OUR STORY OF ANTIQUEING
It all started September 1, 1981 when “Judy Ann’s Bargain Shoppe” was born in a small 800 sq. ft. building located in Grain Valley, Missouri. Out growing this location quickly, in February 1983, they moved to another location at 518 Main Street with 2000 sq. ft. In 1986 the name was then changed to an Antique Mall. After 5 expansions the mall grew to 6000 sq. ft. In 2010 they purchased Bates City Antiques in Bates City, Missouri. Originally a feed store and produce stop for the locals about 70 years ago, still has the country feel, however it is now filled with wonderful reminders from the past. A photo collage of Bates City's earlier years is displayed in the mall. The Bates City Antique Mall established in 1997 and has over 60 dealers with a variety of treasures and several years of knowledge. One of our buildings is devoted to Modern Day Treasures. There is always exciting finds and a large variety of items ranging from the very finest to the common which can be found for anyone’s collection.
There’s been a consistent interest in antiques and collectibles they have noticed and definitely a big demand for them. The constant demand, however, comes with some changeable tastes on the part of the customer. Every week they are asked for something different. Our dealers are always traveling and buying all over the country to keep a large variety of different items and collectibles within the mall.
In the past 38 years they have seen many trends come and go, but do believe that the collector is here to stay. It can be so much fun collecting and shopping for that perfect treasure. Ironically, it’s been the give-away items that have turned into some of the most collectible of antiques. Most collectors like things that remind them of their childhood. Some pieces that collectors grew up with as children or something grandparents used are now nostalgic. In the 1950’s I remember grandfather, who was an auctioneer in Iowa, speaking of antiques in the 1800’s. Now we speak of the antiques in the early 1900’s and the collecting is strong for the 1950’s, 1960's and even the 1970’s era.
There have been some exciting finds for the collectors. Once a lady found a group photo of hardware employees and her grandfather was in it. Another man found a picture of the Army platoon he was in. One of our customers came across a photograph of his grandparents, uncles and aunts in a group picture of club officers dated 1947. A menu from a famous Kansas City restaurant which a customer's mother worked in during the depression. A recent sale included an outhouse which was planned as a birthday gift. For sure unusual finds at Bates City Antiques. Not only private collections, we have also had items go to museums.
It’s been fun and we have made so many friends with both our loyal customers and our dealers. In fact, we currently have 21 dealers who have been with us for 8 to 27 years in one location or another. We have a knowledgeable team of vendors and are truly known for our class and customer service.
Bates City Antiques is located at exit 31 on I-70. Just go south 3 blocks on Z Hwy and you will find plenty of parking for your RV, Bus or Truck. Shop hours are 9:30 am to 5 pm Mon-Sat and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Just give us a call at 816-690-8505. Stop by and let’s talk about what you like to collect. Always hot coffee and on occasion freshly baked goodies as you enjoy your shopping experience with us.