more. She also offers personal property appraisal services as well as estate sale services.
2020 was a challenging year for many small businesses and Michelle’s Antiques was no different. Michelle said, “The Covid shutdown in 2020 was a major milestone. We had to adapt to the situation to survive, so we began opening private shopping appointments, selling online and offering local delivery. It all worked, and we made it through.”
Michelle said, “The shop is currently offering a 50% storewide sale through April while I ponder this retirement thing. Since losing Richard, I have decided to cut back and may retire. I am still buying and selling. I don’t know if antique dealers can ever truly retire. We will see what the future holds.”
For now, you can get in on some fantastic deals at Michelle’s.
Michelle’s is open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment by calling 602-284-9064.