Ocala Antique Mall and Estates — Local services in Ocala

We came across the Ocala Antique Mall and Estates recently. It is a different kind of antique store in that it fills a fairly large store. But it’s kind of like a conglomeration of many antique dealers who rent space in the store. If I have it correct, there is something like 100 designated spaces that are rented individually, or multiple depending on the dealers individual needs. Although there are many dealers or venders if you will, there is only the one area to check out in the front of the store. There are many items that are protected merchandise, so they don’t walk away. I’m sure you understand. You gain access to these certain items in the different dealers areas by contacting staff with the key number (that is posted on the display cases) for a particular vender. The staff will then assist you with inspecting items and or procuring them. I do want to make it clear that not all items are under lock and key. Just certain merchandise that is considered more valuable or such. The antique mall has probably one of, if not the best selection of items the I’ve come across is an actual antique store. Maybe huge flea market type antique setups, may give them a run for the money. But Ocala Antique Mall and Estates is totally indoor out of the weather. When we stopped in, some of the vender/dealers were present working on their inventory in one way or the other. It was nice to speak with some of them about their merchandise. In my case, it was even convenient for me, because I gained access to an item I decided to buy, without having to contact the store staff. The dealer even carried it up the front of the store (check out area), for me. That way I didn’t have to carry it around the store. It was waiting up front with my name on it, when I was ready. All in all, I really liked this place. It’s amazing how many antiques I remembered and either have seen and/or owned in the past. It really was like a trip down memory lane. But in this case, everything is for sale, if I wanted to take it home. I will without a...

We visited several antique malls yesterday in Ocala, and this was BY FAR OUR FAVORITE. 1) It is genuine antiques, NOT a conglomeration of thrift store stuff and shabby chic; it was fascinating to see; 2) we were looking for Primitives and they had them, REAL Primitives (NOT new Prim stuff made in China); 3) it has an old country, early American feel that transported us to an earlier time and reminded me of my grandmother's farm and our good people now passed . . . difficult to express in words, but a precious gift; 4) it is full of quality dealers who have taken time to set up booths that convey this charming mood; there is even a "log cabin" built right in the front-and-center, complete with roosters, and old farm implements, where we found some old wooden thread spools, the large kind, for which we had been searching; it was easy to imagine a pioneer woman in there, bending over a fireplace stirring dinner in a cast iron pot; 5) it has the kind of price range that is delightful, ranging from very low to very high, which makes it a delight to search, like, "Oh, my goodness! This is only FOUR DOLLARS!" to "Oh, my goodness, that is TWO THOUSAND dollars!" So there is something for everyone and it was all delightful and educational to see--some lovely old painted furniture, and intelligently-written descriptive tags by people who care--and last, but not least, 6) we found the owner and staff to be professional, courteous, tasteful, elegant, charming, and kind. We plan to visit again often, just for "mood," but also to treasure hunt, for Primitive decor ideas, and just because it is a deeply...

First let me say that I have been in business for over 40 years and I have never gotten as poor a reception as I did at this Antique Mall. I am a licensed Interior Designer and I am an art and Antique Appraiser. The manager whose name is "Paris" did not even look me in the eye when discussing a booth with her. She was extremely rude and condescending. I have English, French and American smalls as well as art. She told me my art was new (it is not) and that my Francois Carre 1930-40's wrought iron furniture was new (it was "Casablanca"for heaven sake)! Why would she act like this is beyond me because my husband I are definitely potential customers? I have been in large Antique Malls in Indianapolis for years. The other employees were nice but she is running the business. Hopefully she treats other customer better than she treated us. Being new to Ocala we were stunned by her attitude and...