Something Old Is New Again at Local Beverly Antique Shops

Antiquing is an art form for those who love to buy and sell.

Beverly is the home to a number of antique shops that offer hard to find treasures for those willing to take the time to browse through carefully acquired collections.

David McClain grew up two blocks from David McClain Antiques, 2716 W. 111th St., the building that used to house Nelson’s Grocery Store, “back in the day.”

He didn’t start out with a goal of owning an antique store, he said.

“When I was young I wanted to be an archaeologist. Then I wanted to become an underwater archaeologist. I’ve even been to desert islands treasure hunting,” McClain said.

“I guess we became urban archaeologists,” he added.

When he was younger, he said scavenging with his brother was a regular occurrence.

“My brother and I were always bringing home junk. God forbid the first time you make money. It’s all over with,” he laughed.

McClain answers with an emphatic “No” when asked if he depends on the holiday season to boost his bottom line, like most major retailers.

While saying he has a decent retail base, McClain said he also deals with dealers and pickers. He also has new customers coming in saying that they passed by the shop again and again and finally came in when they had time.

McClain can be found at his shop seven days a week.

Robert Burns, co-owner of The Cluttered Cupboard, 10332 S. Western, agrees with McClain. Christmas is not a make it or break it retail season for him and his wife, a former school teacher.

Unique to The Cluttered Cupboard, said Burns is its very reasonable prices and layaway plan. Both entice repeat customers, as well as being open six days a week.

It’s not only repeat customers, but also estate sales and individuals wanting to sell items that bring The Cluttered Cupboard its bounty.

Burns, who watches over the shop, credits his wife Marilyn, for starting the business and all its success.

It started with camping trips with his now grown children.

“We had a pop-up camper. We took the kids all over. The next thing I know, I have church bench tied on the top of my car,” he said.

“My wife stuck with it and she’s very good at it,” Burns added.

When choosing a location for their store, the Burns stuck close to home where they raised their son and daughters. They lived near 103rd and California until a few years ago. They figured they knew the area and people in the community.

“Word of mouth is very important to the success of a store,” Burns said.

Are you a local antique fan? What's ypur best find? Tell us in the comments.