Vintage Connections in downtown Statesboro has new owners and the focus is on becoming an antique mall.
Eddie and Pamela Smith bought the business at the end of July, and have diligently been working to reframe the Vine Street antique business, and bring in new vendors.
      "We want it to be a true antique mall in the sense that 80 percent of what is being offered for sale is at least 25 years old," she said.
      Smith said she is bringing in a variety of dealers, which should make the store more interesting overall.
      "We have a dealer now that specializes in antique toys and glassware," she said. "We also have a dealer that restores clocks, radios, and light fixtures. He has some beautiful things. Also, there is a dealer selling what is considered to be 'primitive' type stuff. Those are a few examples of what will be offered."
      The Smiths had a booth in Vintage Connections for one year prior to purchasing the business, which now operates as the Vintage Connections Antique Mall.
      "We always did very well at that location, and felt we could change things around and make a go of it," she said.
      "The former owners said that they were just going to close it, so we visited with them, and ended up buying some of what we would need to run the business ourselves. We are very excited about it."
Smith said she and her husband will continue to sell items in their own section of the store.
      "I love furniture, and we have found some phenomenal antique furniture to sell," she said. "We should have lots of it at great prices."
      After purchasing the business, Smith said she realized that a lot of people simply didn't know they were there.
      "Last Saturday we walked through the Farmer's Market and handed out flyers," she said. "At one time, we had 30 to 40 people in the store. It was amazing. We are going to have a grand opening on September 14. I think people will be pleasantly surprised how different it looks when they come in the door."
      So, until next Tuesday, I bid you au revoir.
      Got a scoop for Jan? Call her at (912) 489-9463 or email her at jmoore@statesboroherald.com