Antiques galore along Hartville's Trail

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This is the second in a three-part series highlighting the Hartville Antique & Thrift Trail and how it connects visitors to shopping in and around Hartville. The first article covered the trail’s origins; this one features several antique store owners’ perspectives, while the third will focus on thrift stores in the area.

Hartville has a long-standing reputation in Stark County and across northeast Ohio as a destination for antiques, vintage and thrift items, thanks in part to the well-known Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market. While the flea market offers vendors selling clothing, tools, furniture and more, the surrounding area is also home to numerous antique stores stocked with quality goods.

About three years ago, the Lake Township Chamber of Commerce and Discover Hartville sought ways to promote locally owned small businesses, including distributing store information to visitors. The result was the Hartville Antique & Thrift Trail, created in collaboration with store owners and featuring a printed and online map to guide shoppers. Since its launch, the trail page has become one of the Chamber’s most-visited online destinations.

Megan Wise, spokesperson for Discover Hartville and owner of Best Bib and Tucker, a women’s, juniors and maternity consignment shop, said Hartville’s reputation for quality antique shopping is well-earned. “I am consistently impressed by the range and variety of items available,” she said. “You can find everything from true antiques to vintage and Y2K pieces, project pieces, and restored items. The shops offer a diverse selection of furniture, home décor, records and clothing. The owners and vendors have a real passion for their craft, and it shows in the quality and uniqueness of their merchandise.”

Store owners say the trail promotion is working, not only bringing in customers but also fostering communication and collaboration between shops. If one store doesn’t have an item, owners often direct shoppers to another along the trail.

Amy Durbin, who owns Uniontown Antique Shoppe with her husband, Chris, said the business has been in operation since the 1970s and now features 35 to 40 vendors. “None of us feel like we are in competition with each other,” she said. “It’s about serving the customer, and being part of the trail helps us all do that. We constantly get asked about other stores in the area, and the map is a great resource. People come in and say they found us through the trail.” Durbin said albums, retro holiday items and glassware are especially popular right now.

Luis and Veronica Montelongo run Hartville Antique Mall, home to about 60 vendors selling furniture, jewelry, glassware and more. Veronica, who started in antiques through estate sales, said consignment is also offered. “Being listed on the trail has helped generate more visitors and business,” she said, noting an increase in younger shoppers buying albums, jewelry and vintage items. The couple specializes in antique glassware, including uranium green glass, and the store has several rooms filled with quality antiques in excellent condition.

Scott Alexander, owner of A Niche in Time, has been in business for 10 years and sells “a little bit of everything.” He also credits the trail with helping his store. “It’s been a bit of a down year, but the trail promotion has been a help,” he said. “It’s helpful to hand the map out to people asking about other places to visit and shop.”

The Chamber monitors the trail’s impact through web traffic and shop feedback. “We actively monitor visits to the trail page, which gives us a strong indication of interest,” Wise said. “We also check in with participating shops for anecdotal feedback. The stories they share and the comments we see online confirm that people are indeed traveling to Hartville with the specific intention of shopping the trail.”