La Grange Park Antique Mall — Attraction in Proviso Township

I went today for the first time. At first it was great. I’m a coach collector so when I saw the older y2k coach bags I was immediately excited. One caught my eye but I hesitated because it was priced higher than I know those particular bags to go for. But still, it was such a fun find that I was contemplating purchasing anyway along with a bucket hat I saw as well. I had the bag with me as I thought about it and walked through the store. I had on fitted jeans and a fitted t shirt. I also wore a small zip up hoody and was carrying a small black bag on my shoulder. The coach bag I was deciding on purchasing was a large handbag. There was no where on me I could have stashed the bag to hide it. And yet, an employee went out of their way to track me down and tell me they would “hold the bag” for me up front. I didn’t see them doing that to any other customer that was carrying merchandise they were considering buying as they browsed. It made what was otherwise a very nice experience in a really cool little store very uncomfortable, and took away any joy I had at finding the bag in the first place. I understand some people steal, and I’m sorry stores have to deal with it, but it really does suck when they assume it’s you and it’s not. And if that was not the employee’s intention, she may want to work on her customer service approach because it felt like it and was unfortunately offensive. Needless to say I let them know they could keep their bag...

This place does not even deserve one star. What a rude and unwelcoming place—I walked in, was stared at angrily by a large man to whom I smiled and said hello—he did not smile or respond at all. I thought maybe he was just a moody patron but turns out he works there. When I walked towards a different part of the store to continue looking around, he physically blocked my path, said “I can’t let you in there with that “‘suitcase”—it was in no way a suitcase it was a large ”mom style” purse from H&M!! He offered no alternative like, we can hold it up front for you or any friendly alternative. I promptly walked right out—it was a strange and almost threatening experience unlike any I’ve ever had at a vintage store. I will never go back here and do not recommend this place for its incredibly weird and unfriendly atmosphere. So many better vintage stores to shop at instead—try Broadway Antique Market or the row of antique stores in River Forest for a much better and...

Lagrange Park Antique Mall is a Midwest gem. Women owned and dealer run. A collective of approximately 30 dealers, each knowledgeable about their niche. I learn something new every time I stop by.

This place takes me back to thrifting in rural America in the 90s. You have to dig, but chances are your treasure is here, and if not, they know who has a lead on it. Real antiques for the collector. Actual old things! Not just Retro, though they have that too.

Jewelry, Victorian clothing, vintage toys, miniatures, taxidermy and oddities, Furniture!, brass fixtures, light fixtures, garden art, art glass, military, Americana, rustic, primitives, Pyrex, dolls, 1980s, Midcentury, Boho Chic. And so much more. The front door is like entering the wardrobe to Narnia--there's a whole world inside you didn't even notice as you drove by!

Public restroom. Cash or credit. Friendly service. And a human connection if you're into that...