What’s old is new again, especially for discriminating antique lovers who have shopped at a new place in Aiken. The Briar Patch Antiques opened a few weeks ago, and it’s already creating a vibe as warm and inviting as Beatrix Potter’s Peter Cottontail stories.
The shop had a soft opening in early June and celebrated their grand opening on June 21. Business has been brisk, and nine vendors have already booked the venue, which filled the downstairs area with unique designs in each room.
“The grand opening was great, and everyone has been sharing on social media. So, our next step will be expanding to the upstairs for additional vendor rooms. We already have a waiting list.”Just three blocks from downtown Aiken at 724 Richland Avenue West, the shop is in a house built in 1906. Her brother now owns the property, but Heather Braun manages the store. This Aikenite has old memories to share.
“My dad, Dr. Kenneth Braun, and two other optometrists shared a practice in that house for more than 50 years, and my mother had an antique shop called The Briar Patch in the 1970s near First Presbyterian Church. It seemed the perfect location for the updated version of her antique shop,” explained Braun.
Something else happened in the 70s that brought antiques to the forefront of Aiken’s and America’s consciousness, the premiere of Antiques Roadshow. The premise is simple; people bring in items they hope may be worth something, and the show’s experts appraise them.
The show is watched by more than 5 million viewers weekly, and they aren’t all Boomers. Even the younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Zs, have an affinity for the old treasures.
“The younger generations are learning about antiques, and we are learning about their interests. They do love Mid Century Modern pieces. We strive to cater to everyone’s love for older furniture that is built to last and more environmentally friendly than some of today’s creations,” said Braun.Things that are passed down from generation-to-generation appeal to her.
“I love refinishing antique furniture. My mom taught me the value of antiques. As a single mom, I’m doing it in part for my family, but I love helping our customers appreciate the value in bringing something to life again.”
One man’s junk may be another’s treasure. There have been many times on Antiques Roadshow that someone bought a piece at a yard sale for $20 that was valued at $2000. If you are hoping to find yours, you can follow The Briar Patch Antiques on Facebook to scope out their latest offerings. They are open Monday through Saturday from 111:00 am until 5:00 pm and on Sunday from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
